Excerpts from the book of Vivek ji: Narmada Parikrama -Walking the 3,000 kilometres of sacred Riverbanks of holy Narmada
The issue of backwater is prevalent throughout the Narmada belt, particularly in the regions of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra that are part of the Narmada Parikrama. The Bavanvahini region, also known as Badvani, has experienced flooding that has submerged the teerthas and paths commonly used for parikrama. This has resulted in the inability to access these areas by foot from the highways. Despite my desire to walk in close proximity to Mother Narmada, I was unable to do so in these districts due to the presence of backwater in several streams and the lack of bridges, resulting in obstructed pathways. Bridges are constructed exclusively on highways from where most of the people cross.
But imagine if we had been walking from the banks of Mother Narmada, we would come across the Varkhaad sangam as our initial destination. Here, one would be able to witness the Gyarahlingi teertha, situated directly across from Dharmpuri. Upon arriving at Brahmangaanv, one would find oneself in the vicinity of the revered Brahmavart teerth. Reva Khand recounts that Lord Brahma has eternally resided in this sacred abode, where the revered Brahmeshwar Shiva is enshrined. The performance of Rudra puja in this revered area is believed to bestow immense spiritual rewards. In close proximity lies the revered Patreshwra Mahadev teerth. The establishment of the Shivalinga is attributed to none other than the son of Chitrasen Gandhara. The tale goes that Chitrasen was a dear companion of Indra. Patreshwra, the son of Chitrasen, was a strikingly handsome man. On one occasion, he accompanied his father to the grand assembly of Indra, where the renowned Menka was performing a captivating dance. It was then that Patreshwra was overcome with a powerful feeling of infatuation, driven by the irresistible force of Kama, or lust. Upon witnessing the scene, Indra was filled with anger and directed his curse towards Patreshwara. He admonished him for succumbing to the same carnal desires that plague humanity and banished him to the mortal realm to live amongst them. Upon hearing these words, Patrehwara's body turned cold and his desire dissipated. He humbly sought forgiveness from Indra, who then revealed that Patrehwara must journey to Brahmavart teertha where the mighty and sacred river Narmada flows. Indra revealed to Patrshwara that he must journey to the banks of BrahmanGaanv, where Lord Brahma perpetually resides. There, he must practise brahmacharya and offer devotion to Lord Shiv for a period of twelve years. It is said that Patreshwara once arrived at this ghat and erected the Patreshawar Mahadev. He then fervently prayed to Lord Shiva, and upon achieving a state of purity, ascended to the celestial realm again.
Excerpts from the book of Vivek ji: Narmada Parikrama -Walking the 3,000 kilometres of sacred Riverbanks of holy Narmada