Narmada Parikrama

January 2009

NFF-01

Last edited 25-04-09

Narmada Parikrama (Circumambulation) Narmada is worshiped as a river deity by Indians throughout the country but it has a very special place in the hearts of people inhabiting Central India. Narmada is perhaps the only river in the world which is circumambulated in her entire length of 1312 Km. This circumambulation is called Narmada Parikrama. It is a special kind of river pilgrimage popular in Central India. The age old tradition of Narmada Parikrama involves walking alongside the river Narmada from her origin at Amarkantak to the sea, crossing to the other side, and then walking back to its origin. The total journey in a properly done Parikrama involves a riverside walking of at least 2624 K.m. in a period of 3 years, 3 months and 13 days.

Indian culture and rituals. A devotee who undertakes a Parikrama is called a Parikramawasi or Parkammawasi in local dialects. More often than not, small groups of Parkammavasi can be seen carrying their belongings with them while traveling along Narmada.Narmada Parikrama is also a cultural and traditional manifestation of devotion to Narmada. Parikrama is a not a picnic or recreation, it is an adventurous spiritual journey around the sacred river through hills, dense

Narmada is the perpetual flow of religious traditions and spiritual consciousness in the heart of India. This great river, historically much older than even the great Ganges, is also the hub of Parkammawasi near Bandrabhan, Hoshangabad

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Nemawar

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Punasa Dam Omkareshwar Maheshwar

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forests, gorges, ravines, rocky patches, caves, plateaus and plains. It is a religious trekking involving visits to temples, ghats, shrines and villages. It is a form of tapasya to please the Maa Narmada who takes cares and looks after the hardships and needs of all those who undertake the Parikrama. Narmada is not just a river to Parkammawasis. She is a living deity to them with whom they interact and communicate at mental and spiritual level.

It is not difficult to understand why thousands of people undertake this painstaking journey around Narmada every year. It was believed in ancient Hindu traditions that walking around sources of positive energy would charge one with the same positive energy. Therefore a ritual of doing a Parikrama or Pradakshina - walking around in a clockwise circle around temples, deities, holy mountains, holy lakes, sacred groves, saints and gurus etc. was devised and made an integral part of our culture. Many rivers are worshiped in India as deities but tradition of a Parikrama or complete circumambulation around a river is prevalent only for Narmada. Narmada Parikrama is believed to grant boons to grihastahs, siddhis to sanyasis, peace to troubled souls, worldly possessions to common people and happiness to all 'Narm-da' - means one that provides happiness and joy.

Many people claim that the energy levels on the banks of Narmada are very high. People doing Narmada Parikrama also claim that their lives have seen dramatic changes during and after the Parikrama. It is believed that wishes of a Parikramawasi on the banks of Narmada are fulfilled and all their hopes come true. A person having completed Parikrma has a special respect and honour in the eyes of Narmada devotees.

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Narmada as and when desired. This kind of Parikrama is popular among tourists.

Types of Narmada Parikrama Several variants of Narmada Parikrama have developed over the years. A brief description is as follows:

Dandwat Parikrama This is one of the difficult forms of parikrama invoving at least 1000 Bhumi Namaskaar (Saluting the mother earth in Dandwat -lying face down prostrate on ground - in reverence and humility) every day. This is quite testing one and not very common. Very few people dare this form of Parikrama.

Mundmal Parikrama This is the most popular form of Narmada Parikrama. It derives its name from 'a garland' as it involves a garlanding journey around Narmada. Generally commences either at Amarkantak (the source of Narmada) or at Omkareshwar and after a complete circumambulation, keeping Narmada to one's right hand side (Pradakshina) comes to finish at the point of start. This Parikrama is an on-foot march involving a riverside walking of at least 2624 K.m. in a period of 3 years, 3 months and 13 days. Usually people do this Parikrama in small groups.

Markandeya Parikrama It is the most extensive and time-taking form of Narmada Parikrama involving a circumambulation not only around Narmada but also around her tributaries. It owes its name to Markandeya- the ancient hermit who spent his life near Narmada. Narmada basin, one should note, is an elongated strip of land in central India. There are 41 major tributaries of Narmada of which 19 join her on right or northern bank whereas 22 join her on the left or southern bank. Walking and worshiping around Narmada covering these tributaries can be termed as Markandeya Parikrama.

Jalahari Parikrama This form of Parikrama derives its name from Jalahari, the yoni shaped seat of Shiva Linga which makes a double channel around the Linga .It is a journey along both the banks of Narmada never crossing her. It involves to and fro journey on both the sides of the river. A parikramawasi traverses same bank of Narmada twice which amounts to double the journey compared to Mundmal Parikrama. It does not involve crossing of Narmada at the gulf of Cambey or Amarkantak.

Vayu Parikrama This can not be actually called a Prikrama in real sense but a mention of this event is necessary for its historical significance. Sri Anil Madhav Dave, a senior politician by profession but an amateur pilot has undertaken the first ever Vayu Parikrama (air-circumambulation) of Narmada in 2006. Sri Dave, who is an ardent Narmada devotee, undertook this pioneering parikrama to lay foundation of a massive movement for

Hanumat Parikrama This form of Parikrama derives its name from Hanuman, the monkey god. It is a kind of jumping parikrama in which one can cross

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Narmada Conservation. Though not prevalent currently, possibilities of such Vayu Parikrama of Narmada can not be ruled out in near future.

expected to turn into an ascetic and conduct himself in a pure and very dignified manner. Swami Omkaranad Saraswati of Hoshangabad has mentioned certain traditional rules to be followed during the Parikrama. There have been some additions to the list from time to time. These traditionally accepted rules can be summarised as follows:

Narmada Jal Yatra (Narmada Voyage) Flowing with Narmada is an experience in itself but on account of the rugged terrain including hills, forests, falls and rift valley a complete voyage along the entire length of Narmada was never contemplated. The Imperial Gazetteer of India mentions a maiden attempt of navigation by a British officer but he had to abandon his journey due to several difficulties. Sri Anil Madhav Dave, after his Vayu Parikrama (aircircumambulation) of Narmada in 2006, completed the first ever voyage on a raft along the entire length of Narmada from Amarkantak to Bharuch. This adventurous journey was undertaken to understand various facets of Narmada, from creation to cremation. Though not prevalent now but possibilities of a complete river voyage of this kind on Narmada can not be ruled out in near future.

1. The Parikrama can be started from any point along the banks of Narmada to return to the same point after complete circumambulation. Traditionally Omkareshwar and Amarkantak have become two more popular places to commence the Parikrama. One should keep Narmada to his right side while moving along the river. (Sri J.P. Purohit from Omkareshwar has intimated that it is advisable for a Parikramawasi to obtain a Certificate for Narmada Parikrama from the Nagar Pachayat Omkareshwar before starting the journey. It is helpul in several ways to prove identity as a genuine Parikramawasi on several occasions.) 2. Before commencing, one should worship Narmada and take a resolution for completing the Parikrama by arranging a special prayer known as 'Mai ki Kadahi' (meaning mother's cooking pan) involving cooking of Halwa, a traditional sweet dish, offering it to the deity Maa Narmada and distribute it as Prasad among young girls, saints, priests and guests.

Narmada Samagra Voyage, 2007

3. A Parikramawasi should shave the head and beard before starting the Parikram and should not shave or cut nails till the Parikrama is complete)

Rules for Narmada Parikrama As already mentioned, Parikrama is a form of worship and not a recreation. Narmada becomes the presiding deity to a Parikramawasi who is

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4. The Parikramawasi should salute and worship Narmada twice a day. Sometimes the Parikrama route takes one away from the shore of Narmada because of geographical conditions. In that case one should carry Narmada water in a pot or a bottle and offer prayers to it. 5. One should not use soap oils or purfumes for a ,bath or for washing clothes in the waters of Narmada. One should use the clean soil on the banks of Narmada for cleaning and washing purposes during the Parikrama. Spitting or any other act of disrespect towards Narmada is also not expected. 6. A P a r i k r a m a w a s i s h o u l d f o l l o w bramhacharya (celibacy) and remain like a Vanprasthi (Forest dwelling asectic phase of life as per old Ashram system in Hindu philosophy) during the Parikrama. One should abstain from lies and wrong deeds, stay quiet, should not criticize others, and behave with an attitude of humility towards all during the Parikrama. 7. A Parikramawasi should walk on the banks of Narmada, should never cross her, should not even go to islands in Narmada. However the tributaries can be crossed once as it becomes inevitable. 8. During the Parikrama, one should remain within 5 miles from the river on the southern banks and within a distance of 7.5 miles from the river on the northern banks. 9. A Parikramavasi should walk barefoot, eat whatever food is offered to him by temples,

shrines and charitable social institutions, drink Narmada water and sleep wherever he can find shelter. During the Parikrama one should carry little money and few utensils, accept whatever food, money or clothes are offered to him without a sense of greed. During the Parikrama one should not accept any donation or charity for hoarding. 10. Narmada Parikrama is prohibited during Chaturmasa (Four months of rainy season). 11. It is suggested that a Parikrawasi should collect Narmada water in a suitable container from wherever he begins the Parikrama. This water should be offered at Mai Ki Bagiya in Amarkantak and fresh water collected from there, should be then offered at Rewa Sangam, The same process is repeated at Rewa Sangam where fresh water is again collected which, after completing the Parikrama should be offered at the Temple of Omkareshwar. 12. After completing the Parikrama, one should visit Omkareshwar, worship and offer Abhishek to God Shiva and again arrange for 'Mai ki Kadahi' as done in the begining of the Parikrama Smaller Panchkoshi Parikrama Apart from the complete circumambulation of Narmada, several smaller Parikramas known as 'Panchkoshi Parikrama' are also regularly organised in certain segments of Narmada between Bandrabhan in Hoshangabad district and Hiranfall in Barwani district These Panchkoshi Parikramas are in smaller circuits

and culminate at the point of commencement after a journey of 5 days. These Parikramas being simpler and less time taking, are more suitable for families and old people. These Panchkoshi Parikramas are organised as annual features according to Hindu Calander and Panchang. The schedule of Parikrama is published in Lala Ramswaroop Ramnarayan Panchang, Jabalpur and Tirupati Balaji Panchang, Ujjain. Given below is the schedule for Narmada Parikrama for the year 2009.

It is to be noted that we have been able to get information of Panchkoshi Narmada Parikrama between Hoshangabad and Barwani only. A still smaller version of Narmada Parikrama is being organised in Jabalpur on the occasion of Narmada Jayanti from Lamheta Ghat toBhedaghat and back for last 2-3 years. Whether similar Parikramas on smaller scale are organised in Maharashtra or Gujarat, is not in our knowledge.

Panchkoshi Narmada Parikrama : Schedule 2009 Date/Period Place

The Author

22-26 Jan. 09

Bandrabhan (Hoshangabad)

2-5 Feb. 09

Shivpur Bhiladiya (Seoni Malwa)

20-24 Feb. 09

Nabhikund (Nemawar)

22-26 Mar. 09

Balagaon, Katargaon

5-9 Apr. 09

Maheshwar (Khargone)

21-25 Apr. 09

Navada Todi (Khargone)

5-9 May 09

Gondagaon, Timurni (Harda)

20-24 May 09

Vindhyawasini,Salkanpur(Sehore)

3-7 Jun. 09

Dharampuri,Bilvamriteshwar(Dhar)

14-18 Sep 09

Narmadeshwar (Punasa)

30 Sep-4 Oct 09

Sitamata, Dharaji (Pipari-Bagli)

14-18 Oct 09

Gomukh, Omkareshwar

29 Oct-2 Nov 09

Narmada Omkar Mandhata

12-16 Nov. 09

Bara Barda, Bakaner

28 Nov-2 Dec.09

Koteshwar (Nisarpur)

Swami Anand Giri ji Maharaj Swami Anand Giri ji Maharaj is a Sanyasi and a wellqualified Yogacharya. He is associated with 'Math Baghambari Gaddi' and 'Bade Hanumaan Temple, Prayag located at the world famous Triveni- the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Very well versed in Sanskrit Grammer, Ayurveda & Vedic Philosophies, Swami ji is a strong proponent of Indian culture, values, morals & ethics. During his travel in the Himalayas, Swamiji performed severe austerities in the caves of Kedarnath for the realisation of self and has acquired several uncommon capabalities. Widely travelled in India and abroad, Swamiji is a voracious reader and a prolific writer on subjects related to mythology and Yoga. A young and energetic person, Swami Anand Giri ji is also championing the cause of Environment conservation. Striving for control of pollution in Ganga through mass mobilization, he is the Chief Patron of a monthly environmental magazineGlobal Green, published from NOIDA. He has written this fact file on our request for the benefit of Narmada devotees and Parikramawasis. For more information visit : www.anandgiriyoga.com Mobile : 093351-24141, e-mail : anand_giri@[email protected]

References Bharti Ravindra (2008). Shaiv Prawasi Sampradaya ke Tatwavadhan mein Narmadanchal ki Vibhinna Panchkoshi parikramayain (Between Bandrabhan and Hiranfall) Brhamchari, Prabhudatt (1980), Narmada Darshan, Sankirtan Bhawan, Pratisthanpur, Allahabad. (Travelogue of a motor circumambulation-Vahan Parikrama around Narmada by a noted saint of NorthernIindia.)

Chaubey, Suresh (2009) Personal Communication Chauhan, Dilip Singh (2009) Panchkoshi Parikrama, Kyon aur Kaise? Dubey, Dayashankar (1934), Narmada Rahasya. Dharmgranthwali Prakashan, Daraganj, Prayag. (Contains point to point detailed description of Narmada Parikrama with maps. Fairly obsolete but useful for historical perspective) Dave, Anil Madhav (2006), Amarkantak se Amarkantak tak. Panchwati, Bhopal. (Travelogue of first ever air circumambulation -Vayu Parikrama around Narmada) Dwivedi, A. P. (1987), Sanskrit Srotaswini Narmada. Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Academy, Bhopal. (A rare book on Culture and History of Narmada) Giri, Omkaranand (Samvat 2039), Sri Narmada Pradakshina. Narmada Satsang Bhawan, Hoshangabad. (Contains detailed description of history and procedure of Narmada Parikrama with maps. Somewhat obsolete but useful for historical perspective)

Negi, Jagdish (2009) Personal Communication Prasad, Dharmenra (1990, Second Ed, 2008), Narmada ki Kahani. Narmada Conservation Initiative, Indore. (Gives a passing reference to Narmada Parikrama while describing cultural traditions in Narmada valley)

Purohit J.P. (2009) Personal Communication Rangnekar Piyush (2009) Personal Communication Srivastava, Pankaj (2007), Jungle Rahe Taki Narmada Bahe. Narmada Conservation Initiative, Indore. (Contains description of first ever complete river voyage on motorized raft in Narmada.) Vegad, Amritlal (2003), Soundarya ki Nadi Narmada. Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Academy, Bhopal. (An award wining unique travelogue of a on foot circumambulation-the actual Parikrama around Narmada by a noted artist-author.) Vegad, Amritlal (2005), Amritasya Narmada. Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Academy, Bhopal. (Sequel of the award wining unique travelogue Soundarya ki Nadi Narmada by a Sri Vegad.)

Disclaimer: The above description is based on published literature or individual opinions. NCI may not necessarily share the views expressed here. Please report any discrepancies if observed. We would be pleased to correct ourselves.