Thursday, February 2, 2017

Narmada Jayanti

Narmada River starts its journey from Amarkandak and ends in the Arabian Sea. Narmada Jayanti is annually observed in Magh month on Shukla Paksh Saptmi tithi, also known as Rath Saptami. The day celebrates the birth day or the appearance of Narmada River (Maa Narmada) on Earth.

Legend has it that River Narmada was created by Shiva to wash away the sins occurred by celestial beings (Devas) while annihilating demons. This divine incident happened on Magh Shukla Paksha Saptami or the seventh day during the waxing phase of moon in Magh month.

There are many rivers in India but only circumambulation of Narmada river is in practice and none of the river's circumambulation is done.

Once Devtas along with Lord Brahma andLord Vishnu went to Lord Shiva who was meditating on Mekal Mountain in Amarkantak after killing Andhakasur. After Devtas prayed Lord Shiva opened his eyes, welcomed them and asked the purpose of their visit. Devtas asked Lord shiva how they can get rid of the sins they have done by killing demons and monsters.

Lord Shiva smiled and from his forehead a lightening emerged which reached earth and took the form of a girl. The girl was named Narmada and was give boon by Lord Shiva. On the noon of Magh Shukla Paksha Saptami Narmada was ordered to flow in the form of river and help Devtas and humans in getting rid of their sins. Narmada asked Lord how shall she will be able to wash sins ? Then after Lord Vishnu blessed her by saying whosoever will take bath in river Narmada will get rid off of their sins and every stone of river Narmada will be a Shiv Ling in it's own.

Before starting it's flow Narmada made a wish to Lord Shiva that she should become famous in similar was a river Ganga. Lord Shiva not only fulfilled her desire but also blessed her to become immortal. This incidence is given in Markandeya Puran.

The most important festival takes place at Amarkantak and Hoshangabad. People float traditional diyas or lamps on the day on the water of Narmada. Narmada Parikrama is observed on the day.

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