Sapta Puri
The seven cities that grant moksha
Seven ancient holy cities – Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar (Maya), Kashi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain (Avantika) and Dwarka – named together in the Garuda Purana and other texts.
A well-known Sanskrit verse lists them: 'Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avantika and Dvaravati – these seven grant liberation (moksha).' Pilgrims believe that visiting, or dying in, these cities frees the soul from the cycle of rebirth.
They span Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions and every corner of India, making the Sapta Puri one of the most complete pilgrimages.