Narmada Parikrama is a Hindu pilgrimage and spiritual tradition that involves circumambulation or making a pilgrimage around the Narmada River. The Narmada River is one of the seven holy rivers of India, and it is believed to be the embodiment of the goddess Narmada, who is considered to be a manifestation of the goddess Shakti. The river originates from the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea.

The Narmada Parikrama is an ancient practice that has been followed by devotees for centuries. The parikrama is believed to be a form of penance and spiritual purification that can bestow many blessings on those who complete it. The parikrama is traditionally completed on foot and can take several months to complete the entire circuit of the river. Devotees visit various holy sites and temples along the way, and the journey is considered to be a way to pay respects to the river and seek blessings from the goddess.

The Narmada Parikrama has a long and rich history. It is said that the great sage Vyasa, who is credited with writing the Mahabharata, completed the parikrama around the Narmada River. The Narmada Parikrama is also mentioned in various Puranas, including the Skanda Purana, the Padma Purana, and the Vayu Purana. According to legend, Lord Shiva himself completed the Narmada Parikrama, and it is believed that completing the parikrama is equivalent to worshipping Lord Shiva.

The traditional practice of completing the Narmada Parikrama on foot is still followed by many devotees, although in recent years, the parikrama has become more accessible. Many pilgrims now complete the journey by car or bus, although the traditional practice of walking the entire distance is still considered to be the most auspicious.

The Narmada Parikrama is a significant pilgrimage in India, and it attracts thousands of devotees every year. The parikrama is usually undertaken during the months of October to March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. The parikrama is divided into three parts - the Eastern Parikrama, the Western Parikrama, and the Southern Parikrama. Each of these parikramas has its own significance and is associated with different holy sites and temples.

The Eastern Parikrama covers the part of the Narmada River that flows through Madhya Pradesh. The journey begins at Amarkantak, which is the source of the Narmada River, and ends at the town of Maheshwar. The Eastern Parikrama is believed to be the most auspicious of the three parikramas and is associated with the worship of the goddess Narmada.

The Western Parikrama covers the part of the Narmada River that flows through Gujarat. The journey begins at the town of Bharuch and ends at the town of Garudeshwar. The Western Parikrama is associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and is believed to be a way to attain salvation.

The Southern Parikrama covers the part of the Narmada River that flows through Maharashtra. The journey begins at the town of Omkareshwar and ends at the town of Maheshwar. The Southern Parikrama is associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu and is believed to be a way to attain spiritual enlightenment.

Completing the Narmada Parikrama is a challenging and arduous journey that requires great physical and mental stamina. The journey can take several months to complete, and it involves walking long distances, often in difficult terrain.

All about Narmada River

The Narmada River is a major river in central India, flowing westward from the Maikala Range in Madhya Pradesh through the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, before finally emptying into the Arabian Sea. It is the fifth-largest river in India, with a length of approximately 1,312 km, and has a catchment area of around 98,796 square km. The river is also known as the Rewa River in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is considered one of the seven holy rivers of India.

The Narmada River has played a significant role in the history, culture, and economy of central India. It is believed to be the embodiment of the goddess Narmada, and its waters are considered to be sacred. The river has been the subject of many myths, legends, and religious beliefs, and it is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Many devotees undertake the Narmada Parikrama, a spiritual journey that involves circumambulating the river, visiting the many holy sites and temples along its banks.

Geography

The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh, near the border with Chhattisgarh. The river flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before finally emptying into the Arabian Sea. The river basin is surrounded by the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, which contribute to the river's flow through numerous tributaries and waterfalls. Some of the major tributaries of the Narmada River include the Tawa, the Ganjal, the Hiran, and the Sher.

The Narmada River flows through a varied landscape, including the Maikala Hills, the Satpura Range, and the Vindhya Range. The river passes through deep gorges and valleys, and the terrain around the river is characterized by hills, plateaus, and forests. The river basin is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles. The river also supports a large number of migratory birds, which come to the river to breed and feed.

Importance of Holy River Narmada in Indian Culture

The Narmada River has played a significant role in Indian culture and history. It is mentioned in many ancient Hindu texts, including the Puranas and the Mahabharata. According to Hindu mythology, the river was created by Lord Shiva, who used his trident to create a channel for the river to flow. The river is also believed to be the embodiment of the goddess Narmada, and its waters are considered sacred.

The Narmada River is also an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, who believe that a dip in the river can wash away sins and bring blessings. Many devotees undertake the Narmada Parikrama, a spiritual journey that involves circumambulating the river, visiting the many holy sites and temples along its banks. The parikrama is a way to pay respects to the sacred river and seek blessings from the goddess Narmada.

Every Stone of Narmada is believed as Shivlinga

It is said that every stone of holy river Narmada is believed as Shivlinga and known as Narmadeshwar Shivlinga. Interesting tale is associated with this belief.

Out of seven holy river of India, no river is as holy and important as the Ganges on this planet. As per the holy scripture of Sanatan Dharma, goddess Narmada had worshipped Lord Brahmaji for many years and pleased Brahmaji. Then Lord Brahma asked Goddess Narmada for boon, then Narmadaji requested to make her as holy as River Ganga. Then Lord Brahma told the as no other city can match Kashi, can any man matches with Lord, can any god be equal to Lord Shiva then any other river can be like Ganga.

After hearing this Goddess Narmada went to Kashi and started worshiping by establishing a Shivalinga at Pilpila thirtha the ancient holy city Kashi. Lord Shiva was pleased with worship of Goddess Ganga and asked for boon. Then Narmada said, blessed me with my devotion remain in your feet forever. On hearing this from River Narmada, Lord Shankar became very happy and said that Narmade, all the stones – kankar on your coast will become Shivlinga. Also Lord Shiva gave boon that taking a bath in the Ganges remove sins, Yamuna with a seven-day bath and Saraswati with a three-day bath remove sins, but devotee once see your water flow will be able to remove all sins. Only Darshan of River Narmada is such pious that all the sin will get removed. Holy River Narmada became happy after getting so much purity. Hence it is said -" Every Kankar is know asShiv Shankar of Narmada.

Economical importance of River Narmada

The Narmada River is an important source of water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use. The river basin is home to several major dams, including the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Bargi Dam, and the Indira Sagar Dam. These dams have been instrumental in providing irrigation water to the arid regions of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and have helped generate hydroelectric power.

The river is also an important source of sand, gravel, and stones, which are used in construction activities. The river supports a thriving fishing industry, with several species of fish found in its waters, including mahseer, catfish, and carp. The river also supports a variety of crops.

The Narmada River is believed to be the embodiment of the goddess Narmada, and there are many holy sites and temples along the river that are visited by devotees during the Narmada Parikrama. Here are some of the significant temples and holy sites associated with the Narmada River:

Amarkantak:

Amarkantak is the source of the Narmada River and is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The town is home to several temples, including the Narmada Udgam Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Narmada, and the ancient Kalchuri temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Maheshwar:

Maheshwar is a town on the banks of the Narmada River and is known for its many temples and ghats. The town is home to the famous Maheshwar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Ahilyeshwar temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Ahilya.

Omkareshwar:

Omkareshwar is a town on the banks of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh and is known for its many temples. The town is home to the famous Omkareshwar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Mamleshwar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Mahadev Temple, Kukshi:

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Narmada River in the town of Kukshi. It is believed to have been built during the reign of the Parmar dynasty in the 11th century.

Bija Mandal:

Bija Mandal is a group of 12 ancient temples located in the Narmada Valley. The temples are dedicated to different deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and the goddess Amba.

Garudeshwar:

Garudeshwar is a town on the banks of the Narmada River in Gujarat and is known for its many temples. The town is home to the famous Garudeshwar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Chausath Yogini Temple:

This ancient temple, located in Jabalpur, is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is one of the few temples in India that is dedicated to the 64 yoginis.

Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary:

The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Narmada Valley and is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife. The sanctuary is home to many rare and endangered species, including the Indian leopard, the Bengal tiger, and the sloth bear.

These are just a few of the many temples and holy sites associated with the Narmada River. The Narmada Parikrama is a way to visit and pay respects to these sacred sites and seek blessings from the goddess Narmada.