Religious places of Indore

Apart from being known for its historical monuments, Indore is also famous for its religious places. There are a host of worship places here which attract pilgrims from across the country. Each place is different from each other and unique in its own way. Away from the busy life of the city, these worship places provide relief and fill the mind and soul with divinity and peace. So visit these places for an exceptional experience.

Bijasen Tekri
Bijasen Tekri is a small temple of Bijasen Mata. It was built in 1920, on top of a hill (tekri). This temple is at a distance of about 9 km from the railway station, while from the airport it is just two minutes drive. The hill gives an alluring view of the sunset. At night, the breathtaking view of the city from here is a treat to the eyes. There was once a guest house of the Holkars situated nearby. It is now converted into a Border Security Force Arms Museum. The surrounding area is being converted into gardens with a small lake. The main attraction of the place is the mela which is held here every year during Navaratri.

Gomatgiri
Gomatgiri is a small hillock near Indore. It is situated amidst picturesque surroundings. Just 10 minutes drive from the Indore airport, Gomatgiri is a pious place for the Jain religion devotees. There is a 21 feet statue of Gomateshwar built here. It is a replica of the Bahubali statue of Shrawanbegola. There are also 24 marble temples with shikhars. Each one of these temples is dedicated to the one of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jain religion. This hillock was donated to the Jain Samaj by the M.P government in 1981. For the convenience of the visitors, there is a guest house, a dharamshala and a restaurant here.

Khajrana
Khajrana is famous for its Ganesha Temple, in which the local people of Indore have great faith. It is said that the temple was built by Ahilya Bai. According to the religious belief of the people, all the wishes of the person who prays here, gets fulfilled. There is also a dargah nearby, which is dedicated to Nahar Sayed. It is believed that he was buried headless here. For Muslims, it is a place with great religious importance.

Bada Ganpati
Bada Ganpati presents a spectacular sight for the tourist as well as the pilgrims, who come here. It is an idol of Lord Ganesha which measures 25 feet from crown to foot. It is the largest Ganesha idol in the whole world and one of the main attractions of Indore. It is said that the Idol was built here as a result of a dream of an Avantika (Ujjain) resident, named Shri Dadhich. It was built in 1875. The most fascinating fact about Bada Ganpati is the configuration of its ingredients.

The idol is made up of bricks, lime stone, masala made of Gud, methi dana, soil collected from seven moksha puris, namely Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avantika, and Dwaraka, mud from stables of horse, elephant and cow, the powder of Pancharatna: heera, panna, moti, manek and pukhraj (diamond, emerald, pearl, ruby and topaz respectively) and the holy water from all major places of pilgrimage. The metallic frame is of gold, silver, copper, brass and iron. It serves as a place for both wonder and worship.