What is Narmada Parikrama?

Narmada Parikrama is a sacred pilgrimage around the Narmada River, which begins at Amarkantak. The river flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before merging into the Arabian Sea at Vimleshwar. The pilgrimage involves walking along the banks of the river.

Pilgrims, known as Parikramawasis, begin from Amarkantak on the south bank of the river and walk towards the Arabian Sea at Vimleshwar. After reaching Vimleshwar, they take a 4-hour boat ride across the sea to Mithi Talai and continue their journey along the north bank, walking back to Amarkantak, where the Parikrama concludes.

The direct distance from Amarkantak to the Arabian Sea is about 1,312 km via road. However, because the Parikrama follows footpaths along riverbanks, mountains, and forests, the actual distance is approximately 3,200 to 3,700 km.

It is essential that you do not cross the Narmada River at any point during the Parikrama. Crossing the river will invalidate the Parikrama. You are, however, allowed to cross tributaries that merge with the Narmada.

Where do you start Narmada Parikrama?

There are three ways to start the Narmada Parikrama:

1. You can start at any point along the Narmada's banks and return to the same point.
2. You can begin and finish at Amarkantak.
3. You can start and end at Omkareshwar.

**Note:** Upon completing the Parikrama, you are required to pour the water you have been carrying during the journey on the Jyotirlinga at Omkareshwar. This act symbolizes the completion of the Parikrama. Therefore, starting and ending at Omkareshwar can save time and effort.

When to start the Parikrama?

According to the *Narmada Purana*, the Parikrama should begin after Diwali, ideally on or after Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Parikrama is not permitted during Chaturmas (the monsoon season). During Chaturmas, you may stay at ashrams along the Narmada and resume the pilgrimage after the monsoon. Following this rule is critical, as failure to do so can invalidate the Parikrama, and you may not receive support from villagers or ashrams.

How long does it take to complete the Parikrama?

The duration of the Parikrama depends on individual pace and approach. Some people complete it in as little as 50 days, although this is often done in haste. However, the Parikrama is not a race; it should be done mindfully and with full awareness.

If you aim to avoid the heat of summer and complete the journey before the monsoon, it is recommended to start in November and finish by March, making it a 5-month journey. My Parikrama took nearly 6 months to complete.

How much money do you need for the Narmada Parikrama?

You will typically need money only three times during the Parikrama:
1. At the beginning, when you take the *sankalp* (vow) and offer *dakshina* to the priest.
2. When crossing the ocean to reach the other side of the river, you will need to pay for the boat.
3. At the end, when you complete the Parikrama, you must perform *Kanya Bhojan* (feeding girls).

You can carry as little as Rs. 5,000. Personally, I didn’t carry any money, and everything was taken care of through the grace of Maa Narmada.

What about food and accommodation during the Parikrama?

Accommodation: Along the Parikrama route, there are many ashrams and temples that allow Parikramawasis to stay for a night or two. If no ashram is nearby (which is rare), villagers are often willing to host pilgrims in their homes.

Food: Sometimes ashrams, temples, or villages offer cooked meals. Other times, you may receive *sadavrath*—ingredients such as rice, lentils, spices, and utensils—so you can cook for yourself.


What is the Narmada Parikrama route?

You don’t need to worry about the route in advance. As you walk, people will guide you to the next ashram or village. You won’t need to follow a map. However, for your convenience, you can purchase a book about the Narmada Parikrama, which provides details about the route, ashrams, and villages.

What do you need to carry for the Parikrama?

Essentials:
- 2 pairs of white dhoti and kurta
- 2 pairs of underwear
- Kalash and danda (staff)
- Towel
- Torch
- Shave your head (optional, as many don't do this)
- Water bottle for *jal* (water)
- Pooja items (photo of Maa Narmada, agarbati, diya, cotton thread, ghee or oil, matchbox, etc.)
- Non-leather shoes or sandals
- Warm clothes
- Blanket
- Mat
- Glass, spoon, bowl, and plate
- Rucksack
- Aadhaar card
- A book and a pen
- 2 passport-size photos

These items are essential, but feel free to carry anything else you deem necessary. You'll need a book and pen as many ashrams will stamp your booklet and record your information. The photos and Aadhaar card are required to obtain the Narmada Yatra Praman Patra, which serves as proof of your pilgrimage.


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