Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh – A religious place where you will find the solace of your soul
Lying at an altitude of 1065 mt, at the intersection of the Vindhya and the Satpura mountain ranges amongst sylvan surroundings, Amarkantak is an esteemed pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. This region forms the source of the rivers Narmada and Sone. The Narmada River flows westwards from Amarkantak and the Sone flows towards the East. Nature has blessed Amarkantak whole-heartedly with Holy ponds, lofty hills, forested surroundings, mesmerizing waterfalls and the cool and serene air gives an ecstatic feeling thus making Amarkantak a much sought-after destination for the religious-minded as well as for the nature-lover.
Many mythological stories relating to Lord Shiva and his daughter Narmada have been woven around this mystical town of Amarkantak. Amarkantak is primarily a religious place. There are about 12 temples here devoted to Narmada maiyya. The Narmada temple is the most important one, which has been built around the origin point of the river Narmada.
The religious importance of the place is responsible for attracting the devotees of all sorts in Amarkantak. Amarkantak is situated in a picturesque/rustic location, and has rich vegetation and moderate climatic conditions. The temperature of Amarkantak ranges from 25 degree centigrade to -2 degree centigrade around the year.
Places to see at Amarkantak: Popularly known for its religious importance Amarkantak is dotted with various tourist destinations.
Narmada Mandir
Narmdeshwar temple is the most important temple at Amarkantak. The temple has a holy kund and is made at the source of river Narmada. There are about twenty small temples in the premises of the Narmada Mandir each one of which is important in its own way. There is the Sati temple, which is, devoted to Parvati. The protected site of the ASI is close to the main Narmada temple.
Mai Ka Bagiya
About 1 km from the main temple, there is a garden, which lies in a densely forested area. It is popularly believed that the Narmada devi used to pluck flowers in this garden.
Sonmuda
From here originates the Sone river. It is also a “sunrise” point.
Bhrigumandal
Around 3 km from Amarkantak on a difficult forest trek route, it is here where the Bhrigu Rishi meditated as the myth tells. The Parasvinayak and Chandi caves are on this route.
Kabir Chabutra
Saint Kabir spent time here in meditation.
Jaleshwar Mahadev
The origin of river Johilla. There is a temple deep in the forest of Jwaleshwar Mahadev . There is a ‘sunset point’ close to this temple.
Kapildhara
At a distance of 8 Km from the origin of river Narmada, the river falls from a height of 100 feet creating a waterfall known as Kapildhara. It is believed that the Kapil rishi meditated here.
Dudhdhara
At a distance of 1 Km. from Kapildhara there is another beautiful waterfall on the river Narmada called Dudhdhara.
Shambhudhara and Durgadhara
Two other extremely beautiful waterfalls are situated deep in the forest. One has to walk a few Kms. to see these breathtaking waterfalls.
Things to do at Amarkantak: The spiritual person can find pleasures while visiting numerous religious places. Enjoy the splendid natural beauty of the place and the soothing climate that makes the place an ideal tourist place.
Nearby attractions at Amarkantak: There is a Ganesh Temple at Baigarh which is a small village that is few kilometes from the Amarkantak. An idol of Lord Ganesha blessing the devotees is the sight of divine attraction. The temple is surrounded by forest area with springs of pure water originating from the river Narmada. The temple is located in a landscape of natural beauties and herbals which would offer the devotees a great place for worship and meditation. An Ancient temple, which is said to be built by the Pandav is also situated behind this Ganesha’s temple..
Best time to visit Amarkantak: You can visit the place throughout the year. However the best time to visit the place is from March to September which is good for all kinds of tourist activities.
How to go ?
Amarkantak is 71 Km from Anupppur, which is an important railway junction of the South Eastern Central Railway. Amarkantak is at a distance of 320 Km from Jabalpur and 265 Km from Rewa by road and around 100 Km. from Shahdol. Jabalpur, Rewa, and Shahdol are all railway stations. The nearest railway station from Amarkantak is Pendra, which is 65 Km from Amarkantak. Pendra is in Bilaspur district of Chhatisgarh state. One can also reach Amarkantak by air. There is a permanent helipad at Amarkantak. There is also an airstrip at Lalpur in district Shahdol the specifications of which are at Annexure-1. From Lalpur, one can reach Amarkantak by road. (90 Kms).
Where to stay ?
There are all kinds of hotels at Amarkantak suitable to budget. Some options are:
Sal Valley Resort: +91-07751-297518 Website: www.wildamarkantak.in
Holiday Homes: +91-07629-269416
Sarvodaya Vishram Griha: +91-07629-269517
Hotel Sree Mata Sadan: +91-09993914486, 09752317432, 07629-269520 Website: www.hotelshreemata.com
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
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