Amarkantak is an important hindu-pilgrimmage in Central India.

Situated at the convergence of Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, Amarkantak offers
panoramic views of its intense forests, lofty cliffs, dribbling streams, and famous
waterfalls.
It is also hailed as the life source of two important rivers-Narmada and Sone.

Amarkantak’s fame as a pilgrimage-centre chiefly lies for river Narmada,which is

summoned as the holiest river of south-India.

The place is known to have as the first tribal university .

Legend –
According to legends, a dip in the river Narmada has got the capacity of purging a sin.
Narmada surpasses other scared rivers with her aptitude as the only river, the very sight
of which can transcend a sinner into salvation.
It is mentioned even in Mahabharata, where it is said that this Vindyachal offered the
pandavas a spiritual rejuvenation during their exile period.
Much after that, Adi Shankaracharya, who founded Pataleshwar Mahadev at the origin of
Narmada river, and sanctified on the banks of Narmada River.

History-
It was under the successive kingdoms of chedi and kalachuri.(11th century a.d.).More
recently during British regime it was ruled by the king of Nagpur.

Tourist attractions-

Acclaimed as the national heritage the sylvan surrounding of Amarkantak offers not only
the bewitching beauty but also an interesting multiplicity of flora and fauna. Dense
forests along with the cascades this hill station is a treat to the eye and mind.

Narmadakund and temples-

Sanctity of the place becomes visible in the enormous temples that are built around the
holy pond called Narmada kund, which is situated at the birth place of the river.
Narmada and Shiva temple, Kartikey temple, Shri Ram Janki temple, Annapurna temple,
Guru Gorakhnath temple, Sri Shuryanarayan temple, Vangeshwar Mahadev temple,
Durga temple, Shiv Pariwar, Siddheswar Mahadev temple, Sri Radha Krishna temple,
Eleven Rudra temple are to name a few. Strolling around these places will allow you
visiting in history, divinity and nature.

Dudh dhara falls-

Lieing at the west of the Amarkantak range, dudh-dhara(milky-stream)
matches up to its name. The exhilarating beauty of this 10 feet high waterfall merging its
glittering surge of water in the river itself, surely captures our attention.
Kapildhara falls-
6km. north of Narmadakund lies this 100feet high waterfall. According to legends
Kapilmuni (muni means saint) achieved seven austerities there and received his desired
divine goal. A temple Kapileshwar is built after his name. even today many saints are
seen carrying out hard practices in order to achieve deliverance.
This lofty cataract amidst the green hills, can be sought after for an evening stay.

Mai ki bagiya-
Mother’s orchard or mai ki bagiya is a 1km. stretched natural garden said to be the
orchard of Narmada herself.

Sonakshi-Shaktipeeth temple-
It is among the 52 Shakthipeeths which are the divine abode of goddess Sati consort of
Lord Shiva. Devotees flock around this temple to get a glimpse of is. This temple,
elevated at a certain height, overlooks magnificent view of Sone river. This temple with
its superb view of Satpura mountain ranges and unblemished greenery, is said to be such
a place where mysticism arises within. A strongly recommended place for a sun-rise
view.

Sonemuda-
The origin of Sone river at the distance of 1.5km. from Narmada kund is mentioned in
the account of Megasthanes. This river acquired its name as ‘sona’ meaning gold dusts
are said to be found on its bank.

Kabir-chubatra-
This is a holy place, where Saint Kabir meditated for a long time and later on met Guru
Nanak and discussed with him certain matters of religion for mankind.

Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev-

This is the temple for Lord Shiva and also the origin of another river
Juhila. This holi place shares a similar position with Varanasi, for both places are
believed to be the divine abode of Lord Shiva. According to ‘Vindhya Vaibhav’ God
himself built the ‘shivling’ and forever live here with his consort Goddess Parvati.

Ancient temples of Kalachuri kings-

If histroy interests you then there are ample architectureal evidences such as
Machhendranath and Pataleshwar temples and Keshav narayan temple.

HOW TO REACH-
By air – Nearest airport is Jabbalpur (245km). Pre-paid taxies, charging 3000rs are
available to fetch tourist in the plateau of Amarkantak.
By train- Nearest rail station is Pndra-road (17km) with taxi fare of rupees 300. Another
station is Anuppur(48km) where the taxi driver can charge you 600bucks.
By road-
Amarkantak is well-connected with Pendra road, Bilaspur, jabbalpur (245 km), Rewa
(261 km) and Shahdol (67 km).

Best time to visit-

October to March is the best season when the weather is temperate.