Narmada Jayanti

"Narmada Jayanti"

Narmada river is one of the holiest among the 5 most sacred rivers of India. The other 4 sacred rivers are Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari & Kaveri.
Narmada Jayanti, marks the day when sacred river Narmada came into existence on this earth. It falls on the Saptami Tithi of Magha Shukla Paksha. This year, it is on the '28th Jan 2023.' Lord Sun is also having his birth anniversary (Surya Jayanti) on the same day. Shukla Paksha Saptami in Magha month is known by the names 'Ratha Saptami' & 'Magha Saptami.' It is believed that Lord Surya started enlightening the whole world on Ratha Saptami which is considered as the birthday of Lord Surya. That's why this day is also known as 'Surya Jayanti.'

Hence, both Goddess Narmada & Lord Sun are worshiped on this festive occasion of 'Narmada Jayanti.'

Hinduism finds cosmic relevance of the rivers and hence, the rivers have been worshiped by the Hindus since ages. On this auspicious day also, devotees take a holy bath in the sacred water of the rivers between sunrise and sunset to get redemption of their sins and after that worship the river Narmada in evening by performing Sandhya Aarti with deep (lamp), dhoop (incense sticks), pushpa (flowers), haldi (turmeric), and kumkum (vermillion), which is believed to bring peace and prosperity to life.

Many devotees are also involved in lighting the lamps made of wheat dough and placing them on the river banks. Magha month, being a month of bathing in holy rivers and awakening the spiritual side, marks the dedication to Lord Shiva & Lord Vishnu. Because of its origin as Lord Shankara's daughter, it is also known by the name 'Shankari.' Also, in the Hindi belt of India, there's a very famous saying "Narmada Ke Kankar Utte Shankar", meaning "pebble stones of Narmada gets a personification from of Shiva." These sacred pebbles are also used by the Hindus for daily worship.

Narmada's river origin is very closely related to the places of Amarkantak and Narmada Kund, that's why, many people visit Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) on this sacred day to observe the festivities of Narmada Jayanti. The whole city is painted in saffron color. And, the Kund is surrounded by so many temples of Shiva, Annapurna Mata, Rama Janaki and many more. During Shobhayatra, a pretty panorama of Mother Narmada is observed. It is very auspicious to start 'Narmada Parikrama' on this day.

Warm wishes on Narmada Jayanti & Surya Jayanti !