Madhya Bharat or Madhya Pradesh is highly renowned for its religious landmarks, heritage sites, natural allure, pristine river Narmada and Sone. Destinations like Ujjain, Maheshwar, Chitrakoot, Satpura Natural reserve and Amarkantak made the central region famous tourist attraction in India as well as across the globe.
Just like Ujjain and Maheshwar, Amarkantak also lures travelled through its divine aura. Its unique natural heritage region, and the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges with the Maikal Hills as the centre of attraction.
But what other destinations made Amarkantak this much famous, let’s explore in this blog.
Amarkantak – Pilgrim Site for Hindus
Amarkantak is surrounded between the Vindhya and Satpura range in Madhya Pradesh. This spiritual location is famous for being the origin of two famous rivers: the Narmada and the Sone, which reveals many stories of Amarkantak’s in the golden book of Indian history. Moreover, this legendary town is also popular as the King of pilgrim sites and thus promoting the tourism of Madhya Pradesh.
Amarkantak is a hill station that offers visitors some of the most exquisite temples that one will ever see. The Narmada river, one of India’s Holy Rivers, originates from Amarkantak rendering this place special. This place is visited by a large number of people every year including religious as well as nature-loving tourists, who love to explore the uniqueness of the place.
History Associated with Amarkantak
Amarkantak has experienced many empires from the Pandavas to foreign rulers and thus it is associated with many historic tales. In Amarkantak, several temples define the era of separate rulers. According to a tales when Tripura was killed by fire by Lord Shiva, the ashes fell on Amarkantak, which later became thousands of Shivlings. In Jwaleshwar, one such symbol can be seen. Since then, it is assumed that whoever dies here, a special place in heaven is assigned for him at heaven. The mystic poet, Sant Kabir, is believed to have meditated on Kabir Chabutra here. Therefore remembered for its rich cultural heritage.
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Top Spots to Visit In Amarkantak
Some of the prime attractions in Amarkantak are Narmadakund and Ancient Temples of Kalachuri Period. Apart from them some waterfalls and other diety temples are
1. Narmadakund
Narmadakund is a temple complex built in the 18th century that represents the origin of the river Narmada. There are 16 stone temples in the temple complex, such as the Narmada Temple, Lord Shiva Temple, Annapurna Temple, etc and over 23 statues of different idols. A Kund is created for devotees for bathing or performing rituals. In the shape of a Gao Mukh (Cow Face) the water from the holy tanks pours out from a spout. A black stone image of the river goddess with wide silver eyes is housed in this Narmada temple. The shrine of Amarkanteshwar Shivalinga stands opposite her.
A group of 10th-century ruins known as Karna Matha temples, that were built by the Kalachuri Dynasty of Jabalpur, are located nearby. The ruins are surrounded by shrines that contain icons dedicated to Surya, Vishnu, Gorakhnath and Shivalingas. Now it has become one of the most significant attractions in the city.
2. Trimukhi Temple
Situated on the top of a hill in Amarkantak, Trimukhi temple is known to be one of the oldest temples in India. Also known as ‘Karna Mandir’, after King Karnadeb Mahachandra, who built it and was constructed under the reign of the Kalachuris.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the universe as per Hindu mythology. The top of the temple is sculpted with the face of Lord Shiva. This shows the immense intricacies carved out by the Kalchuri craftsmen.
3. Jwaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev is a temple dedicated to Hindu god – Lord Shiva. It is situated 10 km away from the town of Amarkantak. In mythological Indian history, it is stated that when Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasura into three pieces, one of the three pieces fell near Narmadakund, which later became the seat of Lord Shiva.
A black Shiva lingam that is known as Jwaleshwar Mahadev is housed in this temple. Another trivia is that Lord Shiva and Parvati lived here. Thus this place holds an important place in the heart of devotees.
4. Sonakshi Shaktipeeth Temple
This temple was constructed in honour of Goddess Sonakshi. The temple is flocked by thousands of tourists during the festival of Navratri because it is believed that Goddess Sonakshi blesses everyone who visits her during that time of the year. The locales around the temple are lovely and the temple gives a beautiful view of Son River and the nearby kund. There is a pathway that leads to the tourists to the border of the hillside, and this hillside is flanked by the exquisite Satpura hill ranges making for a magnificent backdrop.
5. Mai ki Bagiya
Mai Ki Bagiya is a landscaped meadow at Amarkantak. The Kund water here is supposed to have come from Narmada’s feet. Localities claim that the goddess picked flowers from this garden, now surrounded by shrines, a river, medicinal plants and fruit trees.
The temple frequently draws tourists and pilgrims attention and they spend a night here to get some peace and, walking along the Narmada River to get away from social life.
6. Kapil Dhara
One of the non-religious attractions of this holy town of Amarkantak is Kapil Dhara. This Dhara is considered to be the first waterfall of the Narmada River, situated just 6 km away from the Narmadakund Temples.
It is named after Kapil Muni, the sage who is thought to have meditated here. At about 100 ft high, the waterfall stands tall and is surrounded by lush green surroundings. To really marvel at the gushing impact of the waterfall, it is recommended to go during the monsoon season.
7. Sonemuda
The River Son officially got its name from the gold dust that was found in its water, according to historical records dating back 350–290 BCE. The place, believed to be the river’s source, now has a kund, a fairly new temple of Shaktipeeth, a statue of Shiva, as well as an old ashram.
You have to plunge around the 100 steps which are cut into the hillside and come to the very edge of the Amarkantak Plateau from there you will discover the beauty of the lush green forest of Amarkantak. You can see the Son dropping down the Maikul Mountain from here. A majestic sight to behold for every traveller visiting this divine destination.
Ways of Reaching Amarkantak
The nearest airport, which is about 254 km from Amarkantak city, is Jabalpur Airport. There are is a frequent flight to Delhi and Mumbai from Jabalpur. The nearest railway to the other parts of the country is the Pendra Station. Apart from this if someone wants to visit via roadways then he can choose Pendra Road, Shahdol and Bilaspur and take a direct bus to Amarkantak. It is also accessible by bus to Jabalpur and Rewa.
Bottom Line
When you visit all these places and spend a good time in the religious surroundings of the area, your holidays in Amarkantak can be very memorable. This beautiful place is shrouded in utter tranquillity with its verdant hills, decent environment, charming natural beauty, and enchanting waterfalls covering the entire city. If one visits in the winter season, one can experience absolutely perfect nature in its full bloom in Amarkantak. With holy rivers, sparkling lakes, and thick forests that are part of this incredible destination, the place is all set to entertain its guests.
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