Maa Narmada Janmotsav: Celebrating the Birth of the Sacred River
- _Shokesh _
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
Maa Narmada Janmotsav: Celebrating the Birth of the Sacred River
Maa Narmada, one of the holiest rivers of India, is revered as a goddess and worshipped with immense devotion. Her birth anniversary, known as Maa Narmada Janmotsav, is a significant festival celebrated with grandeur, particularly in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The river is believed to be a divine entity that washes away sins and grants spiritual liberation.
This blog will cover the significance of Maa Narmada Janmotsav, the rituals associated with it, and include the Narmada Chalisa and Narmada Aarti for devotees to recite.
Significance of Maa Narmada
Maa Narmada is often referred to as Reva and is considered one of the seven sacred rivers of India. Unlike other rivers that flow from the Himalayas, she originates from the Amarkantak hills in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward into the Arabian Sea. It is believed that just a sight of her waters is enough to cleanse one's sins.
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Narmada was created from the sweat of Lord Shiva, and hence, she is deeply associated with him. The Narmada Parikrama, a sacred circumambulation of the river, is considered an act of great devotion and penance.
Maa Narmada Janmotsav: Celebrating the Birth of the Sacred RiverCelebrations and Rituals of Narmada Janmotsav
1. Ganga Aarti on the Banks of Narmada
On the occasion of Maa Narmada’s birth anniversary, grand Aartis are performed on the banks of the river, especially in Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Hoshangabad, Amarkantak, and Jabalpur. Devotees light diyas and float them on the river, creating a mesmerizing scene.
2. Narmada Snan (Holy Bathing Ritual)
Devotees take a holy dip in the river, believing that it will purify their souls and grant them good fortune. This is similar to the significance of bathing in the Ganges.
3. Narmada Parikrama Yatra
Many pilgrims undertake the Narmada Parikrama, a spiritual journey covering the entire river’s length. It is believed that completing this yatra fulfills wishes and brings divine blessings.
4. Maha Abhishek and Puja in Temples
Several temples dedicated to Maa Narmada and Lord Shiva perform special pujas and Abhishekams on this day. Devotees offer milk, flowers, and coconut, seeking her blessings.
5. Recitation of Narmada Chalisa and Aarti
The Narmada Chalisa and Narmada Aarti are recited to praise the goddess and seek her divine grace.
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Narmada Chalisa (नर्मदा चालीसा)
दोहा
जय नर्मदा मंगल मयी, जय जय सुरसरि रूप।
तव जल निर्मल शांतिदायक, सकल मनोरथ भूप॥
चौपाई
नर्मदा मैया सुखदायनी, मोक्ष प्रदायिनी मंगल माई।
अमृत तुल्य तव जल निर्मल, सकल क्लेश हरन सुखदाई॥
ब्रह्मा विष्णु महादेव ध्यावे, तव जल नहाय तव गुण गावे।
भूत-प्रेत पिशाच नशावे, जो तव जल स्नान करावे॥
तेरी महिमा गाये संत, नर्मदा तव गुण अनंत।
रवि शशि तव जल नित ध्यावे, जो नर्मदा ध्यान लगावे॥
Narmada Aarti (नर्मदा माता की आरती)
ॐ जय नर्मदा मैया, जय जय नर्मदा मैया।
जो तव जल नित पान करे, ता पर कृपा सदा हो॥
शंकर के शिर पर विराजे, शिव के मन भायो।
सभी दुखों को दूर करे, नर्मदा जल पायो॥
जो भी तेरा जल पिए, भवसागर से तर जाए।
भक्तों की है यह पुकार, मइया तेरा जयकार॥
ॐ जय नर्मदा मैया, जय जय नर्मदा मैया।
Conclusion
Maa Narmada Janmotsav is a divine occasion that highlights the spiritual significance of the river. It is a day to offer prayers, seek blessings, and immerse oneself in devotion. The recitation of Narmada Chalisa and Aarti enhances the spiritual experience, ensuring peace and prosperity in one’s life.
Let us all take a moment to bow to Maa Narmada and seek her divine grace for happiness, health, and success.
