Frequently asked questions
One of India's holiest rivers, the Narmada begins its journey at Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, and travels a total of about 1312 kilometres before it meets the ocean.
People have been making the pilgrimage around the Holy Narmada River in search of liberation, enlightenment, and salvation since ancient times. Narmada Parikrama refers to a walk along the river's path from source to mouth.
The circumambulation, also known as parikrama, involves walking the entire length of the Narmada River on both banks, which spans over 3,000 kilometers ( due to backwater of Dams). This sacred journey is believed to purify the soul and grant blessings to those who undertake it. It has been the experience that completing the parikrama can bring immense spiritual growth and deepen one's connection with the divine.
The circumambulation, also known as parikrama, involves walking the entire length of the Narmada River on both banks, which spans over 3,000 kilometers ( due to back water of dams which has submerged the old parikrama path). This sacred journey is believed to purify the soul and grant blessings to those who undertake it. It has been my experience that completing the parikrama can bring immense spiritual growth and deepen one's connection with the divine.
In the year 2022-23, The founder of Ananda Hi Ananda Vivek ji embarked on a remarkable journey known by the name Amrutasya Ma Narmada Pad Parikrama. Accompanied by a group of 17 individuals and a dedicated team of over 50 supporting staff, we set out to traverse the majestic banks of the Narmada River, spanning an impressive distance of over 3000 kilometres.
Amrutasya means the holy nectar, and that's why the name of my parikrama Vivek ji had chosen as Amrutasya Ma Narmada Pad Parikrama. The name of parikrama, symbolizes the spiritual journey that Vivek ji embarked upon along the sacred River Narmada, seeking the divine elixir of spirituality.
People can find references to the deep wisdom and divine knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation in the vast world of old scriptures and sacred texts. But it's important to be able to tell the difference between fact and fiction and to follow the way of discernment when reading spiritual literature. In the world of old books, there is a story that has become part of the fabric of time. It's a story of false identities, where the names of important holy sacred text have been mixed up. One mistake is that the famous Reva Khanda of the Skanda Purana and the Narmadamataym of Vayu Purana has been given the wrong name. Unfortunately, it is a terrible mistake to call these holy books the Narmada Purana. With our sincere effort, we want to make things better through our good idea. It is very important that we don't forget the facts that can't be argued with, because if we do, future historians might not think well of this age.
Many, sages, and saints have not only praised the spiritual significance of the Narmada River but also recognized its immense ecological importance. The river sustains a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a vital lifeline for the surrounding ecosystems. The significance of Mother Narmada had led the establishment of numerous Teerthas along its course, attracting devotees from all over the country since ancient times.
In the bygone days, it was not customary for every parikrama to commence from Omkareshwar. However, as the tides of time have shifted, a significant number of Narmada parikramas now embark from this sacred site. Omkareshwar, nestled along the banks of the revered Narmada river, features the presence of one of the esteemed Jyotirlinga's in all of India.
In the annals of the late 18th century, the historical records that have come down to us indicate that the parikrama, a sacred ritual of circumambulation of holy Narmada, would commence from one of three revered locations: Bharuch, Amarkantak, or Vimleshwar.
-Excerpts from the book of Vivek ji - Narmada parikrama, a 3000km journey on the banks of Holy Narmada
Vintage Image of Omkareshwar
The map of India during Mahabharat times and it gives the name of various place as mentioned in various Puranas
Vintage Image of Omkareshwar