Amarkantak is a charming village in Madhya Pradesh that is beautifully present amidst the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges. The place is very famous for its sacred religious sites, enchanting landscapes and green canopies. If you are a nature lover who needs a good dose of the trees, forests, hills and rivers, Amarkantak is a must-visit for you. Also, you can seek blessings from the ancient temples here and witness the source points of some of the greatest rivers of India. Let’s not forget the local cuisine that is lip-smackingly good and will leave you with a better mood and filled stomach! Amarkantak definitely has a lot of things to offer to its visitors!
Without any delay, let us know about the quaint hamlet, things you can do here, the historic temples and the best time to visit the place.
About Amarkantak
Amarkantak is a part of the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh and stands at an elevation of 1048 metres above sea level. It is the confluence point of three major mountain ranges – the Satpura, the Vindhya and the Mahadeo hills. It is considered to be a major pilgrimage site for the Hindus and it is said that whoever dies in Amarkantak will seek moksha or salvation immediately. It is also the place where the Narmada River originates. There is a small kund or pond from where the Narmada River starts and then continues to flow in its full glory.
While the devotees come here to seek blessings from the Amrkantak temple and other places, the nature lovers come here to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the lush green forests, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. Wildlife photographers can also get the perfect clicks of the flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Adventure seekers can set out to explore easy, moderate and challenging trekking trails that are worth every minute of your time.
The Indira Gandhi National Tribal University is located in Amarkantak. This place offers education and research opportunities to the local tribals and persuades them to seek higher education and opportunities.
Amarkantak tourism is blooming and the government of Madhya Pradesh wants travellers to come here and enjoy the hospitality that the scenic village offers. So, pack your bags and set out to indulge yourself in the peace and tranquillity that Amarkantak offers.
History of Amarkantak
The word Amarkantak can be split into Amar and Kantak. Amar means ‘immortal’ and Kantak means ‘obstacle or a peak’. Amarkantak was ruled by several dynasties including Mauryas, Guptas, Kalchuris and the Marathas. Among them, the Kalchuris were the ones who majorly left their influence on the place. They built several temples that depict the beautiful temple architectural style and their structures still stand strong. The Pataleshwar Temple in Amarkantak was constructed by the Kalchuri rulers. It is a notable place that gives us a glimpse into the cultural heritage and religious devotion of the rulers of the Kalchuri dynasty.
When the Britishers came to India, they took over the jurisdiction of Amarkantak. However, they failed to urbanise the place and most of its rustic charm remained untouched.
There are several historical religious places in Madhya Pradesh that you can visit to learn more about Indian culture and heritage.
Legends associated with Amarkantak
When you take the Amarkantak tour, you will hear the local guides and residents tell you a lot of stories about how the place came to be. These are tales that are deeply rooted in Hindu Mythology.
It is said that Amarkantak is the place where Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati appeared as Shiv Linga. Sone River is another water body that originates from Amarkantak. People say that this river was formed from the sweat of Lord Shiva.
There is this one story that tells us a lot about why the Narmada River originates from here. Amarkantak used to be the residence of a sage named Durvasa. He was known for his anger and short temper. However, he was also a great devotee who was very disciplined in his devotion. It was his prayers that impressed Lord Shiva and he blessed the land with the Narmada River.
Places to visit in Amarkantak
1 – Narmada Kund
The Narmada Kund is a major Amarkantak tourism place and people who come to the village do not go back without visiting this pond. It is believed to be the source point of the Narmada River.
It is also surrounded by several temple complexes and is an important pilgrimage site. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the Narmada Kund will rid them of all sins and health issues.
2 – Pataleshwar Temple
The Pataleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the notable constructions of the Kalchuri era. It is believed to be constructed over an underground stream. The word ‘Pataleshwar’ means ‘Lord of the Underworld’.
The temple has eye-catching architecture and intricate carvings on its walls and pillars. This place looks otherworldly during the Maha Shivratri celebrations every year. During the Sawan month, ladies come here to light up diyas and offer prayers to the Lord.
3 – Machhendranath Temple
The temple is dedicated to sage Macchendranath who is believed to be a respected figure in the Nath sect. The followers of the Nath tradition come here very often to sit down in peace and meditate and also to seek the blessings of the sage.
The temple is constructed in a very simple manner, reflecting the non-materialistic lifestyle of the Nath yogis. The surroundings of the temple are almost ethereal and you will fall in love with the peace that nature offers here.
4 – Dudhdhara Waterfalls
Dudhdhara waterfalls are absolutely stunning and are very close to Narmada Kund. The falls are named so because the water looks almost milky as it cascades down the rocks. You will need to trek for a very short distance and then you will find the spectacle amidst dense forests where all you can hear is the sound of the water and the occasional chirping of the birds.
If you are a nature lover, you must explore the hill stations around Madhya Pradesh that also have waterfalls of their own.
5 – Shri Yantra Mandir
Shri Yantra Mandir is the representation of Goddess Shakti and holds great significance for the people who believe in the Sri Vidya worship in Hinduism.
The unique feature of this temple is the huge sculpture at the entrance which has 4 faces representing Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kali and Bhuvaneshwari. Beneath the faces, you will find sculptures of 64 yoginis along with small sculptures of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya.
All the fans of ancient fortifications and architectural marvels must definitely explore Orccha in Madhya Pradesh. The place is famous for its temples, palaces and forts.
6 – Kapil Dhara Falls
Kapil Dhara is the first waterfall that is formed by the Narmada River. It is named after Kapil Muni who is believed to have meditated near the falls. The water falls from a height of 100 feet and passes through a lush green forest to finally cascade down a rocky terrain. The place is ideal for nature enthusiasts to visit, seeing how several unique flora and fauna can be found in the surroundings.
7 – Mrityunjay Ashram
‘Mrityunjay’ translates to ‘the conqueror of death’. This is another name of Lord Shiva. This is a beautiful ashram that devotees and tourists visit to find inner peace. The ashram provides the right kind of environment for meditation, yoga and other spiritual rituals. The place is so calm that you will also hear echoes in certain parts. While you sit down here to meditate, you can also hear the melodious sound of the Narmada River flowing. The ashram conducts yoga sessions, meditation classes and even lets pilgrims come here to indulge in specific spiritual practices that are prominent in the Hindu religion.
There are several ashrams like this one and Vipassana Meditation Centres that can help you understand the art of tapping into your inner peace.
The best time to visit Amarkantak
You can visit Amarkantak all year round. No matter when you visit the place, you will always find devotees, pilgrims and tourists exploring the place and the temples. However, when you come to Amarkantak will depend on what you want to do here.
Winters are the best time to go sightseeing, trekking, exploring waterfalls and seeking blessings from the temples. The temperature will be anywhere between 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. The atmosphere is very pleasant and you can stay outdoors for a long time. In October and November, you will get to see the vibrant Navratri celebrations in the village. To attend Navratri celebrations in Amarkantak is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you shouldn’t miss out on.
The summer months in Amarkantak can be extremely hot. The temperature can reach 35 degrees Celsius and on some days it can surpass that number too. You can go out in the morning and evenings but the afternoon hours will be extremely hot and unsuitable for sightseeing.
The monsoons are refreshing in Amarkantak. The showers can be moderate to heavy. The waterfalls will be filled during the monsoon months, especially Kapil Dhara waterfalls. These falls look ethereal and splash around strongly. This is the perfect time for wildlife and nature photographers to visit the place. However, it is important to note that the terrains are often slippery and you should be careful while navigating your way around the forests and trekking trails. Also, roadblocks are common because of heavy rains. You must stay updated with the news.
After you are done exploring Amarkantak, you can also explore Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, a planned city that stands as an example of world-class planning and vision.
How to reach Amarkantak?
You can reach Amarkantak by taking a flight from your city, boarding a train or even consider an enriching road trip.
By Air
The nearest airport to Amarkantak is Dumna Airport in Jabalpur. You will find direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Kolkata. Once you reach the airport, you will find taxis and state government buses that can help you reach Amarkantak easily.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Amarkantak is the Pendra Road Railway Station. You will find direct trains from other cities and villages of Madhya Pradesh to this rail junction. From Jabalpur, Vilaspur and Raipur, trains run regularly. If you are coming from outside Madhya Pradesh, reach Jabalpur first and then head toward Pendra Railway Station.
By Road
A road trip to Amarkantak is certainly a great idea! The road is lined by scenic green canopies that will soothe your nerves and provide the best ambience for your drive. The NH44 and SH22 will lead you to the village. From your respective cities, try to join these highways and you will find the best route to reach Amarkantak.
Amarkantak is a quaint hamlet where you can explore a lot of things. After you are done visiting the waterfalls and praying at the temples, explore the cuisines of the place. There are several rooftop restaurants in the place where you can have the best vegetarian food. While you are here, don’t miss out on tasting Gajak and Jalebis.
Also, the markets here sell religious souvenirs that you can take back home. You will find everything from idols to sacred threads. The Terracotta sculptures from here will surely prove to be the right additions to your home. There is a Tibetan Emporium as well where you can get handicrafts, shawls, tribal jewellery and paintings. The locally sourced herbal and medicinal products are also very famous and can help with different ailments. We suggest that you buy some herbal teas and natural skincare products from Amarkantak.
That being said, explore Amarkantak with your loved ones and make memories that will last a lifetime!
