The Hindu river festival of Pushkaram is known as “Pushkara,” which means “one who maintains and carries 3.5 crore water bodies of environmental and religious importance.” Once every twelve years, the Narmada River is honoured with its Pushkaram celebration.
Pushkar Mahotsav
All rivers are the creation of Lord Brahma and the Rasi (or zodiac sign) has given names to twelve of India’s major rivers. Every year, the planet Jupiter, also known as Brihaspati or Guru, moves through the signs of the zodiac.
As “Brihaspati” enters Vrushabha Rasi (Taurus), the Pushkaram is observed for 12 days.
Pushkar Mahotsav Amarkantak Dates and Duration
Narmada Pushkaralu in 2024 is a twelve-day festival starting on May 1st and ending on May 12th. It is significant to those who live along the Narmada River, with each day having its own importance. People from all over India come to the riverbanks to pray, do rituals and give offerings.
Rivers of Pushkaram
The Pushkaram tradition focuses on twelve holy rivers, each connected to a particular Hindu zodiac sign. Choosing the river for the festival each year depends on where the planet Jupiter (Bhaspati) is in astrological charts.
Let’s take a closer look at these sacred rivers and their linked zodiac signs:
| River | Zodiac Sign | Dates |
| Ganga | Aries | April 22 – May 5, 2023 |
| Narmada | Taurus | May 1 – 13, 2024 |
| Saraswati | Gemini | May 15 – 26, 2025 |
| Yamuna | Cancer | June 2 – 13, 2026 |
| Godavari | Leo | June 26 – July 7, 2027 |
| Krishna | Virgo | August 12 – 23, 2028 |
| Kaveri | Libra | September 12 – 23, 2029 |
| Bhima | Scorpio | October 12 – 23, 2018 |
| Tapti | Sagittarius | March 29 – April 9, 2019 |
| Tungabhadra | Capricorn | November 20 – December 1, 2020 |
| Sindhu | Aquarius | April 6 – 17, 2021 |
| Pranhita | Pisces | April 13 – 24, 2022 |
Puja at Amarkantak
People perform various pujas at Amarkantak, including Narmada Sahastrarchan Puja, Narmada Maha Arti, Rudrabhishek Puja, Tarpan, Pitru Havan, Maha Mrityunjay Jaap and Narmada Mata Abhishek Puja.
- Narmada Sahastrarchan Puja
- Narmada Maha Arti
- Tarpan and Pitru Havan
- Maha Mrityunjay Jaap
- Rudrabhishek puja
- Narmada Mata Abhishek Puja
Importance of Performing Puja at Amarkantak
As the source of the holy Narmada river and the home of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, Amarkantak holds special significance for Hindus, who do puja there. Many come for spiritual growth, thinking it will purge their past sins and reconnect them with the divine. Because of its rich history of culture and the blessings it provides, it is a renowned tourist attraction.
Donations and Offerings at Narmada Pushkaram
During Narmada Pushkaralu, devotees participate in acts of charity and make offerings to seek divine blessings. Each day of the festival has recommended donations and offerings.
| Day | Offerings |
|---|---|
| 1st | Gold, Silver, Grains, Land |
| 2nd | Clothing, Salt, Gemstones |
| 3rd | Jaggery, Horse-related items, Fruits |
| 4th | Ghee, Oil, Milk, Honey |
| 5th | Grains, Shackles, Bulls, Plows |
| 6th | Medicines, Camphor, Sandalwood, Musk |
| 7th | Household items, Beds, Beddings |
| 8th | Sandalwood, Root vegetables, Flower garlands |
| 9th | Rice balls, Slaves, Maidens, Blankets |
| 10th | Vegetables, Salagrama stones, Books |
| 11th | Elephants |
| 12th | Sesame seeds |
Temples Connected to Pushkaralu Narmada
| Temple Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Amarkantak Temple | This temple, which is located where the Narmada River begins, is extremely important religiously. |
| Omkareshwar Temple | Omkareshwar Temple is well-known for its beautiful ghats and divine atmosphere, attracting pilgrims from all over. |
| Chaubis Yogi Temple | Dedicated to the 24 yogis who are said to have meditated beside the Narmada River. |
| Choubis Avatara Temple | This temple enshrines idols representing the twenty-four incarnations of Lord Vishnu. |
| Maheshwar Temple | A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva believed to bless devotees with fulfillment of their desires. |
| Narmada Siddheshwar Temple | A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva believed to bless devotees with fulfilment of their desires. |
| Bhojpur Shivalaya | Known for the historic Shiva temple and the colossal Shiva Lingam, Bhojpur Shivalaya is a significant pilgrimage site. |
History of Pushkar Mahotsav
Brihaspati is respected as the Guru by all the Devas, as he removes darkness and makes him pure and bright. Normally, Pushkara stays in Lord Brahma’s Kamandala; however, planet Brihaspati wants to live together with Pushkara.
For this reason, he asked Lord Brahma to permit him to bring Pushkara. But Pushkara was uncomfortable. Based on Brihaspatu’s request, it was decided that Pushkara would join the river when Brihaspatu was changing rivers and would return to the Brahma Kamandala.
When Brihaspati settles in the new river, which corresponds to his zodiac sign, during this time, the river purifies and provides energy for the devotees.
Significance of Pushkar Mahotsav
Pushkaram isn’t just about following rituals; it’s more profound. It’s about expressing love and gratitude for nature, especially for the rivers that give life to our country.
It’s a reminder of life’s cyclical nature, like the changing seasons. Just as the rivers flow continuously, life keeps renewing itself.
Moreover, Pushkaram offers a spiritual connection. It lets people cleanse their souls and find spiritual growth near the sacred waters.
Places to Stay in Amarkantak
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