Since the very beginning, rivers in India have been worshipped due to the benefits they have provided to humankind. Narmada River is also considered one of the most sacred rivers after Ganga and it is the fifth largest river of the Indian subcontinent. This river holds tremendous geographical, historical and religious significance for India. It separates North India from the Deccan plateau and it is worshipped as a goddess in the country. The Narmada even finds mention in ancient texts.

All of this has given rise to several places of tourist and religious importance on the banks of the river such as Amarkantak, Bhedaghat, Omkareshwar and Maheshwar. Narmada initiates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and goes right into the Arabian Sea. It is believed that if a person takes a dip in the river, he is free from all his sins and attains salvation. Narmada flows towards the west, making way to Mandla and then flowing amidst the silvery marble rocks gorge of Bhedaghat.

Narmada then enters Omkareshwar and Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh, finally entering Gujarat before merging with Gulf of Cambay, Khambat, which is about 50 km on Bharuch’s west.

Narmada has been mentioned in the ancient texts of India and is also one of the most sacred rivers of this country. There are several places along Narmada where people flock due to their religious importance.

Amarkantak

This place lies in Madhya Pradesh and two rivers, Narmada and Sone, initiate from here. This place is considered a pilgrim centre for the Hindus in Central India. Amarkantak is located on the highest hill of this area and tourists get access to a spectacular view from here. It has holy ponds, waterfalls, hills, forests and fresh air, which make it a preferred destination for all those who admire nature and Hindus, who come here for religious significance.

This place is also known as Teerthraj, king of pilgrimage. Several temples situated here include the Guru Gorakhnath Temple, Vangehswar Mahadev Temple, Sri Suryanarayan Temple, Durga Temple, Sidheshwar Mahadev Temple and Sri Radha Krishna Temple.

Bhedaghat

This little town is known for its marble rocks through which the Narmada flows. What makes these rocks so prominent is that they rise over 100 ft on either side of the river. People visit this place for its black and green tones on the banks of the river. On a moonlit night, these rocks present a magical scene.

Omakareshwar

Another place of religious importance on the banks of river Narmada is Omkareshwar. This is where the sisters, Cauvery River and Narmada River meet. This is an island in the shape of an om because of which it is a popular pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Omkareshwar has one of the 12 jyotirlingas of lord Shiva. There are two temples here, Amareshwar and Omkareshwar. Another famous temple here is the Siddhanath Temple.

Maheshwar

Maheshwar is a well-known pilgrimage site. The place is also highly popular for its hand-woven Maheshwari sarees. The town is situated where an ancient city Mahesvari was located. Erstwhile name of Maheshwari is Mahissati.

Maheshwar came under Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar’s rule in the eighteenth century. Maheshwar’s main attraction is a fort. People get to see relics and heirlooms belonging to the Holkar dynasty. People come to Maheshwar not only to visit the fort, also the various temples that are located here. Visitors get fascinated by the doorways that are multi-storied and have hanging balconies at the various temples located here. Maheshwar is also visited for the Rajaraheshwara, Kaleshwara, Ahileshwara and Vithaleshwara temples.