The story of the Pachmarhi Jatashankar Cave Temple in Madhya Pradesh is steeped in Hindu mythology and holds significant religious importance. Legend has it that the cave served as a refuge for Mahadev Shiva as he sought to evade Bhasmasura, a demon who had been granted a deadly boon. Bhasmasura had been bestowed with the power to turn anyone into ashes by merely touching their head. To test the potency of this boon, Bhasmasura pursued Shiva with the intent to lay his hand upon the deity's head. In a playful yet strategic move, Shiva eluded Bhasmasura's grasp by taking refuge within the intricate network of the Pachmarhi Jatashankar Cave. It's within this sanctuary that Shiva concealed himself, outwitting the demon's pursuit. The cavern, adorned with a naturally formed Shivling (Swayambhu shivling), became not only a haven for the deity but also a revered site for Hindu worship. The significance of the cave extends beyond its association with the mythological tale ...

Gotmar Mela at Pandhurna is annually observed in Bhadrapad month. The mela is organized at Pandhurna in Chhindwara District in Madhya Pradesh. Gotmar Mela 2025 date is August 23. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Gotmar Mela is organized on the banks of Jam River and the villagers of Savargaon and Pandhurna participate in the ritual. For the mela a long tree is erected in the middle of the river with a flag atop it. Savargaon and Pandhurna villagers gather on either bank of the river. Each group attempts to stop the other from getting to the flag by throwing stones or got. The village, whose resident happens to remove the flag, is victorious. They carry the flag to the Chandika Mata Temple. The whole ritual happens amidst the chanting of Maa Durga. If by evening there is no winner, then the flag is carried by both the villagers to the Chandika Mata Temple. The mela was banned couple of times as several people get injured during the pelting of stones. Gotmar Me...

The Statue of Oneness is a 108 feet high statue of Adi Shankaracharya to be built on Mandhata hill near River Narmada at Omkareshwar in Khandwa District of Madhya Pradesh. The murti will be bronze-clad and placed on a lotus petal base made of stone, which will be placed over an RCC pedestal. Proposed Adi Shankaracharya Murti The sole height of the murti from the base, i.e., from the paduka (footwear) to the apex, will be 108 feet. When completed the project will include a museum dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya and an International Advaita Vedanta Sansthan.

Maihar Devi Temple is located atop Trikut mountain at Maihar in Satna. The deity worshipped in temple is known as Maihar Devi or Maa Sarada Devi. The shrine is also known as Ma Sarada Devi Mandir. The temple is located about 5 km from Maihar railway station. Legend has it that when Shiva was carrying the body of Sati around the world and Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to cut the body of Sati, the right breast of Goddess Sati fell at Maihar. The popular belief is that Goddess Maihar is mother to her devotees. She blesses her devotees with knowledge and strength. Devotees that strive for self realization and salvation, or Moksha, never return without fulfilling them. Maihar Devi Temple was built around 500 AD. One has to climb 1063 steps to reach the temple which atop the Trikoota Mountain. Ropeway facility is also available now.

Sant Kamali Hanuman Mandir is an ancient miracle Hanuman Temple at Hanuman Ganj area in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. The temple was built by Sant Kamali, who was an ardent devotee of Hanuman. Sant Kamali is said to have performed numerous miracles during his lifetime. The temple was built during the 19th century. The shrine is located near Hanuman Ganj Thana or police station. Sant Kamali Hanuman Mandir Story Legend has it that Sant Kamali used to blow conch during the early morning hours as part of his prayers to Lord Hanuman below a peepal tree in the present location of the shrine. Begum Shahjahan, the then ruler of Bhopal, took offence to this. She ordered the Sant to stop blowing the conch during early morning hours. But Sant did not stop blowing the conch. Begum Shahjahan ordered the Sant to be executed. But when soldiers reached the peepal tree they found the Sant dead. Next day morning the conch sound was heard again. This time Begum Shahjahan asked his soldiers to behea...

Eran Village is located on the banks of Bina River. The village is famous for a colossal statue of the Varaha incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Eran is located around 75 km northwest of Sagar and 80 km northeast of Vidisha. The colossal statue of Yajna Varaha is 14 feet long, 5 feet broad and 11 feet high. It is believed to have been constructed by Chandragupta Vikramaditya. It is decorated with sculpted bands with an inscription of the first year of Huna King Toramana’s reign. It is also wonderfully decorated with 1,185 figures of sages arranged in twelve rows. The huge body of Varaha is covered with miniature sculptures of various Hindu gods and goddesses and sages. Bhudevi is shown hanging on the tusk of Varaha. Carved on the floor between the boars legs is a depiction of the ocean, with serpents and sea life. Hanging from the right tusk of Varaha is Bhudevi, in the ears are Vidyadharas (celestial musicians), together with a garland consisting of 28 circles, 27 of them ...

Rani Avantibai Lodhi Balidan Diwas is annually observed on March 20. It is the death anniversary of the Brave Queen Avantibai Lodhi. She was the wife of Vikramaditya Singh, ruler of Ramgarh in present day Madhya Pradesh. Vikramaditya Singh had no heir. So the British attached the kingdom and did not allow Rani Avantibai Lodhi to succeed the throne. Rani Avantibai Lodhi, who belonged to the Lodhi warrior clan, vowed to fight the British to regain her land and her throne. She raised an army of four thousand and personally led it against the British in 1857. On March 20, 1858, facing imminent defeat, she killed herself with her own sword

Gandhavati Ghat is the spot where Gandhavati River joins Shipra River. The ghat and the river is an important holy spot in the region. Some of the important temples located on Gandhavati Ghat are Kameshwar, Dudheshwar, Karkateshwar and Bighna Nayak Ganapati. The three Shiva temples – Kameshwar, Dudheshwar, Karkateshwar – are part of the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain. An important kund known as Anang Kund is located in the ghat area. The place attracts hundreds of devotees during the Kumbh Mela. Vittal Pandarinath Temple in Ujjain Vittal Pandarinath Temple is a small but unique temple located within the world famous Mahakaleshwar Temple complex in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The shrine is exactly located near the corridor of the Lakshmi-Narasimha Temple in the complex. The temple is unique because Lord Vittal is seen along with Rukmini and Radha. Garuda the bird is also part the main murti worshipped in the temple. A mask of Aatal and Patal can also be seen in th...

Riddhi – Siddhi Ganesha Temple is located within the premises of the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. It is a few yards away from the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Riddhi and Siddhi are the two wives of Ganesha. The temple attracts a large number of devotees on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The temple offers special pujas during on Chaturthi. There are also special pujas during Sankashti Chaturthi, Varad Chaturthi and Anagarak Chaturthi. Ganesha Chaturthi in Bhadrapad month is special in the temple. The deities worshipped in this temple are highly powerful. It is believed that they fulfill the wishes of the devotees.  Unmarried women offer prayers here for early good marriage and loving husband. Earlier it was mandatory to have darshan at Riddhi - Siddhi Ganesha temple before having darshan of Mahakal. 

Pippaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located near Hanuman Ghati in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. This unique shrine on the banks of Narmada River is associated with Sage Pippalada. The Shivling worshipped here is swayambhu or that which appeared on its own. It is believed that worshipping the Shivling at Pippaleshwar Temple will help in removal of all types of troubles. The temple attracts maximum crowd during Shivratri and Shravan month. Mondays in a week is the most auspicious day here. Stories Of Narmada River In Hinduism he Narmada River, also known as Rewa, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hinduism. It is one of the seven sacred rivers in Hindu tradition and is often referred to as the lifeline of Central India. The Narmada is revered as a goddess and has many legends and stories associated with it. Here are some of the most important stories, the river’s religious significance, and its current status: 1. Origin of the Narmada River Acc...

Bhartrihari caves, near Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, are dedicated to Raja Bhatrihari, who renounced his throne and became one of the greatest philosophers and teachers of ancient India. The caves are located on the banks of Shipra River and are around 5 km from Ujjain Railway Station. It is believed that after realizing the futility of worldly life, Raja Bhatrihari decided to give away his kingly status. He gave his crown to his younger brother, the legendary King Vikramaditya. It is believed that Bhartrihari spend his ascetic life in these caves. He wrote Shringarshataka, Vairagya shatak, and Nitishatakam in these caves. The walls of the natural caves are noted for its sculptures.

Narayan Dham near Mahidpur in Ujjain a unique shrine of Bhagavan Sri Krishna dedicated to his eternal friendship with Sudama, also known as Kuchela. The popular belief is that the Sandeepani Ashram in which Krishna studied was located near Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Story of  Narayan Dham  Sri Krishna met Sudama for the first time at the ashram of Guru Sandeepani. He was a very poor boy. Soon Krishna and he became thick friends. The education life in Ashram in ancient Hinduism included helping in the household activities of the Guru. As per Srimad Bhagavad Purana, wife of Sandeepani Rishi one day asked Sudama and Sri Krishna to collect firewood. They went into the forest and collected wood. While returning they faced torrential rain. Krishna and Sudama took refuge in a nearby place. It is believed that Narayan Dham near Ujjain is located at the spot. Trees From The Time of Krishna There are some lush greens in the temple complex. Devotees believe that th...

Bateshwar Temple, in Chambal is Madhya Pradesh, is the common name used to refer to a cluster of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Goddess Shakti and Ganesha. Location of Bateshwar Temple Chambal Temples are located 35 km north of Gwalior and 30 km east of Morena in Madhya Pradesh. The entire temples complex is spread over 25 acres in the Chambal river valley. The oldest temple here is as old as 600 AD. Majority of the nearly 200 temples were built during the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. The temple was in ruins for a long period of time. It is believed that an earthquake during the 13 th century destroyed the temples. Archaeological Survey of India took over the site in 1924 and restored a vast majority of the temples. In 2005, Bateshwar was reborn under the leadership of archaeologist K.K. Muhammad, the ASI Bhopal’s regional superintendent.   By 2012, out of the 200 temples at Bateshwar, 80 have so far been restored. Bhuteshwar temple, dedicated to...

Maa Jageshwari Mandir at Chanderi in Ashok Nagar District of Madhya Pradesh is unique as it is Swamyabhu – self manifested. Jageshwari Temple is an open cave. Chanderi was known as Chedi in the Mahabharata and region was ruled by numerous dynasties including the Guptas, Chandelas and Pratiharas. The murti of Mother Goddess Jageshwari worshipped in the temple is believed to have been the form in which she gave darshan to Shishupal of Mahabharata. Shishupala was an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga. The initial temple was built during the Mahabharata period by Shishupal. It is believed that certain elements of the current temple was constructed between 6th and 11th century AD. The murti worshipped in the temple only has its head. The subsidiary shrines in the temple are dedicated to various forms of Shiva and Goddess Shakti. There are numerous natural springs in the cave. The present temple structure around the cave was built to accommodate thousands of devotees ...

Juna Chintaman Temple is a 1000-year-old temple dedicated to Ganesha at Passpas Nagar in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The main murti of Ganesha worshiped in the shrine is flanked by Ridhi and Sidhi. The entire temple is built using stone. An interesting aspect about the temple is that one can call or write letters to Ganesha in the temple. When a devotee calls, the priest attends the call and keeps the mobile near the ear of Ganesha. Devotees believe that Ganesha hears their prayers and provides solutions. The shrine receives several hundred calls a day.

A unique Shani Temple is located at old Indore (juna Indore area) in Madhya Pradesh. Unlike other Shani temples, the murti of Shani Bhagavan worshipped here is not black but he wears Sindhoor Shringar. The Shani murti worshipped here is of divine origin - Swayambhu. The Shani murti is formed out of black stone but here He is adorned with 16 shringar. Instead of sesame oil, Shani Bhagavan here is anointed (Abhishek) with water and milk. He is also offered different kinds of seasonal fruits. In the morning, the murti (idol) of Shani Bhagavan is bathed in water and milk. Then 16 different types of beauty process are performed. He is then offered fragrant flowers and fruits. He wears ornaments, crown, and costly, colorful and beautiful dresses. During certain important dates in the temple like Shani Amavasya, Shani Jayanti etc, it takes nearly 6 hours to get the murti ready for darshan. The temple is believed to be more than 700 years old. The rituals in the temple ...

Chitrakoot, which is located in North India, is associated with the epic Ramayana. Kamadgiri is a mountain in Chitrakoot and is around 130 km from Allahabad. The Kamtanath Temple dedicated to Lord Ram is located here. Parikrama of the parvat is considered meritorious. Kamadgiri means the mountain that fulfills all wishes. It is worshipped, as it is associated with Bhagavan Sri Ram. A forested hill, Kamadgiri is home to numerous temples. The holy mountain has a manmade path at the base and it is used perform parikrama or circumambulation. There are number of temples on the parikrama path and the most famous is the Bharat Milap temple, where Bharat met Bhagavan Sri Ram and asked him to return to Ayodhya. But the request was declined by Bhagavan. Miracle Lake Inside Kamadgiri Mountain The most famous story associated with Kamadgiri is that the mountain is hollow from within and it contains a lake. Immortal saints and other Chirjanjeevis reside on the banks of the lake. It i...

Baglamukhi Mata Ji Temple at Nalkheda in Madhya Pradesh is a temple whose legend is associated with the Mahabharata. The temple is located in a graveyard and it is believed that the Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas, installed the murti of Baglamukhi Mata Ji on the 12th day of the Kurukshetra battle. This was done on the advice of Sri Krishna to attain victory in the Great War in the Mahabharata. The temple is around 105 km northeast of Ujjain. This is an important Siddh Peeth. The popular belief is that there is only three ancient temples dedicated to Baglamukhi Mata and the Nalkheda Temple is one among the three. The other two temples are located at Datia in Madhya Pradesh and Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. The murti of Goddess Baglamukhi at Nalkheda Temple is Swayambhu – divine appearance. The deity worshiped here has three faces. Thus, she is also known Trishakti Mata. An important center of Tantric worship, the shrine is on the banks of Lakhundar River. The sub...

Jhingurda Hanuman Mandir is located near Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh. The temple is unique and famous for coconut offering. The first puja item that is offered in the Hanuman temple is coconut. People wrap coconut in a red cloth and tie it in the temple premises for wish fulfillment. When the desires come true, people offer the coconut in the temple. Another important offering in the temple the is lotus. The flower is collected from a lake nearby in which lotus blooms 365 days. The murti of Hanuman worshipped in the temple is Swayambhu – of divine origin. The temple in South Indian style architecture was built by the rulers of Singrauli. The temple is located atop a mountain amidst thick forest. Singrauli is famous for its coalmines. Coconut is an important offering to Hanuman in many temples in India. There is a unique way offering coconut. The coconut is smeared with Sindhoor and uncooked rice before it. ( How to offer coconut to Hanuman? ) Sari and Coconut i...

Khajrana Temple in Indore – Madhya Pradesh – is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is unique for several reasons most important being devotees drawing ulta swastika, or upside down swastik. Khajrana Ganesh Mandir was built in 1735 by Ahalyabai Holkar. History of Khajrana Temple in Indore A local pandit named Mangal Bhat had a dream in which he saw a Ganesh murti under the earth at a particular spot. He got the place excavated after getting permission from Queen Ahalyabai Holkar. The murti was retrieved and a temple was constructed nearby. A small pond can still be seen at the spot from where the murti was retrieved. This is located in front of the temple. Upside down Swastik Devotees offer prayers for desire fulfillment and draw ulta swastika on the backside of the murti. Once desire is fulfilled, devotees return and draw the Swastika in the normal way. After this, modak or ladoo is distributed as Prasad. It is believed by devotees that desires are fulfilled by...