Five For countless ages, the sacred Narmada, flowing in her river form, has served as a wellspring of deep spiritual encounters; individuals from all walks of life, including sages, have journeyed to her waters in search of the spiritual growth she bestows upon her devotees. This phenomenon is not exclusive to humans; the scriptures illustrate numerous instances where various animals have formed a connection with her. While Narmada unfolds across numerous pages, the contributions of Swami Jayramdas in this book, which compellingly consolidates many traditional offerings into a single volume, are indeed timely and much needed. Before delving into the original material of the book, I would like to explore the river's current condition and the status it has been accorded in various Hindu shastras.
From the very beginnings of human civilization and the emergence of Religious and historical literacy, the revered River Narmada has been celebrated through rituals of devotion and circumambulation in India. The River Narmada is of immense spiritual importance to countless individuals, who hold the belief that immersing themselves in its sacred waters can purify their sins and draw them nearer to the salvation. The divine river Narmada and her banks are adorned by the multitude of temples (Teerthas) and shrines that line its banks, drawing pilgrims from distant lands since ancient ages. According to the ancient Indian shastras, there exists a profound act regarded as one of the holiest endeavors one can undertake the circumnavigation of the revered Narmada River. The circumnavigation, often referred to as parikrama, entails traversing the full length of the Narmada River along both banks, covering a distance of over 3, 000 kilometers. This revered journey is to cleanse the spirit and bestow blessings upon those who embark on it. In my experience, (after completing two parikrama on foot) it can lead to profound spiritual growth and enhance one's connection with the divine.
This significant practice not only functions as an essential part of sadhana, but also reflects the deep historical importance attributed to these teerthas, or pilgrimage sites, within Hindu Sanatana tradition, where various deities are honored for their blessings upon them. These sacred pilgrimage sites, formed through countless religious endeavors and spiritual practices by a multitude of revered individuals across various epochs, embody the essence of the ancient tradition of parikrama. The act of visiting these sacred teerthas during the parikrama is what gave rise to this profound practice.
Various picturesque landscapes, lively trade routes, thriving agriculture, lush forests, and the remnants of long-gone civilizations are interwoven throughout the narrative of divine Narmada. As one travel down the riverbanks from one age to another, the story reveals the complex interplay between the land's geography and the dynamic human spirit. The sacred river Narmada has observed the ascension and decline of empires, the emergence of legends, and the peaceful coexistence of various cultures along its banks. The waters have satisfied the thirst of innumerable generations, and its grand presence continues to evoke admiration and respect. As time flows endlessly, the story of Narmada stands as a lasting testament to the profound connection between humanity and the divine. The powerful Narmada flows with the narratives of civilization and the captivating legends of divine deities, embodying the essence of the life that once flourished in the sacred land of India. On the peaceful banks of the Narmada River, one could observe the gentle ebb and flow of tranquility, a scene that held an otherworldly charm reminiscent of the soft strokes of an artist's brush. This revered river, with its deep waters and steady flow, has long been a refuge for numerous sages, esteemed Rishis, and enlightened saints who sought peace and wisdom within the expansive spiritual realm of India. It is uncommon for a discussion on religion to overlook the renowned Narmada.
The magnificent Narmada River runs majestically across the middle of India, surrounded by verdant scenery. Rising elegantly from the center of Amarkantak a place situated in the state Madhya Pradesh bordering another state Chattishgarh, a grand flat-topped hill stands proudly as the eastern end of a magnificent range that extends through the heart of India, reaching from the eastern limits to the western skies.
Mrtyu Narmada.
The One who never dies.
This Narmada Puran is a part of a greater Puran, the Skanda Puran.
Section III called Reva khand.
Markendeya Rishi recalls the annihilation of the Universe during 7 kalpas (cycles).
When all was destroyed, he saw a young woman of comely appearance in the middle of the river. She was dark in complexion like the petals of a blue Lotus.
She shone remarkably like Molten Gold.
She said I am the destroying meritorious River, well known by the Name Amrta.
I have originated from the Limbs of Ishwar. "Rudra dehayai Vidmahe."
All questioned who she was. Manu replied:
She is indeed Amrta Sambhava, the origin of Nectar. She wanders in the vast like expanse of Water.
The Lord had climbed the mountain Rksasaila.
He was invisible to All living Beings.
While in penance, perspiration issued forth which flooded that mountain. From a drop of sweat was born that excellent River, the young Kanya Narmada.
She became the Dakshina Ganga taking it's source in the Amarkantak hills.
The Destroyer of great sins.
She had several epithets.
Narma humour+da giver.
The one who never dies.
Trikuti, Mahati, Sona, Surasa, Krpa, Mandakini.
Reva reverberating all the quarters with the sound Rawa while flowing.
Vipapa remover of sins.
Vipasa remover of the bond of samsara. Vimala, Kara bha, Ranjana, Vayu vahini.
The Narmada puran narrates the greatness of that River, who is more a Goddess than a stream, full of beauty and Grace, bestowing all types of Blessings to the World.
The people of North India only revere the Ganga as the sole holy River of India.
It has to be corrected.
Narmada is the most Ancient River of India full of mythology and mystaries.
The only River of India whose Parikrama (circumbulation) is being performed, from one bank to the other. A distance of more than 3000 km.
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