NFF-01 January 2009

Last edited 25-04-09

Narmada Parikrama
(Circumambulation)

Narmada is worshiped as a river deity by Indians
throughout the country but it has a very special
place in the hearts of people inhabiting Central
India. Narmada is perhaps the only river in the
world which is circumambulated in her entire
length of 1312 Km. This circumambulation is
called Narmada Parikrama. It is a special kind of
river pilgrimage popular in Central India. The age
old tradition of Narmada Parikrama involves
walking alongside the river Narmada from her
origin at Amarkantak to the sea, crossing to the
other side, and then walking back to its origin. The
total journey in a properly done Parikrama
involves a riverside walking of at least 2624 K.m.
in a period of 3 years, 3 months and 13 days.
Indian culture and rituals. A devotee who
undertakes a Parikrama is called a
Parikramawasi or Parkammawasi in local
dialects. More often than not, small groups of
Parkammavasi can be seen carrying their
belongings with them while traveling along
Narmada.Narmada Parikrama is also a cultural
and traditional manifestation of devotion to
Narmada. Parikrama is a not a picnic or
recreation, it is an adventurous spiritual journey
around the sacred river through hills, dense

Narmada is the perpetual flow of religious

traditions and spiritual consciousness in the heart
of India. This great river, historically much older
than even the great Ganges, is also the hub of
Parkammawasi near Bandrabhan, Hoshangabad

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Note: This is just a diagrammatic representation and should not be used as map.

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(Not to the scale)

vuqekfur :i ls n'kkZ;k x;k ifjØek iFk Jabalpur

(Tentatively Drawn Parikrama Route) Bargi Dam

Bandrabhan Dindori
Hoshangabad Amarkantak
Nemawar
Handia Mandla
Punasa Dam
Omkareshwar
Maheshwar
Kakrana
Hapeshwar
Barwani
Indira Sagar

Sardar Sarovar
Bharuch

ueZnk ifjØek iFk

(Narmada Parikrama Route)

forests, gorges, ravines, rocky patches, caves,

plateaus and plains. It is a religious trekking It is not difficult to understand why thousands
involving visits to temples, ghats, shrines and of people undertake this painstaking journey
villages. It is a form of tapasya to please the around Narmada every year. It was believed in
Maa Narmada who takes cares and looks after ancient Hindu traditions that walking around
the hardships and needs of all those who sources of positive energy would charge one
undertake the Parikrama. Narmada is not just a with the same positive energy. Therefore a ritual
river to Parkammawasis. She is a living deity to of doing a Parikrama or Pradakshina - walking
them with whom they interact and communicate around in a clockwise circle around temples,
at mental and spiritual level. deities, holy mountains, holy lakes, sacred
groves, saints and gurus etc. was devised and
Many people claim that the energy levels on the made an integral part of our culture. Many rivers
banks of Narmada are very high. People doing are worshiped in India as deities but tradition of
Narmada Parikrama also claim that their lives a Parikrama or complete circumambulation
have seen dramatic changes during and after the around a river is prevalent only for Narmada.
Parikrama. It is believed that wishes of a Narmada Parikrama is believed to grant boons
Parikramawasi on the banks of Narmada are to grihastahs, siddhis to sanyasis, peace to
fulfilled and all their hopes come true. A person troubled souls, worldly possessions to common
having completed Parikrma has a special respect people and happiness to all 'Narm-da' - means
and honour in the eyes of Narmada devotees. one that provides happiness and joy.

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Types of Narmada Parikrama
Several variants of Narmada Parikrama have
developed over the years. A brief description is
as follows:
Mundmal Parikrama
This is the most popular form of Narmada
Parikrama. It derives its name from 'a garland' as
it involves a garlanding journey around
Narmada. Generally commences either at
Amarkantak (the source of Narmada) or at
Omkareshwar and after a complete
circumambulation, keeping Narmada to one's
right hand side (Pradakshina) comes to finish at
the point of start. This Parikrama is an on-foot
march involving a riverside walking of at least
2624 K.m. in a period of 3 years, 3 months and
13 days. Usually people do this Parikrama in
small groups.
Jalahari Parikrama
This form of Parikrama derives its name from
Jalahari, the yoni shaped seat of Shiva Linga
which makes a double channel around the Linga
.It is a journey along both the banks of Narmada
never crossing her. It involves to and fro journey
on both the sides of the river. A parikramawasi
traverses same bank of Narmada twice which
amounts to double the journey compared to
Mundmal Parikrama. It does not involve
crossing of Narmada at the gulf of Cambey or
Amarkantak.
Hanumat Parikrama
This form of Parikrama derives its name from
Hanuman, the monkey god. It is a kind of
jumping parikrama in which one can cross
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Narmada as and when desired. This kind of
Parikrama is popular among tourists.
Dandwat Parikrama
This is one of the difficult forms of parikrama
invoving at least 1000 Bhumi Namaskaar
(Saluting the mother earth in Dandwat -lying
face down prostrate on ground - in reverence and
humility) every day. This is quite testing one and
not very common. Very few people dare this
form of Parikrama.
Markandeya Parikrama
It is the most extensive and time-taking form of
Narmada Parikrama involving a
circumambulation not only around Narmada but
also around her tributaries. It owes its name to
Markandeya- the ancient hermit who spent his
life near Narmada. Narmada basin, one should
note, is an elongated strip of land in central
India. There are 41 major tributaries of Narmada
of which 19 join her on right or northern bank
whereas 22 join her on the left or southern bank.
Walking and worshiping around Narmada
covering these tributaries can be termed as
Markandeya Parikrama.
Vayu Parikrama
This can not be actually called a Prikrama in real
sense but a mention of this event is necessary for
its historical significance. Sri Anil Madhav
Dave, a senior politician by profession but an
amateur pilot has undertaken the first ever Vayu
Parikrama (air-circumambulation) of Narmada
in 2006. Sri Dave, who is an ardent Narmada
devotee, undertook this pioneering parikrama to
lay foundation of a massive movement for
Narmada Conservation. Though not prevalent
currently, possibilities of such Vayu Parikrama
of Narmada can not be ruled out in near future.
Narmada Jal Yatra (Narmada Voyage)
Flowing with Narmada is an experience in itself
but on account of the rugged terrain including
hills, forests, falls and rift valley a complete
voyage along the entire length of Narmada was
never contemplated. The Imperial Gazetteer of
India mentions a maiden attempt of navigation
by a British officer but he had to abandon his
journey due to several difficulties. Sri Anil
Madhav Dave, after his Vayu Parikrama (air-
circumambulation) of Narmada in 2006,
completed the first ever voyage on a raft along
the entire length of Narmada from Amarkantak
to Bharuch. This adventurous journey was
undertaken to understand various facets of
Narmada, from creation to cremation. Though
not prevalent now but possibilities of a complete
river voyage of this kind on Narmada can not be
ruled out in near future.
Narmada Samagra Voyage, 2007
Rules for Narmada Parikrama
As already mentioned, Parikrama is a form of
worship and not a recreation. Narmada becomes
the presiding deity to a Parikramawasi who is
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expected to turn into an ascetic and conduct
himself in a pure and very dignified manner.
Swami Omkaranad Saraswati of Hoshangabad
has mentioned certain traditional rules to be
followed during the Parikrama. There have been
some additions to the list from time to time.
These traditionally accepted rules can be
summarised as follows:
1. The Parikrama can be started from any point
along the banks of Narmada to return to the same
point after complete circumambulation.
Traditionally Omkareshwar and Amarkantak
have become two more popular places to
commence the Parikrama. One should keep
Narmada to his right side while moving along
the river. (Sri J.P. Purohit from Omkareshwar
has intimated that it is advisable for a
Parikramawasi to obtain a Certificate for
Narmada Parikrama from the Nagar Pachayat
Omkareshwar before starting the journey. It is
helpul in several ways to prove identity as a
genuine Parikramawasi on several occasions.)
2. Before commencing, one should worship
Narmada and take a resolution for completing
the Parikrama by arranging a special prayer
known as 'Mai ki Kadahi' (meaning mother's
cooking pan) involving cooking of Halwa, a
traditional sweet dish, offering it to the deity
Maa Narmada and distribute it as Prasad among
young girls, saints, priests and guests.
3. A Parikramawasi should shave the head and
beard before starting the Parikram and should
not shave or cut nails till the Parikrama is
complete)
4. The Parikramawasi should salute and
worship Narmada twice a day. Sometimes the
Parikrama route takes one away from the shore
of Narmada because of geographical conditions.
In that case one should carry Narmada water in a
pot or a bottle and offer prayers to it.
5. One should not use soap oils or purfumes
for a ,bath or for washing clothes in the waters of
Narmada. One should use the clean soil on the
banks of Narmada for cleaning and washing
purposes during the Parikrama. Spitting or any
other act of disrespect towards Narmada is also
not expected.
6. A P a r i k r a m a w a s i s h o u l d f o l l o w
bramhacharya (celibacy) and remain like a
Vanprasthi (Forest dwelling asectic phase of life
as per old Ashram system in Hindu philosophy)
during the Parikrama. One should abstain from
lies and wrong deeds, stay quiet, should not
criticize others, and behave with an attitude of
humility towards all during the Parikrama.
7. A Parikramawasi should walk on the banks
of Narmada, should never cross her, should not
even go to islands in Narmada. However the
tributaries can be crossed once as it becomes
inevitable.
8. During the Parikrama, one should remain
within 5 miles from the river on the southern
banks and within a distance of 7.5 miles from the
river on the northern banks.
9. A Parikramavasi should walk barefoot, eat
whatever food is offered to him by temples,
shrines and charitable social institutions, drink
Narmada water and sleep wherever he can find
shelter. During the Parikrama one should carry
little money and few utensils, accept whatever
food, money or clothes are offered to him
without a sense of greed. During the Parikrama
one should not accept any donation or charity for
hoarding.
10. Narmada Parikrama is prohibited during
Chaturmasa (Four months of rainy season).
11. It is suggested that a Parikrawasi should
collect Narmada water in a suitable container
from wherever he begins the Parikrama. This
water should be offered at Mai Ki Bagiya in
Amarkantak and fresh water collected from
there, should be then offered at Rewa Sangam,
The same process is repeated at Rewa Sangam
where fresh water is again collected which, after
completing the Parikrama should be offered at
the Temple of Omkareshwar.
12. After completing the Parikrama, one should
visit Omkareshwar, worship and offer Abhishek
to God Shiva and again arrange for 'Mai ki
Kadahi' as done in the begining of the
Parikrama
Smaller Panchkoshi Parikrama
Apart from the complete circumambulation of
Narmada, several smaller Parikramas known as
'Panchkoshi Parikrama' are also regularly
organised in certain segments of Narmada
between Bandrabhan in Hoshangabad district
and Hiranfall in Barwani district These
Panchkoshi Parikramas are in smaller circuits
and culminate at the point of commencement
after a journey of 5 days. These Parikramas
being simpler and less time taking, are more
suitable for families and old people. These
Panchkoshi Parikramas are organised as annual
features according to Hindu Calander and
Panchang. The schedule of Parikrama is
published in Lala Ramswaroop Ramnarayan
Panchang, Jabalpur and Tirupati Balaji
Panchang, Ujjain. Given below is the schedule
for Narmada Parikrama for the year 2009.
It is to be noted that we have been able to get
information of Panchkoshi Narmada Parikrama
between Hoshangabad and Barwani only. A still
smaller version of Narmada Parikrama is being
organised in Jabalpur on the occasion of
Narmada Jayanti from Lamheta Ghat
toBhedaghat and back for last 2-3 years.
Whether similar Parikramas on smaller scale are
organised in Maharashtra or Gujarat, is not in
our knowledge.

Panchkoshi Narmada Parikrama : Schedule The Author

2009 Swami Anand Giri ji Maharaj
Date/Period Place
Swami Anand Giri ji
22-26 Jan. 09 Bandrabhan (Hoshangabad) Maharaj is a Sanyasi and a well-
qualified Yogacharya. He is
2-5 Feb. 09 Shivpur Bhiladiya (Seoni Malwa) associated with 'Math
Baghambari Gaddi' and 'Bade
20-24 Feb. 09 Nabhikund (Nemawar) Hanumaan Temple, Prayag
located at the world famous
22-26 Mar. 09 Balagaon, Katargaon Triveni- the confluence of Ganga,
Yamuna and Saraswati. Very well versed in Sanskrit
5-9 Apr. 09 Maheshwar (Khargone) Grammer, Ayurveda & Vedic Philosophies, Swami ji
is a strong proponent of Indian culture, values,
21-25 Apr. 09 Navada Todi (Khargone) morals & ethics. During his travel in the Himalayas,
Swamiji performed severe austerities in the caves of
5-9 May 09 Gondagaon, Timurni (Harda) Kedarnath for the realisation of self and has acquired
several uncommon capabalities. Widely travelled in
20-24 May 09 Vindhyawasini,Salkanpur(Sehore) India and abroad, Swamiji is a voracious reader and
a prolific writer on subjects related to mythology and
3-7 Jun. 09 Dharampuri,Bilvamriteshwar(Dhar) Yoga.

14-18 Sep 09 Narmadeshwar (Punasa) A young and energetic person, Swami Anand Giri ji
is also championing the cause of Environment
30 Sep-4 Oct 09 Sitamata, Dharaji (Pipari-Bagli) conservation. Striving for control of pollution in
Ganga through mass mobilization, he is the Chief
14-18 Oct 09 Gomukh, Omkareshwar Patron of a monthly environmental magazine-
Global Green, published from NOIDA. He has
29 Oct-2 Nov 09 Narmada Omkar Mandhata
written this fact file on our request for the benefit of
Narmada devotees and Parikramawasis.
12-16 Nov. 09 Bara Barda, Bakaner For more information visit : www.anandgiriyoga.com
Mobile : 093351-24141,
28 Nov-2 Dec.09 Koteshwar (Nisarpur) e-mail : anand_giri@2007@rediffmail.com
References
Bharti Ravindra (2008). Shaiv Prawasi Sampradaya ke Tatwavadhan mein Narmadanchal ki Vibhinna Panchkoshi
parikramayain (Between Bandrabhan and Hiranfall)
Brhamchari, Prabhudatt (1980), Narmada Darshan, Sankirtan Bhawan, Pratisthanpur, Allahabad. (Travelogue of a
motor circumambulation-Vahan Parikrama around Narmada by a noted saint of NorthernIindia.)
Chaubey, Suresh (2009) Personal Communication
Chauhan, Dilip Singh (2009) Panchkoshi Parikrama, Kyon aur Kaise?
Dubey, Dayashankar (1934), Narmada Rahasya. Dharmgranthwali Prakashan, Daraganj, Prayag.
(Contains point to point detailed description of Narmada Parikrama with maps. Fairly obsolete but useful for historical
perspective)
Dave, Anil Madhav (2006), Amarkantak se Amarkantak tak. Panchwati, Bhopal.
(Travelogue of first ever air circumambulation -Vayu Parikrama around Narmada)
Dwivedi, A. P. (1987), Sanskrit Srotaswini Narmada. Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Academy, Bhopal.
(A rare book on Culture and History of Narmada)
Giri, Omkaranand (Samvat 2039), Sri Narmada Pradakshina. Narmada Satsang Bhawan, Hoshangabad. (Contains
detailed description of history and procedure of Narmada Parikrama with maps. Somewhat obsolete but useful for
historical perspective)
Negi, Jagdish (2009) Personal Communication
Prasad, Dharmenra (1990, Second Ed, 2008), Narmada ki Kahani. Narmada Conservation Initiative, Indore. (Gives a
passing reference to Narmada Parikrama while describing cultural traditions in Narmada valley)
Purohit J.P. (2009) Personal Communication
Rangnekar Piyush (2009) Personal Communication
Srivastava, Pankaj (2007), Jungle Rahe Taki Narmada Bahe. Narmada Conservation Initiative, Indore. (Contains
description of first ever complete river voyage on motorized raft in Narmada.)
Vegad, Amritlal (2003), Soundarya ki Nadi Narmada. Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Academy, Bhopal. (An award
wining unique travelogue of a on foot circumambulation-the actual Parikrama around Narmada by a noted artist-author.)
Vegad, Amritlal (2005), Amritasya Narmada. Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Academy, Bhopal. (Sequel of the award
wining unique travelogue Soundarya ki Nadi Narmada by a Sri Vegad.)

Disclaimer: The above description is based on published literature or individual opinions. NCI may not necessarily share
the views expressed here. Please report any discrepancies if observed. We would be pleased to correct ourselves.