Amarkantak, often referred to as “Teerthraj” or “the king of pilgrimages,” is a place of profound spiritual significance for Hindus. Nestled in the heart of India, this enchanting city is renowned not only for its spiritual aura but also for its remarkable geographical and natural wealth. It stands as the divine confluence where the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges meet, with the Maikal Hills reigning supreme. Beyond its spiritual allure, Amarkantak boasts an ecosystem teeming with natural riches, making it an ecological gem.
WATERFALLS OF AMARKANTAK
Kapil Dhara
It is associated with the legends of Saint Kapil or Kapila. It is said that he spent 12 years in meditation at this place. The holy Narmada pours downhill as a gigantic waterfall forms the Kapil Dhara waterfall. On the rocky banks of the brisk, the blue water is the holy Narmada and is a popular picnic spot for visitors. This waterfall is the most famous among all the Amarkantak Waterfalls due to its association with the Hindu saint.
Dugdh Dhara
People take a one-kilometre trek from the Kapil Dhara to the next Narmada fall which is Dugdh Dhara. This trek is quite a popular thing to do in Amarkantak among the tourists. It is surrounded by rocky steps with wild bushes. The froth of water looks like a stream of Dugdh (Milk), naming it the Dugdh Dhara waterfall.
Narmada Udgam
Three rivers – the holy Narmada, the Sone and the Johila emerge from the womb of Amarkantak. A rising stream of Narmada can be seen at The Narmada Udgam Temple which is the most visited place in Amarkantak. Every year on the occasion of Narmada Jayanti, devotees in abundance gather here to attend the special event. Narmada Udgam Temple is surrounded by wonderful natural wonders like Narmada kund, Sonemuda (the source of river Sone), plunging Dugdhara falls and the Kapildhara falls.
Shri Yantra Mandir
The most noticeable feature of the Shri Yantra Mandir is the massive sculpture with four heads at the entrance path. The head represents the face of goddess Laxmi, Saraswati, Kali, and Bhuvaneshwari. They are accompanied by statues of Lord Ganesha and Kartik, as well as 64 exquisitely carved deities also known as Chaunsath Yoginis. The temple is constructed as a 3D projection of the Sri Yantra or Sri Chakra, which forms the core of the Sri Vidya worship in Hinduism.
Mai Ki Bagiya
The natural tree grove known as Mai ki Bagiya, surrounds the woodland and is devoted to the Goddess Narmada. The garden has Gulbakavli, Roses, and other blooming plants in addition to mango, banana, and other fruit trees. The garden also houses a Charanodak Kund pond and a small temple dedicated to the Goddess Narmada. This location is thought to be where the Narmada river actually originated. It is believed that the water stream that first emerged in Mai’s garden has since continued on and now emerges at the current Narmada origin temple.
Apart from natural spots, Amarkantak is home to many temples. The group of ancient temples of the Kalachuri period such as Machhendranath, Pataleshwar and Kailash Narayan, Shri Yantra Mandir, Mrityunjay Ashram, Bhrigu Kamandal are some more places to see in Amarkantak that you should not miss exploring. At a short distance from Amarkantak is the Kabir Chabutra, where the mystic poet Sant Kabir is said to have meditated and achieved salvation.
The rich natural heritage and spiritual vibes of Amarkantak will fill your heart with happiness and positivity. Visit Madhya Pradesh to revive your soul and take back the memories of its unique culture, majestic architecture and mesmerizing natural beauty to splash your IG feeds.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AMARKANTAK
Although Amarkantak can be toured throughout the year, the peak summer season could be avoided to escape the scorching heat. The best time to visit Amarkantak is between September to February. Post monsoon brings greenery to the environment, making it picturesque to visit. Narmada Jayanti, Makar Sankranti and Shiv Chaturdashi are celebrated during winters with great enthusiasm.
