PILGRIMAGE IN MADHYA PRADESH Spiritual Sanctity : Holy Island in Om Shape Most Important Destination : Omkareshwar Town Most Visited : Ramghat on River Mandakini Architecture : Indo Aryan Nagara Style

Kumbh Mela Rural Charms

Khajuraho Temples

Buddhist Pilgrimage

The Pious Heart of India

Madhya Pradesh is a land filled with tranquility. Though in every nook and corner of the state, one can find religious adumbration, yet there are specific places that have emerged as centers of pilgrimage. The most important being the Amarkantak, Orrcha, Omkareshwar and Chitrakoot. Hindu temples dominate the pilgrimage as the highest population here is of the Hindus. However, potentiality of finding Buddhist and Jain pilgrimages in some places is viable. Ujjain which was the commercial capital during the ancient times has turned into an important pilgrimage center.

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.

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.