Among all the sacred rivers of India, the Narmada occupies a unique place. Legend has it that Lord Shiva blessed Narmada with unique purifying powers. Whereas to purify himself, a devotee requires to take one dip in the Holy Ganga, seven days' prayers on the banks of Yamuna and three days' prayers on the banks of Saraswati, the mere sight of Narmada is enough. A charming folk tale describes the superiority of Narmada over Ganga.

History of Amarkantak

The history of Amarkantak takes us back to the old times of Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vashishthasamhita and Satpath Brahman. Amarkantak was initially called Riksh Parvat. A Suryavanshi ruler, Mandhata spotted a city in the Riksh Parvat Valley and named it after his own name. The Narmada River got its name by Mandhata’s daughter-in-law.

When we turn the pages of history, we come across the reasons which make Amarkantak a more sacred and spiritual destination. This region was a part of the realm of Ayodhya and the erudite saints like Kapil Muni, Bhrigu Rishi and Markandeya Rishi had their ashrams here. We also get to know of the stay of Pandavas in the area during their exile, where they were endowed with spiritual benefits.

Another learned saint, Adi Shankarachrya consecrated at the bank of the Narmada River and spotted Pataleshwar Mahadev in Amarkantak at the starting point of Narmada from the bamboo clumps. This spot is now well-known as Surajkund .

Festivals

There is Madai Festival, Bhagoriya Festival , Khajuraho Festival of Dances, Mahashivratri etc.

Attractions of Amarkantak

Brighu Kamandal, Dhuni Pani, Dugdhdhara, Kapildhara, Mai Ki Bagiya etc.

Getting There

By Air :

A number of airports are located within the state. Gwalior, Khajuraho, Indore, Jabalpur including capital Bhopal, the state are major airports in Madhya Pradesh. All public and private airlines operate regular flights to these airports.

By Road :

A strategic network of National Highways and State Highways interlink the cities of Madhya Pradesh to the other cities of India. The tourist destinations within the state located at convenient distance from Bhopal.

By Rail :

Bhopal is the main key railway station in the state, which is served by important trains connecting it to the rest of the country.