Narmada Parikrama: The Great Circumambulation

Parikrama is a Sanskrit term derived from the base words “Pari” which means “around” and “krama” which means “to move.” Thus, Narmada Parikrama refers to a river circumambulation. Pilgrims begin walking from any place along the river after collecting Narmadaji’s water in a vial and proceed along the river to their right. According to tradition, this Parikrama begins at the end of Chaturmas every year, that is, after Prabodhini Ekadashi.

Significance

The Mystical Narmada River, Central India’s lifeline, is revered as Narmada maiyya (mother) or Ma Rewa (derived from the word “rev,” which means “leaping one”). It is the only of India’s five holy rivers to be circumambulated on a pilgrimage or yatra from source to sea and back. The Narmada parikrama, as the world’s longest west-flowing river, is a daunting spiritual exercise and challenge—a 2,600-kilometer journey.

Historical Belief

The Narmada Parikrama is said to have been performed by the first sage, Markandeya. The Narmada-parikrama was first promoted by the Markandeya saint Shrimarkandeya Muni. Around 7,000 years ago, they circumnavigated the Narmada. The circuit was unique in that it passed through not only the Narmada but also the tributaries of each of the 999 rivers that ran through it. He took 45 years to finish such a thoroughly scientific program!

Narmada is claimed to be described in the Skanda Purana.

This journey is expected to take 3 years, 3 months, and 13 days to complete. This will necessitate a total walking distance of 2600 kilometers.

Guidelines for Parikrama

Starting on the north bank, a person would walk upstream to the river’s origin in Amarkantak, cross over beyond the origin point, then walk downstream to the point where the river joins the ocean in south Gujarat. Pilgrims board a huge boat from here to cross the river and return to the north bank at Mithi Talai, which takes approximately four to seven hours. The pilgrim then resumes their journey upstream, returning to the location where they began. Pilgrims can, however, start from the mouth of the river, or anywhere in-between, but they must complete the circuit and return where they began. Pilgrims arrive at Omkareshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a river island, at the end of the journey. One of the walk’s restrictions is that no one can cross the river to get to the other side. Those who are unable to walk the distance should take public transportation (jeeps and buses), self-drive, or join one of the many 12- to 15-day package tours available, which include overnight stops at key holy sites.

Much like the olden days of yatras, it is common to cook with rations or beg for food at home, to drink whatever water you can find along the journey, and to sleep wherever available.

Throughout the Parikrama, daily Narmada worship, bathing, evening salutation, and daily recitation are performed on a constant basis. The mantra ॥ॐ नर्मदे हर॥ is chanted over and over during the Parikrama.

This long parikrama is claimed to hasten the process of self-awareness and spiritual progress, provide travellers tranquilly, and fulfil their material and non-material desires, and is motivated by prayer, promise, or penance

References :

• https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/mp/inspire-me/culture/narmada-parikrama-great-circumambulation/
• https://mr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE
• https://www.mptourism.com/