Amarkantak situated in Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh is a major pilgrim centre in the entire central province. Situated at the meeting point of the magnificent Vindhya and Satpura ranges at an elevation of 1065 meters, Amarkantak is basically a Sanskrit word, ‘amar’ which means immortal and ‘kantak’ means hindrance. Amarkantak is also called ‘Theerthraj’ or king of pilgrimages. The holy river Narmada and river Sone originate from here. While the Narmada flows Westwards from Amarkantak, the Sone flows towards the East. Narmada is more than 150 million years older than the Ganga and is considered by many Hindus to be the most sacred for all the rivers of India. Narmada was blessed by Lord Shiva with purifying powers. The sanctity of Amrakantak is associated with Narmada River.
Amarkantak is dotted with many magnificent temples and holy ponds. The verdant hills and dense forests, beautiful meadows, sparkling streams and bewitching waterfalls add to the scenic beauty of this picturesque hamlet. Amraknatak is a sought-after tourist destination which attracts nature-lovers, adventure seekers as well as the spirituality - inclined. The lush green forests of Amarkantak are rich in many precious medicinal plants. Because of its sylvan surroundings and salubrious climatic conditions Amarkantak is a major tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh.
Places to See in Amarkantak
Mai ki Bagiya
Mai ki Bagiya is a beautiful natural garden with wide varieties of trees located in a densely forested area. It is believed that the Narmada Devi used to pluck flowers in this garden. This garden accommodates various shrines of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and a rain-fed kund. Mai ki Bagiya is quite famous for large varieties of medicinal herbs and plants. The medicinal plant Gulabkawli tis found here. This plant releases a lingering sweet smell.
Narmada Udgam
Narmada Udgam is the holiest spot in Amarkantak. Narmada Udgam is an open ‘Kund ‘ situated at the origin of river Narmada in Amarkantak. The sacred pool is surrounded with many Hindu temples dedicated to gods and goddesses such as Narmada and Shiva temple, Guru Gorakhnath temple, Sri Shuryanarayan temple, Vangeshwar Mahadev temple, Durga temple, Shiv Pariwar, Siddheswar Mahadev temple, Sri Radha Krishna temple and Eleven Rudra temple. It is said that the holy river Narmada takes its origin from Lord Shiva and descends from heaven to earth at Narmada Udgam in Amarkantak. Narmdeshwar temple at the source of river Narmada is the most important temple at Amarkantak.
Sonmuda
Sonmuda is the point of origin of the Sone river. It is located at a distance of around 1.5 km from the Narmadakund Temples. It is said that the river derived its name from the gold granules found in its water. The source of the river is a small pond which has now been converted into a Kund. The kund is of about 2 square meters area and a meter deep. It is also a “sunrise” point because of the panoramic sunrise view that can be seen from here.
Kapildhara
Kapildhara is a waterfall of River Narmada and is named after the sage Kapil Muni. Here the Narmada river joined by two streams named Erandi and Kapila falls from a height of 100 feet. It is believed that Kapil Muni meditated here. Adjacent to this fall is the Kapileshwar temple, dedicated to Kapil Muni.
Dudhdhara
Dudhdhara is one of the most beautiful falls of the Narmada River. Here the foaming water falling from the rocks is milky white and hence the name Dudhdhara. This is a 10 ft. high waterfall. There is a cave nearby where the sage Rishi Durbasha is believed to have meditated.
Dhuni Pani
Dhuni Pani is situated amidst thick forest of Vindhya and Satpura hills. This place is a famous for its natural hot water spring which is regarded as philosopher's stone. The hot spring here is believed to have curative powers.
Brighu Kamandal
The rock formation Brighu Kamandal looks like a Kamandal or water pitcher. This water pitcher is believed to have belonged to Maha Rishi Bhrigu and is always full of water. It is believed that water inside Bhrigu Kamandal seeps through the mountains and emerges at Narmada Udgam as River Narmada.
Kabir Chabutra
Kabir Chabutra is an important tourist attraction near Amarkantak. This place holds special importance especially amongst Saint Kabir followers. It is situated approximately 5 km from Amarkantak. This is the place where saint Kabir achieved salvation. Sacred footwear of the saint is kept at a small temple here.
Jwaleshwar Mahadev
Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is just 8 km from Amarkantak. According to legends Lord Shiva himself established a Shivling here and also scattered crores of other Shivlings over Maikal Mountain range. For this reason the place is also known as ‘Maha Rudra Meru’ or the ‘abode of lord Shiva’. While some others believe that when Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasura, one of the three parts of his body fell near the Narmadakund which later on turned into the seat of Lord Shiva. The Johilla River also originates from this place.
Shri Sarvodaya Digamber Jain Temple
It is a new temple in Amarkantak. The temple houses the world's biggest ashtadhatu Jain idol of Bhagawan Adinatha. The temples architecture resembles to that of famous Akshardham Temple in Gujarat.
Ancient Temples of Kalachuri Period
Ancient Temples of Kalachuri Period are temples of Kalachuri period which are situated in the south of Narmadakund just behind it. They were built by Kalachuri Maharaja Karnadeva. The Machhendranath and Pataleshwar temples here are excellent examples of Kalachuri architecture. There is also Keshav Narayan temple built by the Bhonsle ruler of Nagpur in the 18th century.
How to reach Amarkantak
The nearest airport to Amarkantak is at Jabalpur which is 245 km away from City of Amarkantak. Raipur in Chhattisgarh is the other nearest airport at a distance of 230 kms. The nearest railhead to Amarkantak is Pendra Road at a distance of 17 km from the heart of the city. Anuppur at distance of 48 km from Amarkantak is also convenient for the tourists coming to Amarkantak. Amarkantak is well connected by regular bus services with neighbouring towns and cities like Shahdol, Umaria, Jabalpur, Rewa, Bilaspur, Anuppur and Pendra Road.
Accommodation in Amarkantak
Accommodation in Amarkantak is available in a few guest houses and MPTDC’s Holiday Home. One can also opt to stay in ashrams and dharmsalas located there.