Tourist Places in Narsinghpur

The famous Tourist Places in Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh include Osho Ashram, Chaugan Fort, Shiv Temple Gararu, Ancient Garuda Temple, Gararu, Bineki Tola :- Unique rock paintings found in the valleys of inaccessible and dense forests, Ton Ghat (aka “chhota dhunaadhaar”), Dada Maharaj Mandir, Narsimha Mandir, Bramhan Ghat and Jhoteswar Temple.

About Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh

Location: Narsinghpur is situated in the central part of India and falls within the Jabalpur division of Madhya Pradesh.
Geographic Features: The district is known for its diverse landscape, which includes forests, plains, and rivers. The Narmada River, one of the major rivers in India, flows through the district, enriching the region’s agricultural productivity.
History: Narsinghpur has a rich historical background and is believed to have been under the rule of various dynasties, including the Gond, Maratha, and British administrations.
Economy: Agriculture is the primary economic activity in Narsinghpur, and the district is known for producing crops like wheat, soybeans, pulses, and oilseeds. Apart from agriculture, small-scale industries and trade also contribute to the local economy.
Educational Institutions: Narsinghpur has several educational institutions, including schools and colleges, that cater to the educational needs of the local population.
Religious Sites: The district is home to several religious sites and temples that attract pilgrims and tourists alike. Some prominent temples include the Rajivlochan Mandir, Lal Khedi Temple, and the Maa Annapurna Temple.
Festivals: Like many other regions in India, Narsinghpur celebrates various festivals with enthusiasm. Major Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri are celebrated with great fervor.
Wildlife and Conservation: The district has some forested areas and is home to wildlife, including various species of birds and animals. Efforts are made to conserve and protect the biodiversity of the region.
Connectivity: Narsinghpur is well-connected by road and rail networks. It has railway stations that provide links to major cities in Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states.
Tourism: Narsinghpur offers some scenic spots and tourist attractions, such as the banks of the Narmada River, which provide opportunities for picnics and relaxation. The natural beauty of the region attracts tourists seeking a tranquil getaway.

Tourist Places in Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh

Osho Ashram

Location: Osho Ashram is situated in Gadarwara town, located on the banks of the Shakkar River. Adjacent to the Ashram is Gurra Ghat.
Childhood Place of Rajnish Osho: Gadarwara holds significance as the childhood place of Rajnish Osho (Chandra Mohan Jain). He spent his early years playing in the town’s playground and swimming in the Shakkar River. It was also the place where he received his initial meditation training.
Historical and Cultural Importance: The Osho Ashram in Gadarwara is historically and culturally important due to its association with Osho’s early life and meditation practices. Osho began meditating and practicing austerity at this place from the age of 14.
Meditation Space: The Ashram is surrounded by greenery on all sides, creating a serene and ideal environment for meditation. This tranquil setting enhances the meditation experience for visitors.
Ruins of Jagdish Temple or Shiv Temple: On the ghats near the Ashram, there are ruins of some structures believed to be of the Jagdish Temple or Shiv Temple where Osho used to meditate. These ruins add to the historical significance of the place.

Chaugan Fort

Location: The Chaugan Fort is situated on the peak of the Satpuda mountain known as Chauragarh, near Chaugan village, in the Gadarwara tehsil of Narsinghpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Coordinates: The fort’s location is approximately at 20.35 latitude and 79.55 longitude.
Architecture: The fort is built using thick limestone and is connected with small and big boulders. It is east-facing and is constructed on top of the hill, providing a strategic vantage point.
Gates and Pond: The fort has three gates that lead to the interior. Inside the fort, there is a pond called Revakund, and near it stands an ancient pyramidal peak or temple.
Narasimha Idol: Within the sanctum sanctorum of the fort, there is a fragmentary idol of Narasimha, with the head and body separated. This idol predates the Gondkal (period of fort construction) and adds to the historical significance of the site.
Rangmahal and Gond King’s Palace: Important structures within the fort include the Rangmahal and the palace of the Gond king, Prem Narayan Shah. In front of the palace, there are remains of an open pavilion known as Darvar Bal.
Terraced Wells: Each house within the fort has square terraced wells, which are still present.
Historical Events: In 1816 AD, the Chaugan Fort was broken by the British, leading to its desertion. Over time, a forest has grown in and around the fort, contributing to its present-day appearance.
Builder and Ownership: The Chaugan Fort was built by the mighty Gond ruler Sangramshah in the 16th century. Currently, the fort is under the administration of the forest department.

Shiv Temple Gararu

Location: Gararu is situated on the banks of the river Narmada in Narsinghpur tehsil of Narsinghpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Accessibility: The village can be reached via a seasonal unpaved road, which is about 18 km away from the district headquarters Narsinghpur.
Monument Description: The grand monument in Gararu is located on a small hill on the northern banks of the river Narmada. It resembles a mausoleum and is built in the Indo-Persian architectural style.
Temple Structure: The temple on the hill is approximately 45×56 feet in size and stands on a 60×100 feet high adhishthana (base). It has been constructed using bricks and lime.
Temple Plan: The temple has a Dakshina Path (path for circumambulation) around the square sanctum sanctorum. The entrance to the sanctum sanctorum is in the form of arches, and there are ventilations on each side of the Pradakshina path. Inside, a Shivling along with a water carrier is installed.
Historical Origins: The temple’s original construction is estimated to date back to the late 14th century or early 15th century. Later, in the 17th century, the local ruler Balwant Singh undertook renovations. Octagonal pillars were added at all four corners, and the walls were plastered. The upper part of the dome was given a lime plaster, and Mughal-style Kanas were added at the bottom. The dome was divided into three parts with 24 subdivisions. The structure of amalak (an architectural element) and kalash (a finial) on top also belong to this period.

Bineki Tola :- Unique rock paintings found in the valleys of inaccessible and dense forests

Location: The tribal village Bineki Tola is situated under Nayakheda Gram Panchayat of Kareli Tehsil in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Archaeological Heritage: Bineki Tola is a place full of archaeological heritage for the district. It contains rock paintings dating back to the Chalcolithic and Mesolithic periods. These paintings are made in caves located on the banks of the Shakkar river.
Age of Rock Paintings: The rock paintings are estimated to be around 10 thousand years old, providing valuable insights into the ancient history and culture of the region.
Painting Colors and Subjects: The rock paintings in Bineki Tola are depicted in red, ochre, and white colors. They showcase various aspects of life during those times, including scenes of warfare, animal husbandry, festivals, hunting, and depictions of weapons like arrows, swords, spears, and axes. The paintings also include images of animals such as lions, deer, stag, wild boar, sheep, elephants, and pythons.
Archaeological Survey: In March 2022, a joint team from Dr. VK Wakankar Archaeological Research Institute, Bhopal, conducted a survey at Bineki Tola. The team included Research Officer Dr. Dhurvendra Jodha, Archeology Lecturer from Vikram University, Ujjain, Ritesh Lot, and Junior Fellowship of Delhi UGC, Shubham Kevaliya. During the survey, a total of 11 shelters with rock paintings were discovered and documented, including numbering, marking, geotagging, videography, and registration.
Discovery and Reporting: The discovery of these ancient rock paintings was brought to the attention of the administration and the archaeology department by a journalist named Amit Srivastava, a resident of Kareli, who reported it to Dainik Bhaskar on February 3, 2020.

Ton Ghat (aka “chhota dhunaadhaar”)

Location: Ton Ghat, also known as Chhota Dhuadhar, is located near the Gram Panchayat Barheta on the banks of the Sher River. It is approximately 12 km away from Belkhedi on the Narsinghpur-Gotegaon road in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Natural Scenic Spot: Ton Ghat is a picturesque and naturally beautiful location, attracting visitors with its scenic charm.
Historical Association: According to local beliefs, Ton Ghat is said to have been a place where the Pandavas (characters from the Indian epic Mahabharata) spent a part of their exile.
City of King Virat: The village where Ton Ghat is situated is known as Barheta, and it is believed to have been the city of King Virat, as mentioned in historical narratives.
Name Evolution: Over time, the village’s name transformed into Barheta from its association with King Virat’s city.

Dada Maharaj Mandir

Location: Dada Maharaj’s temple is situated on NH 26, approximately 6 km from the city (name not specified).
Center of Faith: The temple holds immense religious and spiritual significance, and it is considered a center of faith for many devotees.
Philosophy and Charity: The temple is known for promoting philosophical teachings and charitable activities. It serves as a place of learning and a platform for performing charitable deeds.
Pilgrimage Site: A large number of people visit the temple from far and wide, considering it a pilgrimage site to seek blessings and spiritual guidance.
Fair on Saturdays: Saturdays hold special significance for the temple and its philosophy. On this day, a fair is organized, attracting a substantial number of devotees and visitors.

Narsimha Mandir

Historical Origin: The temple was constructed during the 18th century by Jat Sardars (warrior chieftains) in an unspecified location.
Deity: The temple houses a plain statue of Lord Narsimha, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is depicted with a lion’s head on a human body.
Location: The temple is situated at the District Headquarters (District H.Q.), though the specific district is not mentioned.
Significance: The temple holds great importance as the district’s name is believed to have originated from this temple. The district’s nomenclature is connected to the deity or the religious history associated with the temple.

Bramhan Ghat

Location: Barman is situated at the intersection of two national highways, namely Sagar N.H. 26 and N.H. 24. It is approximately 12 km away from Kareli Railway Station and is located on the banks of the Narmada River.
Tourist Attractions: Barman offers several places of tourist interest, including Lord Brahma’s Yagya Shala, Rani Durgawati Temple, Elephant Gate, and Varahas statue. These sites hold historical and cultural significance, attracting tourists and devotees alike.
River Narmada: The Narmada River flows through Barman in seven streams. The river’s flow is particularly active during the occasions of Makar Sankranti to Basant Panchami.
Mela: During specific occasions, a fair or Mela is organized in Barman, and it sees active participation from the District Administration. Various stalls, including those from the District Government Depot, are set up during the exhibition.
Display and Information: The exhibition at the Mela showcases different aspects, including Agriculture Depot, co-operatives, education, and health. It provides information about various beneficial schemes and achievements that people can avail themselves of. This helps in promoting awareness and utilization of government initiatives and services.

Jhoteswar Temple

Location: The temple of Golden Raj-Rajeshwari Tripur Sundari is situated 15 km from Sridham Railway Station, on the control railway track of Mumbai – Hawrah Central railway route.
Natural Beauty: The temple is known for its natural richness and stunning beauty, making it an attractive destination for visitors.
Other Temples and Features: Besides the main Golden Raj-Rajeshwari Tripur Sundari temple, there are other temples and features in the vicinity, including the Jhoteshwar temple, Lodheshwar temple, Hanuman tekari, and a rock with a Shivling made up of slohutic.
Spiritual Significance: The temple is considered a sacred place where Jagatguru Shankaracharya joytesh and Dwarkadish pithadheshwar Saraswati Maharaj meditated and worshipped.
Basant Panchami Mela: On the occasion of Basant Panchami, a 7-day Mela is organized at the temple premises, attracting devotees and visitors.

Disclosure : Source of Information about the Tourist Places in Narsinghpur is https://narsinghpur.nic.in/