Narmada undoubtedly is India's most
breathtakingly beautiful river. She is also the most feminine in her
movements, as she slithers through thousands of kilometers of hostile
terrain.
Mythological overview:
The river Narmada descended from the sky as by the order of Lord Shiva. The
origin is situated at the mountain series of 'Maikal'in Madhya Pradesh.
Believed to have originated from the body of Shiva, the river is also known
as Jata Shankari. The worship of Shiva is common in these areas, and each
stone or pebble found in the bed of the Narmada is believed to be a
Shivalinga. All the places along the banks like Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, and
Mahadeo are all named after Shiva. Among the sacred rivers Narmada holds a
significant place. The river is considered the mother and giver of peace.
The Course:
It rises on the summit of Amarkantak Hill in the Madhya Pradesh state, and
for the first 200 m of its course winds among the Mandla Hills, which form
the head of the Satpura range; then at Jabalpur, passing through the 'Marble
Rocks', it enters its proper valley between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges,
and pursues a direct westerly course to the Gulf of Khambhat. Its total
course through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat and it
amounts to about 800 m, and it falls into the sea in the Bharuch district of
Gujarat. It flows between high mountain ranges, through thick jungles and
narrow gorges. It has many waterfalls along its length and at one place, its
waters cut through marble rocks, sandstone hills and coal deposits.
Narmada
Controversy- Narmada Bachao Andolan: