Narmada Parikrama Yatra has great importance in Hindu Puranas. Maa Narmada, also known as Rewa River, is the longest west flowing river. It originates from Amarkantak, then enters Gujarat passing through
Omkareshwar and joins the Gulf of Khambhat. In order to promote spiritual tourism, the Madhya Pradesh government is taking an innovative initiative of tour package for Maa Narmada Parikrama. The facility of this tour package can be availed from Jabalpur, Indore and Bhopal.
Why is Narmada Yatra important:
Narmadaji is the presiding deity of quietness. Because of her purity and vitality and auspiciousness, the whole world reverently respects and worships her. Narmada Yatra full of mystery and adventure is very important.
When does Narmada Yatra start?
Narmada Parikrama or Yatra is done in two ways. First Narmada Panchkroshi Yatra every month and second Narmada parikrama. Date of Panchkroshi Yatra to be held every month. This journey starts from the pilgrimage cities of Amarkantak, Omkareshwar and
Ujjain. It ends where it begins.
Shrines on the banks of the Narmada: There are many shrines located on the banks of the Narmada but here are some of the major ones: Amarkantak, Mandla, Bhedaghat, Hoshangabad, Nemavar, Omkareshwar, Mandleshwar, Maheshwar, Shukleshwar, Bawan Gaj, Shoolpani, Garudeshwar, Shukratirtha, Ankeshwar, Karnali, Chandod, Shukeshwar, Vyastirtha, Anasuyamai Tapa Sthal, Kanjetha Shakuntala Putra Bharat Sthal, Sinor, Angareshwar, Dhayadi Kund and finally Bhrigu-Kachchh or Bhrigu-Tirtha and Vimleshwar Mahadev Tirtha.
Narmada Yatra Parikrama Marg
Amarkantak, Mai Ki Bagiya to Narmada Kund, Mandla, Jabalpur, Bhedaghat, Barmanghat, Patighat, Magrol, Joshipur, Chhapner, Nemawar, Narmada Sagar, Pamakheda, Dhavrikund, Omkareshwar, Balkeshwar, Indore, Mandleshwar, Maheshwar, Khalghat, Chikhrala, Dharmarai, Katarkheda, Shoolpadi Jhari, Hastisangam, Chhapeshwar, Sardar Sarovar, Garudeshwar, Chandod, Bharuch.
After this return via Bimleshwar, Koteshwar, Golden Bridge, Bulbulkand, Ramkund, Barwani, Omkareshwar, Khandwa, Hoshangabad, Sadiya, Burman, Bargi, Triveni Sangam, Maharajpur, Mandla, Dindori and then Amarkantak via Pondi.
Rules of Narmada Parikrama
1. Take bath daily in Narmada ji.
2. Eat with devotion.
3. Keep restraint on speech.
4. It is appropriate for Parikrama residents to keep reciting Gita, Ramayana etc. everyday.
5. Before starting the parikrama, make a resolution in Narmadaji.
6. Don't do parikrama in Chaturmas. From Devshayani Ashada Shukla Ekadashi to Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, all householders should fast for Chaturmas. The residents of Narmada Pradakshina do it for three months from
Dussehra to Vijayadashi.
7. Observe the fast of Vanprasthi, follow celibacy completely.
8. When the parikrama is completed, go to any one place and offer water after anointing Bhagwan Shankarji.
9. Be sure to give Dakshina to Brahmins, Sadhus, visitors, girls also, then take blessings.
In the end, ask forgiveness from Narmada Ji for the mistakes.