Maheshwar - Abode of the Holker Queen
Claimed to be known as Mahishmati in ancient times, this
town in Madhya Pradesh lies on the banks of river Narmada.
This town has special reference in the great epics of
Ramayana and Mahabharata. The reign of Rani Ahilya Bai
of Indore, was the time when this city saw a significant
cultural revival. Today besides being known for their
silk sarees, temples also form a major attraction of
this township. Maheshwar temples and the Rajgaddi and
Rajwada are the two main sites, besides various other,
that attract thousands of tourists every month. Rajgaddi
and Rajwada are the spots from where one should open
the books of Madhya Pradesh history. Various historical
evidences in form of statues are displayed in the fort
that has now been converted into a museum. The statue
of Rani Ahilya Bai and the special exhibit, a small shrine
on a palanquin that is displayed on annual festivals,
are the prime attractions. Temples with intricate carving
on them also arrest the eyes of the viewer. The over
hanging balconies and the huge decorous gateways of the
temples are worth seeing. Kaleshwara, Rajaraheshwara,
Vithaleshwara and Ahileshwara are the most important
temples. One can also enjoy swimming in the Narmada here.
Navdatoli
is an archaeological site that located on the banks of
Narmada. Speculated to be belonging to
the Paleolithic age, there are various pottery and
microliths. The Peshwa, Fanese and Ahilya Ghats on
the Narmada are another attraction of the town.
One can reach this destination with Indore being the
nearest airport. Near railhead too is at Indore which
is very well connected with many cities in the country.
Bus services too are available from the main cities
of Madhya Pradesh.
Lord Rama's Domicile - Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot, in North Vindhayas is a beautiful and sedate
area among the greens and blues of the forest and
splashing waters. Considered to be an important Hindu
pilgrim destination, is also known as the Hill of
many wonders. If you are in search of reclusive bliss,
then this the destination for you. Legends believe
this land to have been a domicile of Lord Rama while
he was serving the 14 years of his exile. The stories
regarding the sanctity of this town revolves around
Lord Rama. However, there are other versions of the
mythological story as well.
Ramghat is the most important pilgrim destination and
Bharat Milap temple on Kamadgiri hill is a base of
several temples. Sati Anusuya, who was a very devoted
wife was alleged that, she, in rage, converted several
gods of the Hindu Pantheon into infants.
There is a boulder here, called the Saphatik Shils,
which is believed to have the impressions of Lord Rama's
feet. The Janaki Kund, is a stretch of river, supposed
to be the favourite bathing spot of Sita. The spot
where Lord Rama created a spring has now been converted
in many temples, and is called as Hanuman Dhara. Kamadgiri,
is a very important pilgrim center and is said be the
original Chitrakoot.
Reaching the town of Chitrakoot is not a difficult
job. The nearest airport is at Khajuraho, which is
very well connected with the major cities in the world.
When travelling by rail, Chitrakoot Dham (11 kilometers)
on the Jhansi- Manikpur line connects Chitrakoot with
major important cities of India. Bus services from
many towns like Jhansi, Satna and Chhatrapur are also
available.
Kumbh Mela of Madhya Pradesh
Amarkantak - Culture and Heritage
Amarkantak besides being a crucial pilgrimage center
is a town rich in unique heritage. Sprawling on the
meeting point of the Vindhayas and Satpura, this destination
is fused with lush green environment and along with
serene streams of flowing water. Being unique heritage
terminal this town is also known as the surprise storehouse
for the tourists. This city is revered not only for
the mythological stories but also for its panoramic
beauty. Narmada Udgam temple is a very pious place
and is regarded as the place where river Narmada descends
from heaven after gaining the permission of Lord Shiva.
This temple is a very important piece of history and
is a very holy site of the Hindus. Ancient remains
of temples can also be found near the Kapildhara and
Dugdhdhara waterfalls. Dhuni Pani is located on the
hills here and the main attraction is the healing hot
water spring, which also creates a holy ambiance. Other
tourist destinations are ancient temples of Kalchuri
period, Kabir chabutra and Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev.
Jabalpur is 245 kms away is the nearest
airhead. Pendra Road (17 kms) though Anuppur (48 kms.)
is more convenient
to reach by trains. Buses from Pendra Road, Bilaspur
and Shahdol are also available.
Omkareshwar - The Emblem
of Holiness
Omkareshwar
This is a very sacred spot of the Hindus, as the this
island in its formation replicates the sign of Hinduism,
that is the Om. This island formed as a valley between
the meeting point of river Narmada and Kaveri. The
presence of the unique Jyotirilingam is also one of
the reason that adds to its sanctity. Thousands of
devotees come from all over the world to pay homage
to the temples situated here. Shri Omkar Mandhata temple
is the sacred temple that houses the unique Jyotirilinga.
Built on the soft stone the sculptures made on the
walls of this temple makes it the most significant
monument of all times. Satmatrika Temple belongs to
the group of temples located 6 kilometers from Omkareshwar.
Belonging to the 10th century they are dedicated to
Lord Shiva. The 24 Avtaar in Omkareshwar, due to its
architectural pattern is considered to be a very extraordinary
destination. Each temple here is distinct from others
in design and style. There are Hindu as well as Jain
temples. Other important temple is the Siddnath Temple
contains the famous frescoes of elephants. When you
are there do not miss to look up at the walls of the
temple where you will find elaborate artistic decorations.
Kajal Rani Cave is another heritage attraction of the
town and is an ideal picnic spot.
One can reach the town of Okareshwar from Indore (72
kms) and has an airport. Omkareshwar Road on the Ratlam-Khandwa
section of the Western Railway is the nearest rail
junction. Regular bus services also connect Omkareswar
to main towns of the state.
Ujjain A Pilgrimage Destination
Ujjain
Ujjain, too with its Bade Ganesh Ji ka Mandir, Harsiddhi
temple and Vikram Kirti Mandir is an ideal destination
for attaining spiritual peace. Linked to the major
cities in the country, Ujjain has an airport and a
full-fledged railway junction. It is also well connected
with various roads form all the major towns and cities
of Madhya Pradesh.
Taj-ul-Masajid Bhopal
Bhopal
This mosque in Bhopal is an important Muslim pilgrim
destination. As the name signifies 'Crown of all Mosques'
is one of the largest mosque in Asia. The construction
of this mosque was started by Begum of Bhol, Sultan
Shah Jahan, but due to lack of money, it was not complete.
However, the construction was resumed and completed
in the year 1971. During the day, this mosque is used
as a 'Madarsah' (Islamic school). It was the earlier
host of the annual three day congregation Alami Tablighi
Ijtima.
Sanchi - The Buddhist Pilgrimage
Sanchi
Sanchi is the only destination for Buddhist pilgrimage
in Madhya Pradesh. The Sanchi Stupa here was built
by Emperor Ashoka, who was a great benefactor of Buddhism.
Thousands of Buddhist from all over the world choose
this destination to pay homage to Lord Buddha, have
been symbolically illustrated. The exquisite cravings
on the stupas portray the various stages of life of
Lord Buddha. Sanchi is 52 kms form Bhopal, which is
easily accessible from the rest of the country. Vidasha
10 kms from Sanchi is the nearest railhead. It is also
connected from the major towns with well-laid roads. |