Amarkantak 1 Blissful visit

Narmada river originated from this holy place, The Amarkantak, also known as the Teerthraj – the king of all thirth, pilgrimages. Amarkantak is the name of God shiva. It is said that river Narmada is the daughter of Lord Shiva and is originated from his kanth ( Throat) and the name became Amarkantak. Mother Narmada is also famous as maikal-suta (the daughter of Maikal Parwat), since originated from maikal parwat. Maa narmada is Also called Rewa-Maa. The specialty of maa narmada is flowing from east to west, where as most of central province rivers flows from west to east side.

Mystic poet, Sant Kabir, is said to have meditated at Kabirchabutra, in Amarkantak.

It Is the beautiful converging area of Vindhya, Maikal(merdru) and Satpura hill ranges of central province of India.

The Narmada, one of the holiest rivers of India, worshipped in sanatani hindu culture, they name it as mai, means mother,  which originates from here, and as per old scriptures,  is considered older than even ganges originated from Himalayas. Amarkantak is equally famous as hill station and for its natural forest beauty with surrounding hills and many water-falls. The Saal ( sarai ) tree is found in abundance which is known for its greenery during the entire year. The beautiful natural surrounding is full of forests containing many medicinal plants and roots. Lot many local tribal vendors can be observed selling these medicines, in nearby visiting places.

History-

It is situated, in Madhya Pradesh, anooppur distt, and pushpraj-garh tahsil. From the ancient time Great sants who use amarkantak as their tapobhumi in their life time, are Kapil muni, Bhrigu rishi, Durwasha rishi, Shankaracharya, Kabir Das ji, etc. the famous kalchuri dynasty of central Indian history, has created many famous temples dedicated to mainly Lard Shiva, who are still present with their historical values and standing tall even today.These are maintained by the department of Geological Survey of India.

Best time to visit –

Although it’s open for the entire year to visit and is approachable with all-weather connecting roads. Best time can be During the months of October  to February. You can avoid the rainy season otherwise entire year is pleasant time to visit. If you are a nature lover, the rainy season can be a most welcome season with lot of greenery natural forests, and full of water falls in their great glory to observe. In any season one must carry a camera  to capture beautiful scenic hills and water-falls, along with great historical temples.

Travel options

Rail –

Amarkantak, is well connected from the major cities like Bhopal, Jabalpur, Bilaspur, to Pendra Road stn(17 kms), Anooppur stn(48kms), these are the nearby railway stations of broad-gauge .

Road –

Private  taxies can be hired from Anooppur and Pendra road nearby city. Sate govt buses ply from nearby cities like Pendra road , Sahdol, Bilaspur, Jabalpur.

Air –

Nearest airport Dumna is in Jabalpur, dumna airport. dist 245 kms.

Stay options –

This place is full of many ashram, dharmshala, and hotels. The famous one are jain dharmshala, gurudwara, mp tourism Holiday Home. The booking can be obtained from their respective websites. Otherwise after reaching the place also you can get stay arrangements easily.

Important places –

There are numerous   places, one can visit in and around Amarkantak – like —

Ancient kalchuri temples –

Constructed by kalchuri Naresh Karn-Dev, (1041 to 1073 AD).

Kabir chabutra –

The great Kabir Das jee meditated at this place.

Shree yantra mahameru mandir

– Approx 1 km away from Narmada Kund on way to Sonmuda , its surrounded by thick forest. It is in the form of Shree-Yantra.

Mai ki bagiya –

Approx 5 km away from Narmada Kund. It is said that the young age narmada in her younger age used to visit this place for collection of flowers along with her saheli “gulbakawali”.  Gulbakawali, is a medicinal value plant, found only on this mai ki bagiya and is useful for eye treatment.

Narmada udgam –

Narmada kund, temple- A bunch of small beautiful 24 temples are surrounding the udgam sthan. They all are painted white like snow.They very attractive during sun light and also during moon light in night time.

Ramkund

is also a narmada kund for bathing purpose. Bathing is not allowed in narmada udgam sthan in Narmada temple.

 Sonmuda,

has originating place for river, Son and Bhdra river, has udgam from Gou Mukh ( cow Mouth), the water flows continuously.

Johila river udgam sthan  –

the holy river is originated from a well and is filled with water during entire year.

sonakshi shakti pitham

Sarvoday Jain Temple –

The beautiful enormous stone structure a rare piece of Vastu-Kala, constructed with stones without using iron and cement, inside the temple Asht-Dhatu lotus based, main murti of bhagwan Adinath, weigh around 24 tons. Its construction work is still continues.

Amreshwar mahadev temple

dedicated to lard shiva, has a eleven feet high black stone shiv-ling. There is arrangement of stares to go-up and worship shiva with Jal-Dhara.

Dudh dhara , (durwasha dhara )

here the great rishi Durwash meditated for long years. A beautiful water falls is continually flowing which looks like a milky water fall.

Jawaleshwar temple –

Another holy river Johila udgam sthan. The old name of the place is said to be maharudra meru sthan. The lard shiva, said to, stayed here with mata parwati.

Dudh dhara fall –

its another water fall with surrounding natural forest beauty.

Kapil Dhara –

The narmada water falls from 100 fts height , Great kapil muni created Shankhya Darshan at this place. Nearby a kapileshwar templeis there where, Many sadhus meditate in nearby caves can be observed.

Food and restaurants –

There is no difficulty in getting all veg food. Many restaurants are available in the main market area, for tasty veg meals and morning nasta. Near narmanda udgam temple, also there are some Dhabas are available. They are not costly compared to the cities prices.

Local travel –

All sorts of local riksha and autos are available on normal rates. for short commute and also for whole day bookings. Which one can negotiate after reaching there. All the visiting places will require you to take some auto or you own car to go to different places, you cannot visit by walk. Many places have monkey menace , one should always be causes to keep your belongings safe, otherwise monkey will take away your valuable items.

Expense–

Even though it’s a hill area and surrounded by many visiting places, still the stay accommodations are in the budget of all types of travelers. One can plan to visit Amarkantak for 2 to 4 days, which is sufficient time and can be completed in Rs 2 to 4k budget, excluding the travel expenses.

FAQ

1. Why is Amarkantak famous?

It’s a natural habitats place, surrounded by thick forest. On the hills of Maikal, Vindhayachal  and Satpura. Being udgam place for the river goddess Narmada, Son, Johila,  cool and calm place within reach of all type of budgets.

2. Is Amarkantak a hill station?

Yes , but it doesn’t require you to climb the hills or heights of the peaks.

Roads are plain and one can drive easily.

3. What is the best time to visit Amarkantak?

Any time of the year is good to travel. However you may decide to avoid rainy seasons. The temp rages from lowest 1degree in winter to 35 degree in summer.

4. Which God is Amarkantak?

Amrkantak is the name of lard shiva.

5. What is Nearby place to visit ?

Bandhawgarh national park is 183 kms, 4 hrs drive.

6. What is IGNTU?

Its newly opened Indiragandhi National Tribal University.

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