India's Holy Narmada River - Religious and Cultural Heritage

thedivineindia.com | Updated UTC time: 2024-08-20 23:11:17

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The Narmada River, formerly known as Narmada or Nerbudda in English, is the 5th longest river in India and also the longest west-flowing river in the country. The river flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, and has a significant contribution to the lives of these states, hence it is also called the "Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat". The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh and flows through the city of Bharuch in Gujarat to merge into the Arabian Sea.

Origin of the Narmada River

The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak Plateau of the Maikal Hills located in Madhya Pradesh on the border of the state of Chhattisgarh. From here it starts its journey from a small water body called the Narmada Kund. The river passes through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and finally enters the Gulf of Khambhat near the city of Bharuch in Gujarat.

Main Tributaries of Narmada

Many tributaries provide water to the Narmada river during its long journey, which makes its stream even more rich. These tributaries play an important role in maintaining the water flow of the Narmada and also strengthen agriculture, water supply and ecology in the surrounding areas.

Tawa River: Tawa River is one of the most prominent tributaries of Narmada. It originates from the Satpura mountain range and joins Narmada near Hoshangabad district. The Tawa Dam on the Tawa River is an important reservoir that meets the irrigation and drinking water needs.
Barna River: Barna River is another major tributary of Narmada, which originates near Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. This river joins Narmada near Hoshangabad and is important for local agriculture and water supply.
Hiran River: Hiran River is a small but important tributary flowing in Jabalpur district. It joins Narmada River near Jabalpur and is part of the ecosystem of the region.
Banas River: Banas River is another tributary of Narmada, which originates from Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. It joins Narmada near Mandla district and helps in irrigation and water supply of the region.
Sher River: Sher River is a major tributary of Narmada, which originates from the Satpura mountain range. This river meets Narmada in Jabalpur district and is an important source of water harvesting in the region.
Banjar River: Banjar River originates near Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh and joins Narmada near Dindori district. This river is part of the forest ecosystem and is a source of water for wildlife.
Burhaner River: Burhaner River is a small tributary of Narmada, which originates from the Satpura mountain range and joins Narmada. This river is important for water supply and agriculture in its surrounding area.
Chhota Tawa River: This river is a tributary of Tawa River, which originates from the Satpura mountain range and joins Tawa. Tawa then joins Narmada, which further increases the water level of Narmada.
Orsang River: Orsang River originates in Panchmahal district of Gujarat and is one of the major tributaries of Narmada. This river joins Narmada River near Bharuch.
Karjan River: Karjan River passes through Narmada district of Gujarat and joins Narmada. This river is important for irrigation and drinking water supply in its surrounding area.

Interesting Facts About Narmada River

Length and Direction of Narmada: The total length of the river from source to sea is 1312 kilometers (815 miles) while the length up to dam site is 1163 kilometers. (723 miles). The Narmada River is the 5th longest river in India and the longest west-flowing river in the country. It is also the largest flowing river in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Religious and Cultural Importance: Narmada River has immense religious and cultural significance. It is worshipped as a goddess in Hinduism, and there are many pilgrimage sites on its banks, such as Omkareshwar and Maheshwar. Bathing and boating in the waters of the Narmada in the area of marble rocks during Sharad Purnima and Kartik Purnima is considered auspicious. The Narmada River also has immense religious and cultural significance, and is considered as sacred as the Ganges and Saraswati.
Kapildhara Falls: At a distance of 8 km from its origin, the Narmada River falls into a gorge, forming the Kapildhara Falls. It is believed that Kapil Rishi performed penance here.
Important Dams on Narmada: The Narmada Sagar Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam, Indira Sagar Dam, Omkareshwar Dam and Bargi Dam are the major dams built on this river.
Narmada Pradakshina: This is a highly auspicious pilgrimage in which pilgrims travel from one bank of the Narmada River to the other from Bharuch to Amarkantak.

Major Tourist Places Along the River Route

Marble Rocks and Bhedaghat: The Narmada River passes through marble rocks near Jabalpur, forming a stunning canyon. Boating can be enjoyed here at Bhedaghat.
Dhuandhar Falls: The Narmada River falls down a rocky canyon at Bhedaghat near Jabalpur, forming the Dhuandhar Falls. The water falls very rapidly here, creating mist, and the view is extremely picturesque.
Omkareshwar: This is a holy place, famous for the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. It is located on an island in the Narmada River in Khandwa.
Maheshwar Fort: Built by the great Maratha queen Ahilya Devi Holkar, this fort is located in the town of Maheshwar and is a major attraction for history lovers.
Statue of Unity: This 600 feet high statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel located on the banks of Narmada in Gujarat is the tallest statue in the world.

Story of the origin of Narmada

The Narmada River is considered one of the holiest rivers in India. According to the Puranas, Goddess Tapati, the daughter of Sun God and Goddess Chhaya, was reborn as Narmada. According to another legend, Narmada was formed from the sweat that came out of Shiva's penance, so it is also considered to be the daughter of Shiva.

Major cities situated on the banks of the river

Amarkantak: It is the origin place of the Narmada River and is famous as a holy pilgrimage site.
Jabalpur: Located in Madhya Pradesh, this city is situated on the banks of the Narmada River and is famous for its natural beauty and historical significance.
Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad): It is an important cultural and commercial city, known for its temples, ghats and monuments.
Bharuch: This historic city located near the mouth of the Narmada River in Gujarat is famous for its industrial importance and ancient heritage.
Maheshwar: This city is rich in ancient temples, ghats and monuments and has a unique cultural heritage.

The Narmada River is not only important from a religious and cultural point of view, but it also holds an important place in the geography, history and environment of India. The glory of the Narmada River and its contribution can be seen closely by visiting the cities situated on its banks and the sites located on its banks.