The Narmada Parikrama is one of the oldest and most revered spiritual practices in India. It is a sacred circumambulation of the Narmada River, where devotees walk along her banks from the source at Amarkantak to the Arabian Sea and back without crossing the river. This unique journey, stretching across nearly 3,000 kilometers, has a history deeply rooted in faith, mythology, and tradition.
Table of Contents
- Ancient Roots in Hindu Scriptures
- Association with Saints and Sages
- Mythological Significance
- Traditional Practices of Parikrama
- Historical Pilgrims and Cultural Influence
- Continuity in Modern Times
Ancient Roots in Hindu Scriptures
References to the Narmada and her Parikrama are found in several Hindu scriptures, including the Skanda Purana, Vayu Purana, and Reva Khand. These texts glorify the Narmada as a goddess who grants liberation (moksha) to her devotees. It is said that circumambulating the Narmada is equivalent to visiting all the holy rivers and pilgrimage sites of India combined.
Association with Saints and Sages
For centuries, saints, yogis, and ascetics have undertaken the Narmada Parikrama as a form of penance and devotion. Legends mention that Adi Shankaracharya performed the Parikrama to establish spiritual centers along the river. Many saints like Swami Pranavananda, Totapuri, and various Naga sadhus are also known to have completed the sacred journey.
Mythological Significance
According to mythology, Goddess Narmada was born from the sweat of Lord Shiva during his cosmic dance (Tandava). The river is therefore considered his daughter and holds the power to wash away sins. Performing the Parikrama is believed to free devotees from the cycle of birth and death. Unlike other pilgrimages that involve visiting temples, the Narmada Parikrama is a living journey of faith, simplicity, and surrender to nature.
Traditional Practices of Parikrama
The tradition of Parikrama has been carried forward for thousands of years. The rules remain the same:
- Walk only on foot along the banks.
- Do not cross the river during the journey.
- Live simply, eat vegetarian food, and maintain purity.
- Offer prayers at ghats, temples, and holy spots along the way.
The journey usually takes 6 months to 3 years, depending on the devotee’s pace and discipline.
Historical Pilgrims and Cultural Influence
Over the centuries, kings, saints, and common devotees have documented their Parikrama journeys, enriching Indian cultural and spiritual history. The ghats of Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandla, Hoshangabad, and Bharuch became pilgrimage hubs due to the flow of Parikrama traditions. These places flourished as spiritual centers, where culture, devotion, and architecture came together.
Continuity in Modern Times
Even today, thousands of devotees from across India undertake the Narmada Parikrama. Despite modern transportation, true seekers still prefer to walk, just as saints and sages did centuries ago. The practice continues to connect people with spirituality, simplicity, and the eternal flow of the sacred river.