Amarkantak Temple
Wrapped in the exquisiteness of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, the glorious Amarkantak is one of the most famous pilgrim hubs in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This heavenly destination is well-known as the origin of two great and renowned rivers, the Narmada and the Sone that unleash several stories about the history of Amarkantak. Located at a height of 1065 meters in the central Indian region, this legendary town is of great importance and is known as Theertharaja meaning the King of pilgrim sites. It also holds a very important place in the success of Madhya Pradesh Tourism.
Amarkantak in Sanskrit means the 'eternal source,' which is significantly linked with the sacred river Narmada, one of the most sacred and unique rivers of India. This place is visited by a large number of people every year including religious as well as nature-loving tourists, who love to explore the uniqueness of the place.
Some people believe that the famous Sanskrit poet Kalidas named the place 'Amrakoot', as there are a lot of mangoes (Amra) trees in the town and so the place became 'Amarkoot'.
History of Amarkantak Temple
Amarkantak, a tranquil town in Madhya Pradesh, India, is widely regarded as a significant pilgrimage destination due to its deep spiritual and historical significance. Known as 'Teerthraj' (the king of pilgrimages), Amarkantak is particularly famous for the Narmadakund and its surrounding temples.
Amarkantak's history as a pilgrimage spot is as ancient as the river Narmada itself. The Narmada is one of India's holiest rivers, and it originates from the Narmadakund at Amarkantak. This town is nestled in the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Mountain Ranges, with the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum.
According to Hindu mythology, the Narmada is deemed as one of the seven holy rivers that can absolve one's sins. It is also believed that one's pilgrimage to the four Dhams is not complete without a visit to Amarkantak. The myriad of temples around the Narmadakund, which are believed to have been constructed by the rulers of the Kalachuri Dynasty during the 10th-11th century AD, add to its religious allure.
Architecture of Amarkantak Temple
Shri Amareshwar Temple is a Hindu temple located on the border of Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh State near Amarkantak. Situated near Jwaleshwar Temple, it is one of the holy places to visit near Amarkantak.
Situated between Pendra Road and Amarkantak, Amareshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction of the temple was started in 2009 and is still going on. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple house 11 feet high and 51-ton weight Shiva Lingam.
It is said that the Shivalingam was brought here from Omkareshwar and Jalhari from Katni. The unique attraction of this place is that devotees have to climb stairs inside the temple to do Jalabhishekam for the gigantic Shivalinga. There is a big statue/idol of Nandi outside.
The temple houses replicas of all the 12 Jyotirlingas that are spread all over India. They are also making an individual temple dedicated to Nava Durgas on the first floor. The road from Amarkantak is going through a thick jungle and has very scenic views. The whole area around the temple radiates a feeling of peace and serenity that can usually only be felt in very few locations.