Shondesh Shakti Peeth, Madhya Pradesh

Shondesh Shakti Peeth is located in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh. It is amongst the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati. Here the idol of maa Sati is called ‘Narmada’ and lord Shiva is venerated as ‘Bhadrasen’. This is also the point of source of the river Narmada and the temple complex also includes the Narmada Udgam temple.

History

The chief legend of Chandika Sthan relates to the creation of the Shakti Peethas. Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, was married to the god Shiva versus his wishes. Daksha arranged a great yajna but did not invite Sati and Shiva. Uninvited, Sati reached the Yajna site, where Daksha ignored Sati as well as Shiva.

Sati was not able to withstand this insult. So, Devi Sati gave her life by jumping into the fire of Havan organized by her father King Daksh. When Lord Shiva was running around the planet carrying her body Lord Vishnu divided the body into 51 parts utilizing his Sudarshan chakra. Out of those 51 parts, from which the ‘Right Buttock’ of Sati fell to this place.

Importance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

• Salvation
• Wealth
• Relief from diseases
• Purchase of vehicles
• Gain Knowledge

Significance of Shon Shakti Peetha

• Narmada Devi Shondesh Shakti Peetha is believed an ancient temple, and it is believed to be 6000 years of age.
• Here, Goddesses get honor in the form of Narmada Devi or Sonakshi (Shonakshi), and Lord Shiva is worshipped as Bhairav Bhadrasen.
• It is widely believed that whoever passes away here rests in heaven.
• The Sanskrit word Amarkantak is the sum of 2 words, i.e., Amar + Kantak, where Amar is represented for never-ceasing, and Kantak is obstruction. The word Amarkantak represents the place where God however lived distressed by the obstruction of Rudraganas.

Architecture

The inner altar of the Shona Shakti Peeth temple is wonderful. In the center is an idol of Goddess Narmada which is covered by the golden ‘Mukut’, all around it. Simply two meters to both the sides, the idols of various goddesses are decorated. The platform, where Maa Narmada’s idol exists, is made from silver. Shondesh Shakti Peeth is magnificently constructed and sculpted when it comes to art and architecture. The temple with white rocks has ponds all around it making it an image-perfect view. The beauty of the place is multifold with an awesome view of river Son and the nearby kund. These areas can’t be neglected by the tourists. The most stunning view is that of 2 hill ranges such as Vindhya and Satpura combined in this part of the state.

The temple is set in such an attractive location that the wonderful view of the Sone River, coming from a nearby Kund can be enjoyed constantly. It is the best place to get pictorial views of the Satpura ranges and the waving valleys. The rising sun can also be seen from this beautiful location. There are around 100 actions to climb to reach the temple. Another thing that makes this place more enchanting is the flow of the Narmada River.

Idol

The idol of Goddess Narmada is located at the center of the temple and covered through the Golden “Mukut.” The stage of the goddess Narmada is made from silver. The icons of other goddesses have also been situated on both sides of the goddess Narmada.

Festivals

• Somvati Amavasya
• Navratri
• Makar Sankranti
• Ram Navami
• Sharad Purnima
• Deepawali

Temples near Shondesh Shakti Peeth

• Mai ki Bagiya
• Narmada Udgam
• Sonmuda
• Kapildhara
• Dudhdhara
• Kapildhara waterfall
• Doodh Dhara waterfall
• Shri yantra temple
• Sonmuda Amarkantak
• An ancient temple of the Kalachuri group
• Narmade Anandam
• Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev temple
• Kabir Chabutara
• Bhrigu Kamandal
• Son udgam temple

How to Reach

• By Air: The Nearby Airport to Amarkantak is Dumna Jabalpur which is (250 km) and Raipur is (245 km) from the location.
• By Train: The nearby railway station to Amarkantak is Pendra Road (17 km) in Chhatisgarh, and Anuppur (48km) is more convenient. Bilaspur (120 km) in Chhattisgarh is also another city close to Amarkantak and linked through a railway network with all the main cities of India.
• By Road: Amarkantak is well connected by regular bus service with Shahdol, Umaria, Jabalpur, Rewa, Bilaspur, Anuppur, and Pendra Road.

Temple Timings

Morning Timing	Evening Timing
6:00 am to 12:00 pm	4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Temple Video