Saturday, July 19, 2008

Narmada Parikrama

Narmade Har!

Narmada is the daughter of Har or Shiva. Those who live on the banks of Narmada salute each other with a warm Narmade Har. Many are unaware of Narmada and the tradition of Narmada Parikrama. I have completed the Narmada Parikrama and am writing this blog to help those who may wish to undertake this difficult spiritual journey or may wish to know more about it.

Most of us Hindus know that Shiv has two sons: Kartikeya and Ganapati. But how many of us hindus know the name of Shiv’s daughter?

Her name is Narmada. Narmada was born out of Shiv’s sweat, she is Shivsutaa and Jatashankari,; she is Mekalsuta – the daughter of Mount Mekal where Amarkantak is situated, and she is Reva, the ever playful. She is believed to be the first river to manifest in this creation. She is immortal; the immortal sage Markandeya explains to Yudhishthir in Narmada Purana how he had seen Narmada survive various kalps – creations. One name of Narmada is ‘immortal’ : Na-mruta tena narmada.

Unlike Ganapati and Skanda who did not manifest in any physical form in this mortal world where we live, Narmada manifested as a river to bring salvation to millions through her very sight and touch. So pure is Narmada that even Ganga bathes in her waters to wash off the sins which she takes on from her devotees.

Today she flows from Amarkantak to the Arabian sea, covering an distance of approximately 1400 Km through hilly tracks, dense jungles, flat plains to meet the the Arabian sea in Gujarat. But talk to any Sadhak or sadhu on the banks of Narmada about Narabda Maiya and immediately one realizes that it is a big mistake to think of her as just a river. She is the unbroken stream of Divine Consciousness which has continued to flow through several creations. Swami Shukdevanand of Sriyantra Mandir in Amarkantak described her to me as the presiding deity of Srividya. Pathakji, a senior journalist in Jabalpur had mentioned to me that Narmada was the presiding deity at the Temple of Yoginis at Bhedaghat. The siddhas on the banks of Narmada say that she is a living deity. In my own experience the energy levels on the banks of Narmada are amazingly high. Whatever is aspired for on her banks manifests, whether spiritual or worldly aspirations. I met several people doing Narmada parikrama who reaffirmed this.

Since time immemorial there has been a tradition of doing a Parikrama of Narmada – walking alongside it from its source to the sea, crossing to the other side, and then walking back to its origin. A devotee who undertakes a Parikrama is called a Parikramavasi or Parkammavasi in local lingo. To a Parikramavasi Narmada is Mother Divine whose parikrama has ceaselessly granted siddhis and boons to all ascetics, men of the world who have taken refuge in her folds- kings, queens, tapaswis, sanyasis, sadhaks, ordinary men. She is the Mother who cares for and looks after the hardships and needs of all those who undertake the parikrama.

I had been wanting to do a parikrama of Narmada for years, and my dream came true at last in February 2008 when I set out on Narmada Parikrama.

Why do a Narmada Parikrama? The ancient Hindu knew that walking around sources of positive energy would charge one with the same positive energy. So they devised the system of doing a Parikrama - walking around in a clockwise circle – of their elders, gurus, saints, temples, deities, holy sites like holy hills, holy lakes, and even entire area or a city. But although Indian rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri, Godavari, and Narmada, to name a few, are revered and worshipped by them, they do not go around any river except Ma Narmada. Is it Narmada Parikrama or Narmada Pradakshina? It makes no difference. In essence both mean the same. A Parikrama is done while walking clockwise while keeping the deity to the right, and a Pradakshina means walking with the deity to the Dakshin – Right side.

RULES OF NARMADA PARIKRAMA
A parikramavasi turns into an ascetic who conducts himself in a very dignified manner. The Parikramavasi follows certain rules which I have listed below:
  1. To a Parikramawasi Narmada becomes the presiding deity. The Parikamawasi salutes and worships her twice a day. Sometimes the parikrama route takes one away from the shore of Narmada because of geographical conditions. In that case carry a bottle of Narmada water and offer prayers to it.
  2. A Parikrama can be started from any point along the banks of Narmada. The whole idea is to return to that point and complete the Parikrama.
  3. A Parikravasi walks alongside the Narmada, cannot cross the Narmada, cannot enter more than knee-deep water for a bath, should not dance or swim in its waters.
  4. A Parikramawasi shaves the head and beard before undertaking the Parikrama and does not shave till the Parikrama is complete, does not use soap in the waters of Narmada for a bath or for washing clothes, does not spit in Narmada or do an act of disrespect towards Narmada.
  5. A Parikramawasi follows bramhacharya (celibacy) during the Parikrama, abstains from lies and wrong deeds, stays quiet, does not criticize others, and behaves with humility and gently with all.
  6. For all his needs, including food and shelter, the Parikravasi depends on temples, ashrams, sadhus and people who live on the banks of Narmada. A Parikramavasi walks barefoot, eats whatever food is offered to him, drinks Narmada water, sleeps wherever he can find shelter, carries little money, accepts whatever food or money or clothes are offered to him without a sense of greed or hoarding.
  7. A Parikrawasi collects Narmada water in a suitable container (I used a plastic 500 ml bottle) from wherever he begins the parikrama. This water is offered at Mai Ki Bagiya in Amarkantak and fresh water is collected from there, which is then offered at Reva Sangam, from where fresh water is again collected which, after completing the Parikrama is offered at the Temple of Omkareshwar.
  8. Offer special prayers at the following places: a. Place of beginning e.g. Omkareshwar. b. RevaSangam, where Narmada meets the Arabian Sea. c. Mai Ki Bagia in Amarkantak, the original birth spot of Ma Narmada. d. Omkareshwar again.

In moments of distress like getting lost in a forest or being confronted by a dangerous situation, just call the Maiya and she responds! She manifests in some form physical form or the other like an old woman, a young girl, as a small child, or in any other form and guides and helps. There are innumerable stories about it which one gets to hear during the parikrama, and I too can vouch for it from several personal experiences.

My Parikrama

I had followed an ancient tradition of starting the Parikrama from the temple of 24 Avatars on the Northern Banks of Omkareshwar and walked eastward towards Amarkantak. (Now I realize that after the original 24 Avatar temple spot went underwater, thanks to a dam that has come up just before Omkareshwar, it is better to follow the modern tradition followed widely – start from Gaughat on Omkareshwar’s Southern bank and walk westward towards the sea.)

To be continued...

31 comments:

Ketaki Akade said...

Hey can you please please post more on this?? Please tell your experiences and all!

Unknown said...

Nice info...I will be visiting Omkareshwar in January.

Maneesh
Admirableindia.com

Narmada Conservation Initiative said...

Dear Sri Naik,
It was nice to see your write up on Parikrama. Expecting your own experiences to be posted in future.
Pankaj Srivastava, Indore

On the Road said...

Can u give a break up of the route? Am planning to do it & am researching the topic. I plan to start from Amarkantak.

Narmada Conservation Initiative said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Narmada Conservation Initiative said...

Narmada Conservation initiative, Indore (A non profit registered voluntary body)has been running awareness campaign for conservation of natural resources in Narmada Basin. We have published a few books related to Narmada which also contain some info on Narmada Parikrama. We can certainly help you to the possible extent by introducing you to suitable people and useful literature on Narmada Parikrama.

Sudha Srivastava
Contact us at: narmadainitiative@gmail.com

miaw said...

interesting, very intersting!
Please do continue, I am waiting for the rest.
Are there people who help one do this parikrama? like a guide perhaps?What is the kind of physical fitness level required?

Dilip Shinde said...

About 19 years ago when I was of 25 years.With full of renunciation in my heart,I left home quietly towards the mission of Narmada Parikrama.My grandmother was told me the stories of maata Narmada when I was that much little to sleep on her thighs.I did not obeyed any rule or discipline of parikrama.I am still confused how I completed this hard task!I walked hard 20 to 30 KM.per day but it is difficult to remember that I slept hungry someday.Many jungles,mountains,deserts,cultures and thousands of verities of peoples I met.I enjoyed "Hari gun gaay ke maang ke khay ke jodke dono haath" I don't know why I walked on the path of parikrama but it was my destiny!I learned through this entire journey that,Life is to live !It is worthless and if you are pure,neat and clean for inner and outer,there is no any power that can destroy you.Mother Narmada Teach me the survival and the truth of life!

Unknown said...

Om Namah Shivaya !!! Blessed are you by mother Narmada that your doing the parikrama ...may you find your inner self...and reach where you have thought to....waiting for your personal experiences.

Deep

Unknown said...

Recently i read a book of Mr.Jagannath Kunte, a person who completed pradakshina 4 times.
That was so amazing and i could find every small information.
Name of the book was 'Narmade har har'.

shripad pathak said...

narmade har
I had travel parikrama in 2007/08 without wearing footwear and through shulpaneshwar with total vrata in 108 days from mortakka to mortakka. It is only experience of my life which non comerative with any experience of my life. Me and my friends had began KHAND PARIKRAMA in 2008 dashahara.first part from omkareshwar to shalivahaneshwar is over. Now second part from shalivahaneshwar/navadi tauda to shulpaneshwar/gujarat will be on dashahara 1st october 2009 about 15 days. Any one want to join us pls mail me on shripad9965@gmail.com

Suhas Limaye said...

I am happy to read your blog Narmada Parikrama.
I am particularly happy because I could meet good number of people who are interested in knowing about Narmada Parikrama.
In fact this not the place to blow ones own trumpet. However, for sake of those who are interested in knowing more about Narmada Parikrama they may read my book on Narmada Parikrama viz. Narmade Har| Har Narmade Har. This book is based on my experiences about Narmada Parikrama performed by the grace of Narmada mai during December 2001 to April 2002 in 123 days. 2nd edition of this is in the market.
Suhas Limaye

Kuheli said...

HAR NARMADE HAR !

Good article on Parikrama. Some years back I read one book named "TAPOBHUMI NARMADA" by Sri Shailendra Narayan Ghosal Shashtri. It was awesome experience for me while reading this book. Any person who doesn't beleive on GOD will get started to beleive without keeping ant doubt in any corner of his mind.

Har Narmade Har !!

Abhijit Dharmadhikari said...

Thanks for writing this post. It's very interesting!

Abhijit Dharmadhikari said...

May I have Mr. Suhas Limaye's email id? I want to contact him.

My email ID is abhijitbabuATgmail.com
Replace AT by @

Thanks.

D said...

Naik Sir,
It has indeed been a pleasure to go through your blog.
I am very sure that your blog has paved a holistic way for me on my way to Narmadaji.

I read 'Narmada Hara-hara' by Hon. Eknath Kunteji and was highly motivated since then.
Though I am doing the 'Pradakshana' for just 20 days this time, I am positively planning for a long term one.
Warm Regards,
Durga.

Sunil Hariyani said...

NAMASTE SHRI NAIKJI,
ENJOYED READING ABOUT NARMADAJI'S PARIKRAMA.CAN I HAVE A MAP OF NARMADAJI'S PARIKRAMA.I WOULD PREFER TO DO IT ON MY MOTORCYCLE.

Unknown said...

Really interesting! But how come you are referring to merry mobikers' club ? You are a pioneer so far establishment of the MMC is concerned but at the same time you are also responsible for converting simple, studious guys into "long distance riders" and in the process distancing them from there near and dear ones at least for 20-30 days in a year. Aren't you?
But all said and done, there may be very few lucky ones leke the fmembers of MMC who travelled practically whole of India, Nepal and Bhutan on Mobikes traversing through potholed roads, lush vibrant fields,majestic mountains and also through rivers without bridges. that experience is to be fdhad but can not be dreamed at any cost.
As a member of the MMC, I will be writing blogs on this site and i request all other members to chip in with memoirs and photographs.

KISHORE BHALLA

Anonymous said...

namo narayan
accha laga apka likha hua .anubhavonke bare me kuch likhenge to aur accha hoga anand milega
mai bhi kafi dinose mai ka darshan karneke liye utsukh huon agle charturmas ke samapti ke passchat jana chahata huon . mai ki jaisi isscha hogi waisi hi hoga uska prem anubhav karna chahata huon
narayan smaran

revnira said...

i turn fifty years this december and at some point this year, i would like to begin parikrama. how many months did your journey take you to complete? i have stayed 3 years in maheshwar for more than 7 months each year but still learning hindi slowly as i am an american. i am a sivananda yoga teacher also and interfaith ordained minister and agnihotri. i would like to travel with other women and wonder do you have any contacts to help me find? every foreigner i have spoke with thinks this is un-doable. i truly need support to begin. also -i would like to know also if it is against rules to take a camera as i have 2 grandsons in america i would like very much to illustrate this journey to.

SUNBUILD said...

Dear sir,
i have read your blog and found very interesting, we are religious group of 300 persons are planning to go for Narmada Parikrama in jan 2012, kindly guide us how to do and all other things we will be having 170 females with us so considering all these your advise and guidliness required,
Thanks
Pradeep Mehta >> sunbuild@gmail.com, Cell: 09820567854, mumbai

Suhas Limaye said...

Shree
Narmade Har
A brief account of the Narmada Parikrama (going round the river on foot) completed by Mr. Suhas Bhaskar Limaye.
Distance covered 2700 kilo meters approx. - During the period from 14-12-2001 to 15-04-2002 (123 days)
-Tradition of the Narmada Parikrama-
According to the Indian cultural philosophy the rivers are supposed to be the goddesses. Narmada is one of the oldest rivers in India. Since long ago it is customary to perform a Parikrama of that river. Narmada river has its origin at Amarkantaka, situated in the mountain ranges of Maikala, about 3500 ft. high from the sea-level. To it’s North is the Vindhya and to the south is the Satpuda mountain. After covering about 1350 kilo meters Narmada enters into the Arabian sea near Bharuch. Both the banks of the river are always covered with sand, pables, rocks, mud and thorns. The whole country side is a thick forest full of variety of trees. There are many wild beasts in the forest. Despite of this situation Parikrama performers are not supposed to be wel-equipped to encounter the odds they are required face on their way during the course of Parikrama, one has to relay on minimum basic daily needs and abide by certain restrictions. It is really a difficult task. Obviously rarely people think of performing a Parikrama these days, on foot. However, Mr. Limaye alone has done it very recently.

-Preparation for Parikrama and accomplishment of the goal-
You have to be both mentally and physically fit before setting out for Narmada Parikrama. One has to practise walking at least 15 kilo meters every day. It is useful to undergo a 11days ‘Vipassana’ course for mental fitness. Vipassana course stresses on Noble Silence i.e. the silence of body, speech and mind. Mr. Suhas Limaye went through this ordial before setting out for Parikrama. In the beginning there were as many as eleven participants. But for some or other reasons most of them withdrawn themselves, one by one. Finally Mr. Suhas Limaye left alone. However, he was firm with his objective and he succeeded in it.
-Why Narmada Parikrama ? Objectives and outcome-
Parikrama performers have to bear in mind that Parikrama is not merely a walking, advanture or a courageous deed. According to the Indian cultural and philosophical tradition rivers are supposed to be the goddesses. Therefore, one should have utmost respect, faith and pious feelings about river Narmada. One should bear in mind that he has to protect purity of the river Narmada during the course of Parikrama. One who regirously follow these basic faiths during the entire course of Parikrama, it leads such person towards total mental and spritual transformation. In fact process of mind purification starts from within of the Parikrama performer. One notable aspect about the Parikrama is that, people living in that area have a great respect for river Narmada obviously they help those who are out on Parikrama. If one asks, what is the out come/achievement of the Parikrama ? It is worth asking that what you don’t achieve ? You achieve every thing, because it is the only true path which leads a person towards MIND PURIFICATION.
-NARMADE HAR-
- Show quoted text -
--
Suhas Limaye
#24, Laxmi-Narayan, 914/A, Sadashiv Peth,
Br. Gadgil Street, Pune 411030
Tel: (20) 24473483

Rajanikant Chandwadkar said...

NARMADE HARR !!

Dear children of Narmada Maiya,watch the following two videos on YouTube and rejoice the eternal beauty of our Maiya.-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VXcxtr4KYg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9UOz5thmig

NARMADE HARR !!

jaimin said...

nice blog..!
i want all book of Narmada Parikrama
because now i am student so i haven't freedom but i want to read about Narmada Parikrama please help me where from i parches this all book...
this is my email id
jaimin212@ymail.com

Unknown said...

Dear Reader,
I would also like to add my experience of Narmada \parikrama within123 days in 2011.If U have any doubt about the existence of God and if U want to personally experience the omnipotent,omnipresent & omniscient POWER,do this parikrama with faith & courage. All various books tell the same thing inshort.
I am from Gandhinagar,Gujarat.For personal guidance & contact, U may write to me at " hariomv_rangdatt@yahoo.in OR hariomvrangdatt@gmail.com.

I have no words to thank the Karuna & Affection shown by Ma Narmada during the holu parikrama.I have published some photographs ( out of 1000 )of various places of Parikrama in my face book account.Face biik id hariom.vyas.5@facebook.com.
I will be very happy to be of any help for Narmada Parikrama

Unknown said...

Namakar. I am Radhakrishnan Sundaram, a senior citizen / 61 from Tamilnadu would like to take the Narmada Parikrama from Amarkantak. Would any one please help me by providing more details about the parikrama and ideal time to commence and any group or organisation who may be interested to do the parikrama so that I could join wth them as I am a lone member. Or is there any agency to help me in this regard. I seek your assiatance on this matter.

Unknown said...

My Dear Radhakrishnan Sundaramji, Narmade Har and Namaskar, By now U must have received my previous detailed reply and come to know some basic ideas of NP(Narmada Parikrama).For your information I may add here that there is no definate agency or institution organised for NP, but whole bank of holy Narmada Parikrama itself is as good as an institution that U will realise afterwards when u will start it. It is called Narmada Kshetra (both the shore from river to 5 to 8 kms whole land is fully charged with divine strength and power. During my NP I havae experienced no. of times that a person( I would call in an ANGEL) residing in jungle who has no cloth to wear and nothing to eat, has borrowed rice,flour, dal or milk( from whom Idon't know )and cooked late night in jungle without electricity/light and requested us to eat without hesitation without worrying themselves and their nacked children in the light of firepot(chula).So pl don't bother about any specific guideline with some logical information. Of course every information will be available (my email: hariomv_rangdatt@yahoo.in & hariomvrangdatt@gmail.com)at all times ( 24 x 7)to all who takes the holy name of Ma Narmada.

After completing my NP,no of my friends have completed successfully so pl do not hesitate to write to me without fear because I was also alone and was running 61-62 when I decided to go. Hope this willdefinately encourage you to write me further....Narmade Har..yours Hariom Vyas

Unknown said...

Dear Readers,
Narmada Parikrama is a religious and spiritual trekking programm which requires basically some faith in God and when once U start it the strength will automatically come and increase within a week or fortnight(maximum. U will definately realise that Ma Narmada(some power)is personally taking care about your requirements and hardships. One who thinks even to go for Parikrama, Ma Narmada give all guidance one way or another in the forma of either email or blogger( in ancient time).

A word 'miracle' is mysterious for all, but during Parikrama, Parikramawasi personally experiences it many times.Those who have completed it, will 100% agree with me without doubt.Now a days in modern age one can easily keep with him some money, mobile and a camera without hesitation.I was able to keep everything with me with the blessings of Ma Narmada and as a result I could take more than 1000 photographs( with some nattation )which I have publieshed on facebook( hariom.vyas.5@facebook.com) and this could have been possible with holy blessings. All readers may take the benefits of these photographs which are normally not available in all books published earlier.For further information and guidance you may email to me( hariomv_rangdatt@yahoo.in & hariomvrangdatt@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Dear all, Please read the book "Namami Devi Narmade", written by Shree Chndarakant Pawar Maharaj,this book is based On Narmada Parikrama. Shree. Pawar completed Narmada Parikrama & there experience will help you for parikrama also read how ma Narmada help the Maharaj to come out from difficult situation in parikrama. Its very interesting, Cost of this book is 260/- If somebody want mail me on following mail ID
niranjanagawane@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Har Narmada Har

मातृरक्षा सेवा संगठन ॐकारेश्वर said...

NArmade har sir very nice
and
join maa narada cleaning campaign omkareshwar
and give your support
like page
https://www.facebook.com/Maanarmada.omakreshwar/

our blog
http://savenarmadasavelife.blogspot.com

माँ नर्मदा के साथ अन्य पवित्र नदियों के सरंक्षण एवं स्वच्छता अभियान से जुडे़ एवं अपना जीव सार्थक करे,,,