According to Hindu mythology, the shrines Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain and Dwarka of the Akhanda Bharat territory are considered to be the Saptamukti Kshetras or Seven Salvation Shrines. Pilgrimage to these places greatly enhances the unity among the people of all the states of the country despite its cultural and linguistic diversity. The seven holy places are well connected to the rest of the country by road, rail and air. Saptapuri are the seven holy shrines in Hinduism that bless devotees with liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Ayodhyapuri or Ayodhya, birth place of Sri Rama incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Mathura or Madhurapuri birth place of Krishna incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Haridwar or Mayapuri, where Adishakti incarnated as Maya Devi, Lord Shiva as Vishwanadh in Varanasi or Kashi, Kanchipuram or Kanchipuri in the form of Kamakshi incarnation of Durga Devi, Lord Shiva in the form of Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain or Avantikapuram and Dwarka or Dwarkapuri of Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Krishna are said to be the theerth. Saptapuri are the birthplaces of spiritual masters and the incarnations of Lord Vishu and Shiva.
Ayodhya, Varanasi and Haridwar are considered to be the eternal pilgrimage places, have spiritual powers from the eras onwards. Kanchipuram is famous for the Kamakshi Devi Temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess. According to the Mahabharat legend, after leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna lived in Dwarka. Haridwar is the gateway to the state of Uttarakhand, home to the shrines Kedarnath and Badrinath of Lords Shiva and Vishnu. The sacred river Ganga originates in the mountains of the region and flows into the plains. Devotees believe that Varanasi is the place of salvation and that one can attain Nirvana by dying in this temple. In Hinduism, pilgrims will have desire to visit Vishweshwar and other major temples in Varanasi. Mahakaleswar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in Ujjain, popularly known as Avanti.
Each of these cities is also famous for its magnificent fairs or festivals. Haridwar and Ujjain are famous for the Kumbh Mela which is held once every 12 years. Kamakshi Kalyanotsavam is a special festival in Kanchipuram. Sri Krishna Janmashtami is usually celebrated in the month of August every year as a special festival in Dwarka and Mathura.
Temples of Lord Ganesh 
