The famous Tourist Places in Harda, Madhya Pradesh include Riddhnath Temple Handia, Gupteshwar Temple Charua, Chakraview Charua Temple, Makdai Temple, Makdai River, Ram Janki Temple and Handia.
About Harda, Madhya Pradesh
- Location: Harda is situated in the southwestern part of Madhya Pradesh and is bordered by the districts of Hoshangabad to the north, Betul to the south, Khandwa to the west, and Sehore to the east.
- Administrative Division: Harda is one of the 52 districts of Madhya Pradesh and has its headquarters in the town of Harda.
- Historical Significance: The region has a rich historical heritage, with traces of its past found in ancient monuments and structures.
- Population: As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the population of Harda district was around 600,000 people.
- Language: The predominant language spoken in Harda is Hindi. However, several tribal languages are also spoken by indigenous communities in the region.
- Agriculture: Agriculture is the primary occupation of the people in Harda. The region is known for the cultivation of crops like soybean, wheat, gram, and lentils.
- Rivers: The district is intersected by several rivers, including the Narmada, Kali Sindh, and the Jam, which contribute to the fertile soil and agricultural productivity.
- Tourism: Harda district offers some scenic spots and tourist attractions, such as ancient temples, historical sites, and natural landscapes.
- Transportation: The district is well-connected by roads and railways. Harda town serves as a major railway junction, connecting various parts of Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states.
- Festivals: The people of Harda celebrate various festivals with enthusiasm, including Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Navratri, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region.
Tourist Places in Harda, Madhya Pradesh
Riddhnath Temple Handia

- The Riddnath Temple of Handia and Sidhnath Temple of Nemavar are renowned for their artistic beauty and association with Vastu Shastra.
- Riddnath Mahadev Temple is located in Handia, a town in the Harda district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be very ancient.
- The state government has declared Riddnath Mahadev Temple as a protected monument, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
- The temple is located approximately 21 km from the district headquarters of Harda and can be reached via the Indore road.
- Situated on the banks of the sacred Narmada River, the temple’s location adds to its spiritual aura.
- According to local beliefs, the temple is said to have been constructed by Kuber, who is considered the treasurer of the gods in Hindu mythology.
- The architectural design and intricate artwork of the Riddnath Temple reflect the artistic skills and craftsmanship of the past.
- Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural system, is associated with the design and construction of the temple, ensuring harmony with natural forces.
- The Sidhnath Temple of Nemavar, another famous temple in the region, is also known for its artistic beauty and adherence to Vastu Shastra principles.
- Both temples attract devotees and tourists from various parts of India and beyond, seeking spiritual solace and admiring the cultural heritage they represent.
- The temples are not only religious centers but also serve as important cultural landmarks, preserving the architectural and artistic traditions of the past.
Gupteshwar Temple Charua

- Charuva is situated on the old highway between Delhi and Burhanpur, making it an important location both commercially and strategically.
- The village has a historical background, and according to historians, an inscription in the Mohali script found in four Babari indicates that it was originally called Chanarwa before being known as Charuva.
- One of the significant landmarks in Charuva is the Gupteeshwar Mahadev Temple, which dates back to the 10th or 11th century AD.
- The Gupteeshwar Mahadev Temple is located in the nearby village of Haripura Mala, and it holds immense religious significance in the Nimad and Bhuhana regions.
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Mahadev, the “Great God.”
- Over the centuries, the Gupteeshwar Mahadev Temple has become a center of great faith and devotion for the local community and pilgrims from surrounding areas.
- The temple’s ancient architecture and historical roots attract visitors interested in exploring the cultural and religious heritage of the region.
- Nimad and Bhuhana regions, where the temple holds influence, are known for their cultural and historical contributions to the Indian subcontinent.
- Devotees and tourists often visit the Gupteeshwar Mahadev Temple to seek blessings and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
- The village of Charuva and its surrounding areas offer a glimpse into the past, reflecting the continuity of traditions and beliefs that have been passed down through generations.
Chakraview Charua Temple

- Charuva is a village located on the old highway between Delhi and Burhanpur, and it holds both commercial and strategic importance due to its location.
- Historians have found an inscription in the Mohali script, found in four Babari, which suggests that the village was initially called Chanarwa and later came to be known as Charuva.
- One of the main attractions in Charuva is the Shiv Temple, which contains a unique Chakraview structure inside it.
- The Shiv Temple is an ancient religious site that has been a focal point of worship and reverence for the local community for generations.
- A significant historical site in the vicinity of Charuva is the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple, which was constructed between the 10th and 11th centuries AD.
- The Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple is situated in the nearby village of Haripura Mala and is considered a center of great faith in the Nimad and Bhunaa regions.
- Devotees and pilgrims from the surrounding areas visit the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple to seek blessings and participate in religious ceremonies.
- The temple’s architecture and historical significance make it an important cultural landmark in the region.
- The Nimad and Bhunaa regions, where the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple holds significance, have contributed to the cultural and religious heritage of the Indian subcontinent.
- Charuva and its surrounding areas offer a blend of historical and religious attractions, making it a place of interest for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.
Makdai Temple

- Makdai is the primary area of the former monastic kingdom and holds historical significance.
- The region is situated approximately 24 km away from the Bhirangi Railway Station and around 37 km from the Harda Headquarters.
- It is characterized by forested areas that stretch across the lower slopes of the Satpura mountain range.
- One of the notable attractions in Makdai is an ancient fort constructed on a hill within the Makadi village.
- The fort is a relic of the past and offers insights into the architectural and defensive strategies of its time.
- The ruling family of Makdai is believed to be the descendants of the Rajgond dynasty, a historical ruling lineage.
- The Raj Bhavan, or royal residence, inside the fort is a remarkable structure that adds to the historical charm of Makdai.
- The fort and its surroundings provide a glimpse into the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
- Exploring Makdai offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Satpura region and the remnants of its historical past.
- The area’s monastic connections and ancient fort make it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Makdai River

- Makrai is located on a hill close to the Sayani River, contributing to its picturesque setting and natural beauty.
- The area is renowned for its dense forests, which add to its scenic appeal and make it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- One of the notable attractions in Makrai is Nagjhiri and Devjhiri, a small natural well located on the riverbank.
- Nagjhiri and Devjhiri are unique features where water flows continuously throughout the year, creating a perennial water source in the region.
- These natural wells serve as essential water resources for the local community and the surrounding wildlife.
- The presence of a consistent water supply in the form of Nagjhiri and Devjhiri enhances the biodiversity and ecological balance in the area.
- Makrai offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, and exploring the wilderness, making it a preferred destination for adventure seekers.
- The picturesque landscapes and serene environment of Makrai make it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- The Sayani River adds to the beauty of the region, providing an opportunity for water-based activities and creating a pleasant ambiance.
- With its combination of lush forests, natural wells, and scenic river views, Makrai attracts tourists looking for an offbeat and tranquil destination.
Ram Janki Temple

- The Ram Janki Temple is situated in the village of Bhadugaon.
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and Mata Sita, who are revered as divine incarnations in Hindu mythology.
- As per the Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Rama is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and Mata Sita is his beloved wife.
- The temple serves as a place of worship and devotion for followers of Lord Rama and Mata Sita.
- Devotees visit the Ram Janki Temple to seek blessings, offer prayers, and express their reverence to the divine couple.
- The temple’s architecture and design reflect traditional Hindu temple styles and artistic motifs.
- Bhadugaon village holds religious significance due to the presence of the Ram Janki Temple, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike.
- The temple’s surroundings and serene ambiance create a tranquil atmosphere for spiritual contemplation.
- Festivals and special occasions related to Lord Rama, such as Ram Navami, are celebrated with enthusiasm at the Ram Janki Temple.
- The temple plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the cultural and religious heritage associated with Lord Rama and Mata Sita in the region.
Handia

- Harda is an ancient place located about 21 km north of the district headquarters, Handia.
- Handia holds a significant position as the central point of the river Narmada, where devotees starting their Narmada pilgrimage often begin their journey.
- The region is believed to have a mix of legacies from the legendary sage Jamadagni and the Hai dynasty.
- During the Mughal period, Handia gained importance in terms of administration, religion, trade, and strategic significance due to its location on the Narmada coast, connecting Delhi and South India.
- It is said that the king of Bulk, Najir Uddin Handia, settled in Handia in the form of a fakir known as Handia Shah Bhogg.
- The Sultan of Mandu, Huxangshah Gori, constructed a fort in Handia during his reign.
- According to Æne-Akbari, Handia held the status of a government center in the Malwa province.
- In the 18th century, during the Maratha rule, the capital was shifted from Handia to Harda.
- The area has an abundance of architectural structures dating back to the Mughal period, reflecting its historical significance.
- At present, efforts are being made by the Department of Archaeology and the District Administration to preserve and beautify the archaeological heritage and surrounding areas in the region.
Disclosure : Source of Information about the Tourist Places in Harda is https://harda.nic.in/