Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra

The annual pilgrimage, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, occurs from July to August, during which pilgrims visit the Amarnath Holy Cave to pay reverence to Lord Shiva in the form of an iced stalagmite Shiva Lingam. In 2022, Sant Baljit Singh Ji motivated Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra to serve the devotees and pilgrims visiting the cave.

Kanwar Yatra

Throughout the month of Sawan, one can see large numbers of the pilgrims walking along roads leading to the sacred rivers, such as the Ganges. Many make the journey with bare feet and balance on their shoulders a colorfully decorated pole, called a kanwar, which has containers suspended on either side. The pilgrims fill the containers with water from the sacred rivers, then carry it back to their native places, where they make a devotional offering of it in their local temples of Lord Shiva on Sawan Shivratri, the day devoted to Lord Shiva.

This annual pilgrimage, known as Kanwar Yatra, occurs during the monsoon season, so these pilgrims walk long distances in heavy rains, extreme humidity, and heat. The pilgrims wear saffron-colored clothes, and many wear malas (beads used for prayer and meditation) made from sacred rudraksha beads. Ancient Indian scriptures tell how Lord Shiva once came out of a deep meditation, and his tears fell to earth and turned into seeds that grew into rudraksha trees. Beads made from rudraksha tree seeds are known as “Lord Rudra’s teardrops.” The word rudraksha is a combination of two Sanskrit words—Rudra, the name of one of the forms of Lord Shiva, and aksha, teardrops. Especially during the month of Sawan, but also throughout the year, devotees wear sacred rudraksha malas in honor of Lord Shiva.

Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra serves these pilgrims with camps that offer medical care, free food, and resting places.

Shri Naina Devi Ji Temple

Shri Naina Devi Ji Temple is one of the most revered temples in India. Located in the Bilaspur district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the temple sits on top of a hill, 1,219 meters above sea level, and overlooks the gigantic Gobind Sagar Lake.

This holy shrine is dedicated to Shri Naina Devi, one of the forms of Goddess Shakti. Throughout the year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from all walks of life visit the temple for darshan of Maa Naina Devi (Mother Goddess). During auspicious occasions such as Shravan Ashtami, Chaitra Navratri, and Ashvin Navratri the temple organizes fairs or festivals (known as mela). Large crowds attend these festivals to participate in the unique rituals, cultural programs, and fairs. At these events, the temple also arranges free community services for those in need. In particular, medical camps are provided around the temple grounds during these festivals. In 2023, Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra extended its pilgrimage services program by organizing two medical camps to serve the pilgrims and devotees during the Shravan Ashtami Mela at Shri Naina Devi Ji Temple.

Shri Manimahesh Yatra

The Shri Manimahesh Yatra is a pilgrimage to the foot of Manimahesh Kailash, a sacred mountain located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The name Manimahesh signifies the gem that sits on the top of Lord Shiva’s head. It is believed that Lord Shiva created the Divine abode of Manimahesh Kailash after marrying Goddess Parvati.

Every year, this yatra is undertaken in August or September, starting in the sixth month of the Hindu calendar (called Bhadon), on Janmashtami (the eighth day after the new moon). The yatra ends on Radha Ashtami (the eighth day after the full moon). Pilgrims undertake this yatra over 2–3 days, trekking on unpaved paths that are very rocky on steep mountainous terrain to reach the holy Manimahesh Lake situated at an altitude of 4,080 meters.

Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra (VMRK) is inspired by Sant Baljit Singh Ji to serve humanity. In 2023, VMRK extended its pilgrimage services by providing medical and ambulance services to serve the pilgrims during the Shri Manimahesh Yatra.