Amarkantak - The Gateway to Spiritual Exploration in Madhya Pradesh
Situated at an elevation of 1065 metres in the central Indian area, this fabled town holds immense significance and is referred to as Teerthraj, which translates to “The King of Pilgrimages." The Sanskrit term Amarkantak, which translates to "eternal source," has a strong connection to the holy Narmada River, one of India's most revered and special rivers. This divine location is famous for being the source of the Narmada and Son, two enormous and well-known rivers that reveal a wealth of information about Amarkantak's past.
Amarkantak is highly significant from an ecological point of view because of the abundance of plants with therapeutic characteristics found in the surrounding forests. There are many mango (amra) trees in the town, leading some people to assume that the famed Sanskrit poet Kalidas gave the place the name "Amrakoot."
The magnificent Amarkantak, which is surrounded by the stunning Vindhya and Satpura hills, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Every year, a significant number of travellers, both religious and nature enthusiasts, go to this location to discover its unique qualities. These tranquil surroundings and main attractions play a major role in Amarkantak Tourism's success story.
Town | Amarkantak |
Coordinates | 22.822°N 81.7532°E |
Geographical area | 47 km2 (18 sq mi) |
Popular Tourist Attractions in Amarkantak | Narmada Udgam, Mai Ki Bagiya, Kapil Dhara, Narmada Kund, Kabir Chabutra, Shri Yantra Mandir, Trimukhi Temple, Dhara Dugdh |
Languages Spoken | English, Hindi |
Amarkantak is a town recognised for its religious and environmental significance, located at the intersection of the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges. Here are some of the best places to visit in Amarkantak to discover the unique attractions of this place :
Three rivers, the holy Narmada, the Sone, and the Johila, arise from Amarkantak's womb. The most popular attraction in Amarkantak is the Narmada Udgam Temple, where one can look at the raging Narmada stream. An enormous number of devotees gather here annually to celebrate Narmada Jayanti and take in the spectacular occasion. Wonderful natural treasures including Narmada Kund, Sonemuda (the river Sone's source), the plunge-worthy Dugdhara Falls, and the Kapildhara Falls surround the Narmada Udgam Temple.
Timings : 6 AM to 7:30 PM
The forest is surrounded by a natural tree grove known as Mai ki Bagiya, which is dedicated to the Goddess Narmada. Gulbakavli, roses, and other blooming plants, as well as mango, banana, and other fruit trees, can be found in the garden. There is also a Charanodak Kund pond and a small shrine dedicated to the Goddess Narmada in the garden. The Narmada River is said to have originated at this place. The water stream that first appeared in Mai's garden is believed to have been maintained and now emerges at the modern Narmada origin shrine.
Timings : 6 AM to 6 PM
It has a connection to the stories of Saint Kapil or Kapila. He is claimed to have spent 12 years in meditation at this location. The holy Narmada flows downhill as a massive cascade to produce the Kapil Dhara waterfall. The holy Narmada flows through the rocky banks of the river and is a popular picnic spot for travellers. Because of its relationship with the Hindu saint, this waterfall is the most well-known of the Amarkantak Waterfalls. It is known as the first waterfall of the Narmada River and is only 6 kilometres north-west of the Narmada Kund Temples. The waterfall is approximately 100 feet tall and is surrounded by lush green surroundings.
Timings : 8 AM to 5 PM
Narmada Kund is a temple structure created to commemorate the Narmada River's origin. The Narmada Temple, Lord Shiva Temple, Annapurna Temple, Guru Gorakhnath Temple, Shri Ram Janki Temple, and Shri Radha Krishna Temple are among the 16 stone temples within the site. Narmada Kund is spread across 6 acres of land and contains about 23 statues of various idols. Narmada Kund is located in the heart of Amarkantak and is one of the city's most important attractions, thus getting there is easy. Thus, an Amarkantak tour would be incomplete without a visit to this sacred location.
Timings : 6 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM
Trimukhi temple, located on top of a hill in Amarkantak, is one of India's oldest temples. It was established during the reign of the Kalachuris and was called 'Karna Mandir' shortly after King Karnadeb Mahachandra built it. According to Hindu mythology, it is devoted to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva), and is named after Lord Shiva's three-faced (Trimukhi) idol, which is the temple's principal deity. The face of Lord Shiva is sculpted into the temple's roof. This demonstrates the enormous complexities imprinted by the Kalchuri artisans. The temple design is a blend of Nagara, Dravidian, and Kalinga styles.
Timings : 6 AM to 8 PM
The largest feature of the Shri Yantra Mandir is the enormous sculpture with four heads at the entrance route. The head depicts the faces of the goddesses Laxmi, Saraswati, Kali, and Bhuvaneshwari. They are accompanied by Lord Ganesha and Kartik sculptures, as well as 64 finely carved idols known as Chaunsath Yoginis. The temple is built as a 3D representation of the Sri Yantra or Sri Chakra, which is at the heart of Hinduism's Sri Vidya worship.
Timings : 8 AM to 5 PM
Many believe that Saint Kabir attained enlightenment and salvation at Kabir Chabutra, which is located 5 km from Amarkantak on the way to Bilaspur. It has since grown into a renowned pilgrimage spot for pilgrims from all around the world. Kabir Chabutra is also significant for pilgrims since it is the location where Saint Kabir and Lord Guru Nanak met and discussed how to live better lives. The Chabutra is a small body of water where tourists can see a white smoke screen spreading over the water every morning. The site is marked by a big banyan tree, which is thought to be where Saint Kabir meditated, as well as a modest cottage where he was thought to live.
Timings : 6 AM to 5 PM
People walk one kilometre from Kapil Dhara to the next Narmada fall, Dugdh Dhara. This trek is quite one of the best things to do in Amarkantak as this trek is a renowned attraction for tourists in Amarkantak. It is surrounded by rocky steps and overgrown shrubs. The bubbles of water resemble a stream of Dugdh (Milk), therefore the name Dugdh Dhara waterfall. There’s also a cave here. In this cave, there is also a Shivling, on which water falls continuously. Sage Durvasa is said to have worshipped Shiva with Narmada water every day. When visitors enter the cave, they get a nice feeling in their mind and soul. This waterfall is located on the western edge of the Amarkantak valley, surrounded by lush forests and thick woods.
Timings : 8 AM to 5 PM
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The Narmada Udgam Temple, Sonemuda, Shri Yantra Mandir, Kabir Chabutra, and Sarvodaya Jain Temple are among the significant temples in Amarkantak.
Photography is normally accepted in most Amarkantak temples, although it is best to verify with local authorities or temple management for any specific restrictions.
The top things to do in Amarkantak are visit the notable attractions which include Narmada Kund, Kapil Dhara, Trimukhi Temple, Sonakshi Shakti Peeth Temple, Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev, Mai ki Bagiya. Every year, thousands of people visit this pilgrimage destination.
Calling Time- 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM