Janakpur- The Birthplace of Goddess Sita

Janakpur is also known as Janakpurdham  has been mentioned in Ramanayana as birthplace of goddess Sita. Janakpur is situated in Nepal and is just 20 kilometers from the Indian border and can be easily reached by car. It is a beautiful, calm place, located in the foothills of Himalaya. It is forested and marshy terrain at the base of the Himalaya mountain range with few rivers like Dudhmati, Jalad, Rato, Balan and Kamala crossing the area at various places. It is famous for its temples and the numerous ponds of religious importance.

Janakpur Main Temple, Nepal

Janakpuri Main Temple, Nepal   

The city is famous for Ram Janaki Temple which is in the center of the city that draws allusions to the famous Hindu epic Ramayana. Statues of Rama and his half-brothers Lakshman, Bharat and Satrughna stand by Sita. Early evenings are the best times to visit, for then the temple is lit with colorful lights and filled with hundreds of pilgrims expressing devotion for Sita and Rama. The temple is particularly popular with women, who wear their best clothes when visiting the shrine. Adjacent to the Janaki Mandir is the Rama Sita Bibaha Mandir, a building that marks the place where Rama and Sita were married.

Ram & Sita Statues at Janakpuri Temple, Nepal   

September to April is pleasant and several festivals fall during this period. Regular bus / Car services are available from Kathmandu and other Indian cities. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit Janakpur to pay homage to Sita at the time of Vivah Panchami, the marriage day of Sita and Ram (the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in November/December) and on Ram Navami.

Janakpuri Temple, Nepal   

Another important religious site nearby is Dhanushadham, its reference again dating back to the Ramayan era. It is believed to be the place where the broken remains of the divine Shiva bow fell after Ram broke it to obtain Sita's hand in marriage.

If you are visiting Bihar than Janakpur should be in your itinerary list.

Tourist Services:

 Luxury hotels to budget accommodation and food facilities are available in Janakpur city. Dharamshalas (accommodation for pilgrims) are also available. Food is delicious with Indian touch. Varieties of sweets and vegetarian specialties are available. Other tourist facilities are also available in Janakpur city

Murudeshwar: An Unexplored Spiritual ,Energetic and Picturesque beauty

We thought to welcome 2016 in some lesser known, less crowded and not very far from Bangalore place. And while searching on google, I came across a massive statue of lord Shiva. Seeing the statue just charmed my imaginations and the reality was much more fascinating.

Murudeshwar

Sunset at Murudeshwar

The huge towering statue of Lord Shiva can be seen from a great distance, as soon as one enters the city.  Our driver informed us that it’s the second highest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. The design of the idol is such that the sunlight directly falls on the statue making it to sparkle when the sun rises. It’s a massive photography opportunity to click the epic seaside statue of Lord Shiva looking over the shimmering Arabian Sea and the magnificent Western Ghats.

Arial View of  Temple

Murudeshwar temple from other side

Murdeshwar, is a small enchanting town in BhatkalTaluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. It’s a beautiful place with the small beach town located on the coast of Arabian sea.
Murudeshwar temple, a well-known pilgrimage place, enclosed by Arabian sea on its 3 sides has a commanding presence in this town. A 20 storied monumental tower, known as Gopuram, is built in front of the temple. The temple authorities have installed a lift inside the tower which gives a breath taking aerial view of the Shiva statue to the tourists.

Back side view of the temple

The entire temple and temple complex, including the 237.5-feet-tall Raja Gopura, is one among the tallest and was constructed to its present form by businessman and philanthropist Mr.R. N. Shetty.The temple is entirely modernized with exception of the sanctum sanctorum which is still dark and retains its composure. The main deity is Sri MridesaLinga, also called Murudeswara. The linga is believed to be a piece of the original AtmaLinga and is about two feet below ground level. The devotees performing special sevas like Abhisheka, Rudrabhisheka, Rathotsava etc. can view the deity by standing before the threshold of the sanctum and the Lingam is illuminated by oil lamps held close by the priests.

Temple complex

A striking stretch of green lawns, this area along around the 15m tall statue of Shiva houses various flowering plants, stone sculptures as well as small ponds inhabited by ducks. The artificial waterfall rushing down over the boulders is a marvellous view.

Apart from the temple, there are other attractions  as well in the city which include exciting seaside activities like swimming, snorkeling and boat rides, as the sea is calm, unruffled and beautiful .
The temple and fort are also the most visited spots, captivating one with their rustic charm and beauty. The Murudeshwar beach, however has become a little overcrowded and unclean and could be avoided.One can find enough souvenirs such as beads, beaded jewellery, handmade home decor, bags to fill shopping bag.
Whether you are religious or not,Murudeshwar deserves one trip in your lifetime.

Where to stay:
The accommodation available in Murudshwar is also limited. We stayed at RNS Regency and it is a decent hotel with a marvellous view.
The best time to visit this area would be between the months of October and March.

How to Reach:
By Road: Murudeshwar Temple is connected by KSRTC and private transport from Mangalore (165km) and Bangalore (455km). Most buses plying between Mangalore and Mumbai stop at Murudeshwar
By Train: Murudeshwara lies on the Konkan Railway route. There are multiple trains from Mangalore or Mumbai and the station to stop at is Murudeshwar railway station
By Air: Mangalore is the nearest Airport and is around 165 kms from Murudeshwar Temple

References
Wikipedia

Chilkur Balaji: God with VISA Power

India is the incredible land of amazing cultural integration. Here people are fast progressing but still rooted to its faith in god.  While people in different parts of the world like mountaineering and rock climbing just to conquer a hill, in India people of all age set such targets in the name of God and faith. People of all age continue walking and climbing almost all round the year, be it the 22kms rocky roads of Vaishno Devi Mata Temple ,  the snow covered Amarnath Temple requiring intensive rock climbing or waiting in queue for several hours just to get a few second glimpse of Tirupathi balaji.
Recently, I heard one such amazing story of faith about Chilkur Balaji temple. Chilkur Balaji is also  known as VISA God. Surprised?? Even, I was surprised when I heard from my friend that Chilkur Balaj is said to be very powerful in helping people get VISAs, with specialization in US VISAs. Faith can do wonders for sure.

Chilkur BalaJi

Chilkur Balaji Temple

This unique temple is located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, on the banks of Osman Sagar lake. Balaji temple at Chilkur village on the outskirts of Hyderabad has become famous as the “visa temple” and is attracting youngsters with an urge to fly to greener pastures abroad. The temple in chilukur is definitely an epicenter of lot of spiritual energy.
According to the temple history , almost all IT professionals visiting the temple had got an onsite opportunity within a year of visting the temple .The faith here is that if a person makes 11 rounds of the entire temple and prays with some wish in mind then that wish comes true . After the 11 rounds , he / she is fit to worship God and incase if the wish comes true , one should make 108 rounds of the entire temple.
At first, 108 rounds sounded absolutely crazy to me. The funny and weird thing is that such a faith is just passed on by word of mouth . Not even a single scripture says that this is the real story and still one can find people making 108 rounds in huge groups like a massive marathon. Who doesn’t have dreams and unfulfilled desires ? On an average, 8000-10,000 students visit the temple in the hope of securing the elusive but highly sought-after US visa. The temple draws 100,000 visitors a week, many of whom come to pray to Lord Balaji for visas to travel or move to the U.S. and other Western countries. When all logic fails, most people turn to the god to seek divine intervention. The whole process of granting American visas defies any logic.

Devotees Making Round of the Temples

Visa God popularity also amused Wall Street Journal. Wall Street Journal has written a full article on this temple. You can read it here.

History: Once a old man wanted to visit Tirupathi.But due to his old age he was unable to travel and visit. One night lord venkateshwara swamy came into his dream and asked him to dig at a particular place at chilkur.The man got the place dug when all of a sudden they heard a cry when the digging rod stuck a stone like structure. The removed it to find that it was an idol of Lord Venkateshwara swamy with his forehead bleeding. Then the temple of Balaji was constructed at this place.

People in Queue

People from all set of corners of society make rounds in hope of getting their wishes fulfilled. There were physicaly challenged people walking on one stick, Ladies with tiny toddlers walking around the temple, medically unfit people who want to get cured by these rounds . Somewhere Faith and Belief can drive a person to do the impossible.

This is one of the very few temples in India which does not accept monetary donations in a Hundi and therefore does not fall under the purview of endowments department of Government. Chilkut balaji temple circulates a monthly magazine “Vak” which means Speech (Of GOD), nominally priced at Rs 5.00 only.

Vak Magazine published by Temple

I feel very proud that our nation has such a rich heritage where good beliefs and faiths are passed on from generation to another with or without scriptures . Even if the rounds did no fulfilment of dreams , atleast it kindled into many a feeling that they can do what they want to do .

Hajo : Ancient Pilgrimage Centre for Three Religions

Hajo is situated on the north bank of the Brahamputra 32 km from Guwahati. Hajo is an extremely important destination for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists.  This is an ancient pilgrimage centre for three religions Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. A number of religious places like temples and mosques dot the land of Hajo. Hajo is a remarkable example of communal harmony.

Hayagriva Mahadeva Temple Stone Staircase

Primary amongst them is the Hayagriva Mahadeva temple accessible via a long stone stairway. At the foot of the stairway is a large pond inhabited by one of Hajo's oldest residents - a giant turtle. This temple is important for both the Hindu and the Buddhist community. Within the temple is an image of Vishnu which quiet closely resembles the one at Jagannath Temple in Puri in Orissa. This temple is also regarded as a Buddhist shrine by Buddhist Lamas and Butiyas, who profess Buddhism. It is believed that, Lord Buddha attained Nirvana at this place.
The temple was destroyed by Kalapahar ( who is said to have destroyed hundreds of temple in India) and was rebuilt in 1543 by the Koch king Raghudev. A smaller temple was built nearby by Ahom king Pramatta Singh where Doul is celebrated on a grand scale every year.



Hayagriva Mahadeva temple



Pond of Hayagriva Mahadeva temple



Image of God Vishnu

Pond of the Temple

 Hajo Assam is also considered to be a Muslim pilgrimage centre. An Iraqi Prince, Pir Giasuddin Aulia established a mosque in Hajo in the 12th century, while visiting the place to spread the word of the Prophet. The mosque is often referred to as Poa Mecca – being 4th in the line of sanctity to the shrine at Mecca. The inscription of the wall of the Mosque tells us that it was constructed by Mir Lutufullah-i-Shiraji in 1657, during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shahjahan. A tomb in the front area of the mosque belongs to Gyasuddin Aulia who initially tried to spread Islam in the area. The mosque, it is also believed, is built on the foundation that in some quantity consists of earth brought from Mecca.

Poa Mecca Mosque

“Bhimar Charia”, just about one and a half kilometres from the Hayagriva Madav Temple.  According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas had taken shelter in this region during their agyatvas or during the period in hiding. One can see the stone bowl used by Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers) during this agyatvas. Some say that this bowl was used by Bhima to eat. But a picture from another angle shows some steps on the inner side of the bowl. Maybe he might have used it to have a bath( Helmet to scale).

Stone bowl used by Bhima

 Hajo’s bell metal work is renowned. In Hajo of Kamrup district, Brass is an important cottage industry. Sarthebari in the same district is famous for bell metal crafts. The artisans of Assam make Kalah (water pot), Sarai, Kahi (dish), Bati (bowl), Lota and Tal (cymbals) out of these materials. The use of these metals were seen even in ancient times in utensils and statues. Today, they are also used for making fancy household items.

Brass Work in Hajo

Hajo is famous for Belt work

It is interesting to know that, since time immemorial, all the brass and bell metal utensils used in the Hayagriva Temple is made by the  Moria Community—a muslim community. No wonder Hajo is said to be the meeting place of the 3 religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam.
Getting There By Air - The airport at Guwahati is the closest one from Hajo. Flights from here connect to destinations like New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Silchar. There is also a direct flight from Guwahati for Bangkok on every Monday and Thursday.

By Rail - Guwahati also happens to be nearest railhead to reach Hajo. Trains from here link to New Delhi and Kolkata directly and provide connectivity to destinations like Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram etc.

By Road - Buses also connect Guwahati to various destinations like Shillong, Silchar, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur.

 

Shani Shinganapur: A Lockless village where God is Guardian

In the modern times where, together with the technology advances, crimes too become more sophisticated and the concerns for more and more security measures gains priority, is it possible to imagine a place where people live in harmony in no-door-no-locks-houses ? It may seem unbelievable but as a matter of fact, true! There is indeed a tiny hamlet where houses and other buildings like shops have no doors, and that place is in the country of countless legends and myths – India.

Shani Dev Idol

That peculiar place is ‘Shani Shingnapur’, a village located in Maharashtra state about 350 kilometers away from the state capital Mumbai and 60 kilometers from the popular pilgrim place Shirdi.

Entrance of Shani Shinganapur

The place where many go to get blessed by the Lord Shanishwara, the presiding deity of the temple at Shani Shingnapur is Lord Shanidev or Lord Shanishwara who is believed to be the personification of the planet Saturn. He is respected and is worshipped with a lot of devotion by his devotees. Millions of people from across the entire world come to Shani Shingnapur to get spiritual benefits. The deity is of black stone and this sight sends many devotees into frenzy.
In Shani Shingnapur village, people live in houses with no doors for generations! Here one can find only curtains (that is also rare) in the place of doors. The only temporary guard is barriers – that too to keep off stray animals. Here villagers get to their daily routines without bothering about their house’s security or fear of thieves. For them, everything is dedicated to the Lord Shani. The belief is, whoever steals anything from this place will incur the wrath of Shani God and will have to pay for his/her sins very dearly. When Shani Shingnapur natives go outside their village, they don’t ask their neighbors to keep vigil on their house & belongings. There is no Police station in this village too. They have no role here!

No Doors in Homes

In the 156-year history of village Shani Shingnapur in Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra, residents have never installed doors to their houses. Nor do they have a fettish for keeping things locked. Even new constructions such as police stations, guest houses, resorts, telephone exchange and other government buildings follow the rule. The post boxes too have no doors, wire meshes with open designs stop the letters from tumbling out. In case residents want to hang curtains on the door openings it is mandatory that they should be transparent. Despite the changes in the intervening years, the estimated 6500 residents in this village live with the singular belief that Lord Shaneshwar (Saturn) protects them from thieves and other ills. Surprisingly, there is no such bar for those living outside the parameters of Shani Shingnapur. Visit any part of this village and even the most  plush bungalows follow the stated rule.

No Doors & No Locks in Home

Shani Shingnapur village is famous in all over India due to Shani Dev. There are some legends about the village. The Legends are
"There is God, but no temple."
"There is a home, but no door."
"There is a tree, but no shade."
"There is fear, but no enemy."

Shani Dev

Legend has it that Suryadev was the son of Brahma and he was married to Sandna the daughter of Daksha Prajapati. They had two sons Shri Shaneshwar and Dakshinadhipati. Tapti, Kalindi, Savitri and Bhadra were their daughters. Sandna could not bear Surya’s harsh heat and so created her duplicate form Sanvarna and asked her to live as Sandna with Suryadev. Sanvarna started doing all the duties of a wife and lived with Suryadev. She told Sanvarna she would reveal this to Suryadev when time comes. Sandna went to her father Daksha’s place and Daksha did not accept her. Sandna started penancing in dejection. She turned herself into a mare. In the meantime, Sanvarna lived her life and had children of her own. One day Lord Shanidev was hungry and asked her to give something. Shanidev went on nagging her and kicked his mother in the frustration. Sanvarna cursed that his leg should break. When Shanidev complained about this to Lord Surya, he realized that a mother couldn’t talk this way. Soon he found out what Sandna had done and mellowed the curse on Shanidev and promised that he would be worshipped by people. Thus Shanidev has a lame leg due to the curse getting milder and the temple is at Shani Shingnapur.

Shops selling Puja  Items

In January 2011, the United Commercial (UCO) Bank opened a 'lockless' branch in the village, the first of its kind in the country, taking note of the near-zero crime rate in the region. The local police were reported to be unhappy over this development and that it amounted to a breach of conditions, because the Central government of India has made it mandatory for all banks to have high security.The bank has doors,but they will always remain open. However, it was reported by the local legislator and the bank officials that adequate precautions were being taken for the safety of lockers and important documents.

Unique Features of Shinganapur:


1. No shelter over Shani Maharaj - As per the instructions received from Shani Maharaj himself, there is no roof or temple built over his idol.
2. No doors or locks in houses - The most unique feature in Shingnapur that differentiated this village from any other place in the world is that there are no doors or locks to houses. The villagers firmly believe that Shani Maharaj protects them from thieves and wrong doers and they only have door frames and curtains in the place of doors and locks. There are several stories narrated by local villagers about how nobody in the village would dare to make an attempt to steal other's property and also about how when some outsiders have made an attempt to steal they have been punished by Shani Maharaj.
3. No branches grow over the Moolasthan - There was a neem tree that grew near the Moolasthan but everytime a branch grew near Shani Maharaj it would automatically break and fall down. Few years ago, this tree fell and another fig tree has grown there. This too does not extend its branches upto the idol.

4. Water poured over the idol is cure for snakebite - In case of any incident of snakebite in the village, all that the villagers do is to bring the person in white clothes to the temple. A male relative in wet clothes performes abhishekam to the idol and the water is given to the person to drink. In a couple of hours, the person regains consciousness and is not affected by the poison.
5. Shani Maharaj's palanquin- Devotees worship Shani Maharaj's palanquin placed closed to the Moolasthan which has a huge wooden slipper in it. Several shops sell miniatures of this wooden slipper that people buy and take home as talisman.
6. Lamp that burns 24*7 - There is a lamp that burns through day and night in front of the moolasthan.

About the Temple: The shrine of Shani Bhagwan is open to the elements of weather and the idol is kept on a raised platform, where the devotees themselves used to touch and perform abishegam to the deity earlier. But now, they can only circumambulate the image and offer the oil for abishegam in a tank kept for the purpose near the platform from where the oil is sent continuously to a dripping vessel hanging above the image of the deity.

Shani Bagwan is a gurdian of this village and people live peacefully without any fear.

Location:  Shani Shiganapur is in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra state. It is about 35 km from Ahmednagar and 84 km from Aurangabad. Shinganapur is well connected by Road and Rail. The nearest airports are Mumbai, Aurangabad and Pune. From any of these airports, one can hire a cab or van to Shani Shinganapur.
The nearest airport is at Aurangabad, which is 90 km  from Shani Shinganapur and the nearest railway station is Srirampur.
Distance from Mumbai is about 330 km by road. It can also be accessed from Shirdi, another important religious place in Maharashtra, and is about 65 km by road.

A travel tip: Generally people visiting, Shiidi or Shani Shinganapur combine Ranjangaon also in their trip. where there is a temple for Maha Ganapathi (Ashta Ganapathi) is situated.

Ajmer Sharif: The Heart of Sufism

Ajmer is legendary for the tomb involving Muinnudin Chisti.  Dargah Shariff of Hazrat Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti is indeed an ornament to the city of Ajmer. It is one of the holiest places of worship in India not only for the Muslims but also for the people of other faiths who hold the saint the high esteem and reverence.  Ajmer is the seat of great Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, who is equally revered by Muslims and Hindus and popularly known as Ajmer Sharif. Thousands of devotees visit the famous Dargah Sharif tomb erected in the honor of the great saint.

Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Last weekend my parents planned to visit Ajmer sharif  and they ordered me to come with them. Ajmer Sharif” – The place rung a faint familiarity in my mind when I heard it for the first time. A much awaited vacation was in tow and I knew that I have to hunt down for offbeat places to visit and unwind from my cluttered schedule. The next thing I found myself doing was doing a google search for Ajmer Sharif. With the images poping up instantly, the one taken in dark caught my attention and a picture was etched in my mind. I knew I am visiting this place.



Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah in Delhi


But before going to Ajmer sheriff, it’s a legend that one has to take blessing from Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. So we first paid a visit to dargah and on Saturday morning we left for Ajmer. It was a smooth drive of 8 hours by car from Delhi to Ajmer.

Thousands of people bow for namaz

Ajmer is situated in the heart of Rajasthan. It is encircled by the mountains of Aravalli that can be termed as an oasis. Next morning I was all set to visit  famous Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.  First look, a beautiful monument amidst mountains with its reflection falling over a lake took my breath away. Situated at the foot of Taragarh Hill, the Dargah was a massive white embodiment. This place, an jewel amongst all the other places worth visiting in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is one of the holy places of muslims in India.

Ajmer Sharif during evening time

You do not need a map to find a way to dargah, just stop anywhere and ask for the direction to the dargah or Garib Nawaz, and you will be shown the way to mausoleum that is located beyond the huge constructed red sandstone gate.
Dargah  has a huge gate donated by the Nizam of Hyderabad, a mosque donated by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, known as Akbari Mosque and the domed tomb of the saint. Just outside the main gate, there are numerous shops selling food, flowers, incense sticks and anything and everything that you might need in your life. No cameras are allowed inside the Dargah, and unlike Pushkar, security is tight. Of course, I saw people with phone cameras taking pictures and recording the events.

Gate of Ajmer Sharif

Phool ki Chadar

People busy in shopping near Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, the “Khawaja Saheb” or the living spirit as he is reverentially called attracts not only the muslims as the place ought to be but the people of all faiths and religion. I could see people from all faiths and creed here the moment I started walking towards the Dargah.

As I entered it, as the convention goes, I had to cover my head with a scarf. When I entered the place, the only thing I had noticed was the tomb covered in its various decorations and the quiet. I was surprised at the silence the sacred place commanded out of people and I knew instantly why this place is so special in so many hearts out there. Inside Dargah  I found khadims helping devotees, qawwals reciting paeans to the Saint, dervish appealing for alms, bhisthis offerinf water and pilgrims seeking blessing of Khwaja Moinuddin. In the courtyard you will array of shops selling pink roses that devotees offer to Khwaja. 

Thread of Faith

I sat with my back against the intricately carved wall and enjoyed the spellbinding Quwwali just outside the tomb, while M went down to the women's section to offer the namaz. The music was still in my head as we walked later through the dargah complex, buying a few souvenirs for family. There is something about sufi music which remains with you, forever and ever. It also makes you silent and contemplative...

Qwaali is performed in courtyard of Dargah

Our guide told us that The Great Mughal Emperor Akbar and his queen used to pay their obeisance to this great saint every year. They are said to visit here by the bare foot from Agra for the fulfillment of their wish for a son.

There are more ruins as one takes the lane on the side of the Dargah, eventually leading to the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra Mosque. Do not miss this place if you are in Ajmer. The Dargah includes many other attractive buildings, tombs, courtyards and Daalaans, some of which are exquisite specimens of the Moghul architecture and were erected during the Moghul period.

After a day, roaming about the dargah exclusively, drinking all the sweetness of the past and the ever present sanctity of the place, I was done with Ajmer Sharif. I knew I would be coming back to this place for its sheer magnificence and simplicity.

Things to know about Ajmer:
Best time to visit Ajmer is from October to March.
Ajmer is well connected to the major cities of India by land, rail and air.
Madar Gate, Chudi Bazzar, Naya Bazzar, Dargah Bazzar, and Kesarganj are among the popular markets.

Amarkantak: Potpourri of Spiritualism, Religion and Faith

Known as Teerthraj or the ‘the king of pilgrimage’, Amarkantak was once the home of Gods till its solitude was disturbed by the hindrances of Rudraganas and hence the name Amarkantak whose literal meaning means immortal (amar) obstruction (kantak).  Amarkantak is the origination point of holy river Narmada and Sone. Narmada is describes as the daughter of Lord Shiva. As per the saintly scriptures, river Narmada transcends all other sacred rivers with her strong asset as the daughter of Lord Shiva.

Amarkantak Temple

Yet, despite its name, the place still continues to attract thousands of people - reason being its association with Lord Shiva and as the source of the Holy River of Narmada which is considered even holier than the Ganga River. It is said that while a devotee needs one dip in the Holy Ganga, seven days' prayers on the banks of Yamuna and three days prayers on the banks of Saraswati, the mere sight of Narmada is enough.

According to legend, once a year, the river Ganga dressed as dark woman visits the Narmada takes a purifying dip in its waters when she herself is polluted beyond tolerance. For this reason, Amarkantak is considered as sacred to the Hindus and a door-way to ‘nirwana’. It is believed that who ever dies at Amarkantak is assured of a place in heaven. Also if a lady makes offerings of fruits and flowers will gain the respect of her husband, and no doubt she will also achieve a place in heaven.

Entrance of the temple

Shiv Temple

The holy town of Amarkantak attracts thousands of sages and devotees all through the year and therefore innumerous ashrams or religious retreats have emerged in and around this place. Nature has endowed Amarkantak with its gifts and its beautiful sylvan surroundings, picturesque ponds, cascading waterfalls and wildlife have made it a much sought after destination for the religious-minded as well as for the nature lover. The herbal plants like Brahmi, Kalimusli, Tejraj, Safemusli which increases the medicinal importance of this place as well.

Narmada kund and temples, Mai ki Bagiya, Sonmuda, Bhrigumandal, Kabir Chabutra, Ganesh temple(Bairagarh), Jwaleswar Mahadev temple are some of the religious places, Kapildhara, Dudhdhara, Shabhudhara, and Durgadhara are some of the beautiful waterfalls in Amarkantak.

Waterfall

Amarkantak tours mesmerized oneself with air of serenity. Along with its sanctified ponds, glittering streams, snotty knools and the woods such as Mahua and teak woods are all set to enthrall the onlooker. Amarkantak has the pleasent climate. The lush green mountains, an astonising waterfalls,the opaque forests, and the pictographic environs makes Amarkantak, a veritable paradise.

How to reach Amarkantak

Amarkantak is 71 Kms. from Anupppur, which is an important railway junction of the South Eastern Central Railway. Amarkantak is at a distance of 320 Kms. from Jabalpur and 265 Kms. from Rewa by road and around 100 Kms. from Shahdol. Jabalpur, Rewa, and Shahdol are all railway stations. The nearest railway station from Amarkantak is Pendra, which is 65 Kms. from Amarkantak. Pendra is in Bilaspur district of Chhatisgarh state. One can also reach Amarkantak by air. There is a permanent helipad at Amarkantak. There is also an airstrip at Lalpur in district Shahdol. One can reach Amarkantak by road. (90 Kms).