Amarkantak: Bridging the Myths

The birthplace of three rivers the Narmada, Son and Johila, is a charming beauty! Yes, the picturesque Amarkantak is also a holy place in Madhya Pradesh. Nature's bounty encloses this destination; it is at the confluence of Vindhya and Satpura ranges while the Maikal Hills forms the centre. A journey to one of the beautiful Hindu pilgrimage sites is just refreshing!

A Big Statue in Amarkantak
Photo Courtesy: R Singh

Narmada Kund and Temple:

Narmada Kund is the origin point of Narmada river; many temples surround this spring. Among them, Narmada and Shiva Temple, Karthikeya Temple, Sriram Janaki Temple, Annapurna Temple, Guru Gorakhnath Temple, Sri Suryanarayana Temple and Bangeshwar Mahadev Temple are the prominent temples in Amarkantak.

Narmada Kund
Photo Courtesy: Sonu monu

It is said that Lord Shiva and his daughter Narmada were staying here. Narmada is said to have originated from Shiva's tied hair (jata). Hence Shiva is also called as Jatashankar.

A Shiva Temple
Photo Courtesy: Prithwiraj Dhang

Temples of Kalachuri Period

The temples near to the Narmada Kund belongs to the Kalachuri Dynasty. As per the records, these shrines were built by Kalachuri King Karnadev during 1042-1072. Pataleshwar Temple is one of the famous architectures of this period.

Pataleshwar Temple
Photo Courtesy: Prithwiraj Dhang

Sri Jwaleshwar Mahadev

Sri Jwaleshwar Temple is situated in Shahdol Road around 8km from Amarkantak. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Amarkantak's third river Johila originates here. According to Vindhya Vaibhav, here Shiva himself has installed this Shiva Linga and many small Lingas were be found across Mikal Hills. It is believed that Lord Shiva used to stay here with his wife Goddess Parvati here.

Kapiladhara Falls
Photo Courtesy: wikimapia

Kapiladhara

It is a visual treat to see Kapiladhara waterfalls plunging from a height of 100ft. Mythology says that the great sage Kapila used to live here. Lush greenery, caves and hills make this a beautiful place. Interestingly, we can also see some sadhus meditating in a few caves here.

Dud Dhara

In Amarkantak, Dud Dhara is also a famous waterfall. The milky white water of this fall is considered to be sacred. Hence, it is known as Duddhara (milky-white waterfall).

Ancient Temples in Amarkantak
Photo Courtesy: LRBurdak

Dhuni Paani

Dhuni Paani is a hot water spring in Amarkantak. This spring is said to have medicinal qualities and a dip in this spring is believe to cure many diseases. People across the country come here to take a dip in this hot water spring.

Karna Temple
Photo Courtesy: Prithwiraj Dhang

Kabir Chabutra

Locals and the followers of the saint Kabir have great respect for this place. Saint Kabir is said to have meditated here for many years. It is stated that it is here that Saint Kabir and the Sikh Guru Sri Guru Nanak met each other.

Amarkantak is not just a holy site but also a known for the medicinal herbs in the area.

A tour around the sacred and scenic Amarkantak is a must on your trip to Madhya Pradesh.

How to Reach Amarkantak

Amarkantak is in Anupur of Madhya Pradesh.

• By Road: Tourists can take buses from Bilaspur and Shahdol.
• By Train: Pendra Town Railway Station is nearest railway route which is 35km to Amarkantak.
• By Train: Annuppur Railway Station is a well-developed station which 72km from Amarkantak.
• By Air: Jabalpur Airport is the nearest airport to reach Amarkantak, which is around 245km.