Amarkantak is known as the Teerthraj – the king of pilgrimages

Mystic poet, Sant Kabir, is said to have meditated at Kabirchabutra, Amarkantak

The meeting point of Vindhya, Maikal and Satpura ranges

The Narmada, one of the holiest rivers of India, originates here

The forests surrounding Amarkantak contain a rich variety of medicinal plants

AMARKANTAK

Amarkantak is a well frequented Hindu pilgrimage center that is popularly known as “Teerthraj” – “the king of pilgrimages”.

It is the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges, with the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum. The forests surrounding Amarkantak have a rich variety of plants with medicinal properties, which make it extremely significant from an ecological point of view. Amarkantak is draped with lush mango trees and hence it is believed that the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa visited Amarkantak and called it Amrakoot. This can be witnessed at Mai Ki Bagiya, which is a grove of mango and banana trees.

Three rivers – the holy Narmada, the Sone and the Johila emerge here from the womb of Amarkantak. A rising stream of Narmada can be seen at The Narmada Udgam Temple which is the most visited place in Amarkantak. Every year on the occasion of Narmada Jayanti, devotees in abundance gather here to attend the special event.Narmada Udgam temple is surrounded with wonderful natural wonders like Narmada kund, Sonemuda (the source of river Sone), plunging Dugdhara falls and the Kapildhara falls.

The group of ancient temples of the Kalachuri period such as Machhendranath, Pataleshwar and Kailash Narayan, Shri Yantra Mandir, Mrityunjay Ashram, Bhrigu Kamandal are some more places to see in Amarkantak that you can note miss.

At a short distance from Amarkantak is the Kabir Chabutra, where the mystic poet Sant Kabir is said to have meditated and achieved salvation.

The rich natural heritage and spiritual vibes of Amarkantak will fill your heart with happiness and positivity.

Dugdh Dhara Waterfalls

Stream of Milk-

The Dugdh Dhara Falls are located near Amarkantak, within the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. These serene milky white falls gurgle down the rocks, spraying water on the onlookers. For recreation, the tourists can take a dip in the cool and soothing waters of the river, explore the small caves around the falls, with a statue of a sage in meditation or hike from the Kapildhara falls to the Dugdh Dhara Falls for adventure. Food is available on purchase; hence, food hampers are not a necessity. It is advisable to hire a guide or seek help from the locals to explore the area better.

Comparative Analysis

The Kapil Dhara Falls and the Dugdh Dhara Falls are just one kilometer apart. A steep down path leads to Dugdh Dhara from Kapil Dhara. The height of the Dugdh Dhara falls is 10 feet, while Kapil Dhara is higher. The waters of the cascade appear to be of milky white color. Both the falls are originated at the Narmada Kund and the mighty River Narmada plunges down from a great height, gurgling its way through. The location of Dugdh Dhara Falls is set amongst thick forests, towards the western edge of the Amarkantak valley. One can come across several seasonal streams, post the monsoon season around the cascade.

Local Folklore

According to the local tales, backed by Hindu Puranas, Maharishi Durvasa was believed to have meditated by the Dugdh Dhara Falls. At that time, the cascade was named Durvasa Dhara, after the sage. According to another tale, the Holy mother Narmada had made divine presence before the Prince of Rewa in the form of a milk stream, at the current location of Dugdh Dhara. Henceforth, the falls were named Dugdh Dhara Falls i.e. the milk stream. The place attracts many children to the falls, as they can play water games and make a small expedition to the caves around or just encounter the wildlife around at times!

Sight Seeing at Amarkantak

Along with the Dugdh Dhara Falls, the other sightseeing options available at Amarkantak are Kapil Dhara Falls, Mai ki Bagiya, Shri Sarvodaya Digambar Jain Temple, Sonakshi Shaktipeeth Temple, Narmada Kund and temples, Kalachuri temples, Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev and Kabir Chabutra. The hotels available for tourist accommodation at Amarkantak are Holiday Home, Sarvodaya Vishram Griha, Shree Mata Sadan, Sri Ramakrishna Kutir, Sal Valley Resort and Ashish Palace Hotel.

Natural Wonder

The Dugdh Dhara Falls are surrounded by temples and ashrams, rendering a religious feel to the atmosphere around. These falls can be visited throughout the year; however, the River Narmada is full after the rainy season. Nature lovers and photo fanatics can have a close encounter with nature at its best, at the falls. Spending one to two hours in this serene environment is sufficient to cleanse one’s soul. The nearest railway station to Amarkantak is Jabalpur, at a distance of 193 kilometers. Bilaspur is the closest airport to the vicinity, at a distance of 57 kilometers.

Kabir Chabutra, Amarkantak

Located 5 km from Amarkantak, on the way to Bilaspur, Kabir Chabutra is believed by many to be the place that Saint Kabir achieved enlightenment and deliverance. It has since become a revered site for pilgrims from around the world. Kabir Chabutra is also hugely important for pilgrims as it is known to be the site where Saint Kabir and Lord Guru Nanak met and pondered on how to lead better lives.

The chabutra is a small water body, where every morning between 9 am and 10 am, tourists can see white smoke screen spreading over the water. The site is defined by a large banyan tree which is believed to be where Saint Kabir would practice his meditations and also includes a small hut where it was believed that he resided. Located a short distance away from Kabir Chabutra is trekking trail that is quite popular amongst locals and tourists alike as well. 

Narmada Udgam Temple

Amarkantak, a small village is situated in mountain range of Vindhya and Satpura hills from where the river Narmada originates from the hill which is shaped like mouth of a cow.It is said that it was the place of meditation for great saints like Maikaal, Vyas and the sages like Brighu etc.There is no concrete evidence about the construction of Narmada Mandir here, historical evidences shows that it was built by Kadchuli around twelfth century. Narmada Udgam Kund (birth place of Narmada) was built by Rewa Nayak (his idol gives the clue). After so many years,Bhonsle, the king of Nagpur gave the shape to Narmada Mandir, later Maharani Devi Ahilya renovated this temple .A mega complex of temples with idols of gods and goddesses is built around the temple.Idol of a elephant and a horse is placed here on which ,statues of Lakhan and Uddal are placed which are supposed to be damaged during the Aurangjeb period.

Kapildhara Falls | Kpildhara Waterfall-

Kapil Dhara is the first waterfall of the holy Narmada river. It is 6 km away from the holy Narmada Udgam Kund in North-West direction. In this waterfall, the holy Narmada water falls from a height of 100 feet from the hills of Mount Mekal. Kapil Muni’s ashram is near Kapil Dhara. It is said that Kapil Muni did severe penance here and composed the Sankhya philosophy here. This waterfall was named Kapil Dhara after him. Even today, Baba Bairagi meditate in the caves near Kapil Dhara. This place is a very supernatural place in the lap of nature. This place is very beautiful and full of natural beauty. are found in quantity. On going a little below Kapil stream, there is a Doodh-dhara waterfall. The holy Narmada water in the milk-stream appears as white as milk.