Narmada Parikrama: Reflecting on the Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage also serves as a cultural exchange, as pilgrims from different regions and backgrounds share stories, traditions, and experiences. This sense of community and shared purpose adds to the richness of the Parikrama. Embarking on the Narmada Parikrama is a transformative experience, blending the sacred with the scenic, and offering a profound journey through India's spiritual heartland.
Day 8: 11 January 2023
The eighth day of our Narmada Parikrama journey began early with a safari in the Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary at 7:00 AM. This immersive experience in the heart of nature offered a serene yet thrilling start to the day.
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| Deer (Photo Credits: Sagar Bamane) |
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| Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary Site (Photo Credits: Sagar Bamne) |
Kanha National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and we were fortunate to witness various deer species in their natural habitat. Among the sightings were the Spotted Deer, with their distinctive white spots and slender build, the larger and majestic Sambhar, the rare and elegant Bara Singha, and the elusive Barking Deer. Each species, classified by color, size, antler shape, and habitat, highlighted the park's rich biodiversity.
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| Kanha Jungle Safari Photo Credits: Sagar Bamane |
The park also hosts a variety of vultures, birds, and jackals, contributing to the vibrant ecosystem. The sight of tiger footprints added an element of excitement, reminding us of the elusive predators that roam these forests. The safari concluded with a hearty breakfast at Sarahi Gate, where we shared stories and reflections on the breathtaking wildlife encounters.
After the safari, we headed towards Hoshangabad, departing Kanha at 12:15 PM. We paused for lunch at Lakhnodan at 2:45 PM before continuing our journey. By 9:10 PM, we reached Narmadapuram, where we visited the revered Narmada Ma Mandir. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Narmada, provided a moment of spiritual reflection and gratitude for the journey thus far. Dinner in Narmadapuram was a simple yet fulfilling meal, grounding us as we prepared for the final leg of our day.
Our journey towards Omkareshwar resumed after dinner, and we arrived at 4:00 AM. Exhausted but spiritually fulfilled, we checked into the Mansarovar Hotel for the night. The familiar comfort of the hotel offered a sense of closure for the day's adventures.
Day 9: 12 January 2023
Our day began with a visit to the Mamaleshwar Mandir at 10:30 AM. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds immense spiritual significance. The temple’s intricate architecture and serene ambiance offered a perfect start to the day.
Following the temple visit, we performed a pooja at Mamaleshwar Ghat. The ritualistic chants and the holy atmosphere created a profound spiritual experience, connecting us deeply with the sacred Narmada River.
Next, we headed to Omkareshwar Mandir, another significant Jyotirlinga site. Our experience at Omkareshwar on the first day was quite different from today. On our initial visit, we arrived around 9-9:30 PM and found it relatively uncrowded, making the darshan quick and easy. However, today's visit was the opposite—there was a large crowd and no management from the temple authorities. Those who paid 500 rupees to the so-called pandits received priority for darshan, while the common devotees waited in line for hours. Despite these difficulties, the Omkareshwar Parikrama took us around the island, where we witnessed the confluence (Sangam) of the Narmada, Tawa, and Kaveri rivers. This Sangam is considered extremely auspicious, and seeing the three rivers merge was both humbling and awe-inspiring.
By lunchtime, we had a fulfilling meal at Gurukripa, a local eatery known for its delicious and authentic food. The hospitality and warmth of the place made us feel at home. Post-lunch, we began our journey towards Indore, leaving behind the sacred banks of Omkareshwar. The transition from the tranquil riverbanks to the bustling city was a reminder of the diverse experiences this pilgrimage offers.
Upon reaching Indore, we visited the famous Sarafa Bazaar at 8:14 PM. Known for its vibrant street food scene, Sarafa Bazaar offered a feast for the senses with its array of delectable dishes and lively atmosphere.
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| Khajrana Ganesh Mandir |
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| Sarafa Bazaar |
Our next stop was the Khajrana Ganesh Mandir, a revered temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple complex also houses shrines for other deities including Mahalaxmi, Ram Darbar, Hanuman, Ichamani, Tirupati Balaji, Laxmi Narayan, Guru Dattatray, Krishna Mandir, Kayla Mandir, Bhadra Mata Mandir, Hingalaj Mandir, Chintamani Ganesh Mandir, Ved Mata Mandir, Shri Sidha Bhairav Mandir, Santoshi Mata Mandir, Durga Mandir, and Sai Baba Mandir. Each temple within the complex had its unique charm and added to the spiritual richness of our journey.
Returning to Sarafa Bazaar for dinner, we indulged in more of its culinary delights. The vibrant market was a perfect place to relax and enjoy the local flavors. Late in the evening, we set out for Ujjain, a city renowned for its ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. We reached Ujjain around 1:10 AM and checked into Siddhartha for the night. The day had been long and filled with diverse experiences, but the spiritual energy we encountered throughout kept us rejuvenated.
Day 10: 13 January 2023
Our day began with a visit to the revered Sandipani Rushi Ashram at 10:30 AM. This ashram holds significant historical and spiritual value as it is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna and Sudama were educated. The ashram encompasses several noteworthy sites, including the Kundeshwar Mandir, a serene temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering a tranquil space for meditation and prayer. We also explored the Shri Krishna Pathshala, where Lord Krishna is said to have received his education. It was inspiring to stand in a place with such profound historical importance. The Sarveshwar Mahadev, another sacred temple in the ashram complex, was known for its peaceful ambiance, while the Gautami Kund, a sacred water tank believed to be blessed with holy water, provided a spot for pilgrims seeking spiritual purification. Additionally, the rare Rudraksha Tree, whose seeds are used to make Rudraksha beads, revered for their spiritual significance, was a noteworthy sight.
Following our visit to the ashram, we headed to the Mangalnath Mandir, known as the birthplace of Mars (Mangal). This temple is renowned for its astrological significance and attracts devotees seeking to mitigate the malefic effects of the planet Mars in their horoscopes. The next destination was the Gadhkalika Mandir, a temple dedicated to Goddess Kalika. Steeped in legend and history, this temple added a mystical aura to our pilgrimage.
Our journey continued with an exploration of the Vikram Betal Caves. These caves are linked to the legendary King Vikramaditya and the tale of Vikram and Betal. The mystical atmosphere of the caves transported us to a bygone era of folklore and legend, making the experience both fascinating and enchanting. At the Kalabhairaw Mandir, dedicated to Lord Bhairava, we felt a powerful spiritual energy. This temple is unique as devotees offer liquor to the deity as part of the rituals.
A pivotal stop on our pilgrimage was the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The administration at Mahakaleshwar was among the finest I have ever encountered at a temple. It was remarkably well-organized and aesthetically pleasing. The temple's profound spiritual significance and the powerful aura of the Jyotirlinga left us deeply moved. Participating in the rituals and prayers here was a humbling experience, marking a high point of our spiritual journey. We then visited the Harisidha Ma Mandir, a temple with a rich history and devoted following. The peaceful ambiance provided a perfect setting for reflection and prayer.
Our exploration of Ujjain concluded with a visit to the Raja Vikramaditya Sinhasan. This site is associated with the legendary king Vikramaditya and his throne, believed to grant wisdom and justice to those who sit on it. As the day came to an end, we began our journey towards Panvel at 8:30 PM. The day's experiences, filled with spiritual enlightenment and historical exploration, left us with a deep sense of fulfillment and reflection.
This final segment of our Narmada Parikrama allowed us to reflect on the spiritual growth and insights gained throughout the journey. Each destination, from temples to historical sites, contributed to a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual heritage of India. As we traveled back, we carried with us the blessings and wisdom acquired during this remarkable pilgrimage, feeling a profound connection to the divine and to the sacred Narmada River.
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| Left to Right: Sushant Rajam, Pushkar Gharat, Anagh Gharat, Sagar Bamane, Abhijeet Mhatre, Alankar Mhatre |
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