About the Temple

Amarkantak Shiva temple or Shri Jwaleshwar Temple is nestled in the Anuppur district situated on the Madhya Pradesh – Chattisgarh border. The primary deity is Lord Shiva. Many mythological stories relating to Lord Shiva and his daughter Narmada have been woven around this mystical temple of Amarkantak. The holy rivers Narmada and Sone originate from here.

This Shiva Temple is an ancient temple which is consist of a mandapa and sanctum. The mandapa is supported on pillars and is covered with lateral slabs on either side. There is an image of Lord Ganesha on the sanctum door frame. A Shiva lingam can be seen inside the sanctum.

History

The history about Amarkantak reveals that the region in the earlier days was believed to be known as the Ayodhya, as mentioned in vedas, puranas. There was a ashram of Kapil muni and rishi Markand.

According to the legend, pandavas had spent their years of exile here. region was later in the 15th century was handed over Baghelas and in 1808, the bhosle of Nagpur ruled out the region.

In the hindu mythology, Narmada is one of the seven sacred rivers of India. Pilgrims bathe in its holy water to wash away their sins. Legend has it that once in a year, the Goddess Ganga comes to meet Narmada and to take a holy dip into its water at the place of its origin.

According to one story, when Lord Shiva destroyed Tripura by fire, the ashes fell on Amarkantak, which turned into thousands of shiva lingas. Since, then it is believed that whoever dies here is given a place in heaven.

Near By Attractions

There are many nearby ancient temples of kalachuri period. They all were build by kalachuri maharaj Karnadeva(1042-1072 AD)

Famous Pataleshwar Temple:

Festivals and Celebrations

The temple celebrates 'Narmada Jayanti' every year around Makar Sankranti, when the entire complex is decorated with flowers and lights and a grand arti take place in evening on the bank of Narmada River. Pilgrims in large number gather here to celebrate the day with great favors.

Other than this, the temple also celebrates Deepawali, Mahashivratri and Holi with great zeal.

How to reach

By Road: Amarkantak is connected by buses to Jabalpur (245 km), Rewa (261 km) and Shahdol (67 km). Taxi can be hired from Anuppur.

By Train: The nearest railway stations are Anuppur, Pendra Road and Jwaleshwar.

By Air: The nearest airport is Dumna Jabalpur Airport in the city of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (240 km)