What is Narmada Udgam Temple, Amarkantak known for?
The Narmada Udgam temple complex at Amarkantak encloses the kund held to be the source of the Narmada. A group of white temples surrounds the tank, with the shrine of Narmada Mai at its centre. From here the river flows west for more than 1,300 kilometres to the Arabian Sea, and for devotees of the Narmada this small tank is the starting point of everything.
Why is Narmada Udgam Temple, Amarkantak significant?
The Narmada is among the most sacred rivers of India, and is unusual in being worshipped along its entire length — the Narmada parikrama, walking the river from source to sea and back along the other bank, is a vow that can take years. Amarkantak is where the parikrama begins and ends. The Puranas speak of the Narmada as the daughter of Shiva, and the tradition holds that a sight of the Narmada purifies as bathing in other rivers does.
Which rituals and festivals are held at Narmada Udgam Temple, Amarkantak?
Bathing or sipping water at the kund, darshan of Narmada Mai, and the offering of lamps are the central observances. Parikrama walkers begin and complete their vow here.
Narmada Jayanti, in Magha (January or February), is the principal festival. Mahashivratri and Kartik Purnima are also kept.
How do you reach Narmada Udgam Temple, Amarkantak?
Amarkantak is in Anuppur district. The nearest railway stations are Pendra Road, about 17 kilometres away in Chhattisgarh, and Anuppur, about 70 kilometres. The nearest airports are Jabalpur and Bilaspur.
The last stretch is through forest on hill roads.
The plateau is cool in winter and pleasant for walking; Kapildhara falls and the Sonmuda point, where the Son rises, are nearby.