India's One of the Oldest Ritual Site- Amarkantak

When someone discussed about the rituals and the rituals and ritual site. He or She must be discussed about Amarkantak. Yes it is one of holy and as well oldest pilgrimage site in India. Amarkantak is where the Vindhaya and the Satpura ranges meet. It is a pilgrimage for Hindus as it is the source of the rivers Narmada and Sone. Another important river Johilla, too originates from Amarkantak. In Devanagari: अमरकंटक- The one with the voice of God.  It is also called "Teerthraj" (the king of pilgrimages), 

Amarkantak is situated in Madhya Pradesh in India. Amarkantak is located at 22.67°N 81.75°E. It has an average elevation of 1048 metres (3438 ft). Roads running through Rewa,Shahdol, Anuppur, Jabalpur, Katni and Pendra connect it. The nearest railway stations are Anuppur and Pendra Road (43 km) via keonchi and only 28 k.m. via Jwaleshwar. The nearest Airport is Dumna Jabalpur (Jabalpur Airport in the city of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (240 km). 

Many mythological stories relating to Lord Shiva and his daughter Narmada have been woven around this mystical town of Amarkantak. There are about 12 temples here devoted to Narmada maiyya. The Narmada temple is the most important one, which hasbeen built around the origin point of the river Narmada.

The Bhonsles of Nagpur built this temple. Maharaja Gulab Singh belonging to the Baghel dynasty of Rewa constructed the outer boundary wall of the temple complex. The Kalchuris constructed the Machendranath and the Patleshwar temple at Amarkantak. The Archaelogical Survey of India has declared this group of temples (Karna matha temples) a protected site. A few years ago,an idol was stolen from this protected site, which was recovered later; however, since then, the ASI has shifted the idol from this temple .The religious significance of this town has attracted people from various sects and religions and as a consequence, many ashrams of various sadhu-mahatamas have come up in Amarkantak over the years.

(Sree Jantra Madir)

The forests surrounding Amarkantak are home to various invaluable medicinal plants like brahmi, gulbakawali, safedmusli, kalimusli, tejraj, bhojraj, patalkumhna, kali haldi, devraj, hatahjodi, jatashankari, ashta gandha.

(Gulbakawli)

Lodging at Amarkantak

At Amarkantak there are many dharmsala or sevasram where you can easily stay with a minimum cost. There is Barfani Baba Sevasram just beside the Mata Narmada mandir, where per bed will cost you Rs. 100 per night only. There is also Kalyan Sevasram located near to the new bus stand. There is also Ganga-Rewa dharmsala.

(Kalyan Sevasram- Amarkantak)

(Barfani Ashram)

There is a beautiful resort of MP Tourism at a beautiful situation in Amarkantak. The Resort has both AC and non AC double bed or triple bed rooms. It has a multi cuisine dining hall. Quality of foods are good but totally Veg. Actually Amarkantak is a totally Veg area. In the resort one can also booked a tent too. There is also AC and Non AC tent. But the cost are little bit high.
The Air Cooled Family room will cost Rs. 750 per night and double bed AC room will cost Rs. 950 per night. They also can arranged 1 extra bed for Rs. 150 as per necessity.

More details and booking procedure are available at MP tourism site 
http://www.mptourism.com/accomm/fo.html#AMAR .