Important Pilgrimage Points

The sacred journey of Narmada Parikrama covers hundreds of holy sites, ancient temples, and revered ghats along both the north and south banks of the river. While every step is believed to hold divine significance, certain places are especially important due to their historical, spiritual, and cultural value.

Table of Contents

1. Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh)

  • The birthplace of the Narmada River, known as Narmada Kund.
  • Surrounded by dense forests and temples like Narmada Udgam Mandir, Kapildhara Falls, and Sonmuda.
  • Most pilgrims begin and end their Parikrama here.

2. Jabalpur (Bhedaghat)

  • Famous for marble rocks and the breathtaking Dhuandhar Waterfalls.
  • Considered sacred for snan (holy bath) and deepdan.
  • Houses ancient temples like Chausath Yogini Mandir.

3. Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)

  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
  • Located on Mandhata Island shaped like the sacred “ॐ”.
  • Parikramavasis spend several days here in worship and meditation.

4. Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh)

  • Known for the Ahilyabai Holkar Fort and Ghats.
  • Major temples include Ahileshwar Temple, Rajarajeshwar Mandir, and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
  • Famous for Maheshwari sarees, adding cultural charm to the pilgrimage.

5. Mandleshwar & Nemawar

  • Mandleshwar: Historic ghats and temples, deeply connected with saints and sages.
  • Nemawar: A spiritual hub with Siddheshwar Temple, a favorite resting spot for saints.

6. Hoshangabad (Narmadapuram)

  • A major city on the Narmada’s north bank.
  • Famous for Sethani Ghat, where thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip.

7. Garudeshwar (Gujarat)

  • Known for the meditation site of Swami Karpatri and revered by many saints.
  • Located near Kevadia (Statue of Unity).
  • Pilgrims believe prayers here bring peace and inner strength.

8. Bharuch (Gujarat)

  • The place where Narmada merges into the Arabian Sea.
  • Considered the mid-point of Parikrama, marking the end of the downstream journey and the beginning of the return (south bank).

9. Other Notable Points

  • Chausath Yogini Temples (at different spots) representing divine feminine energy.
  • Sahastradhara Ghat (near Maheshwar) known for natural beauty and spiritual calm.
  • Numerous smaller shrines and ghats where saints performed tapasya and sadhana.

Spiritual Insight

While these points are famous, pilgrims believe that every bend of the Narmada is sacred. The journey is not just about visiting holy sites but about surrendering to the river’s divine flow.