The Chausat Yogini Temple, or the
temple of 64 yoginis, is located atop a hill in Bedaghat, some 20 km from
Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh
A
land with scattered stones, Jabalpur (Jabal means stones), was ruled by
many kings of various dynasties, such as, Maurya, Kushan, Gupta etc previously.
It’s evident that the city has plenty of historic monuments around. The city,
however, attracts throngs of tourists every year for manifold reasons.
But,
the main enticement which soothes the soul of the entire groups of holiday
makers is definitely the Marble
Rocks. The natural locus of Jabalpur would be an additional
charm of the city. Plenty of red lotuses flourish on the surface of the water
body around. The well embellished water body looks even more astounding as the
dotted granite stones of the tiny hills act like the ornaments of the water
body. It seems that you are approaching towards a batch of elephants if you are
moving towards the beguiling water body. The scenic beauty of the places around
along with the charm of the water body would offer you an unmatched experience
altogether, especially in the moon light.
The
grandeur of the city had been demolished to large extent by the looters
earlier. However, the city is safe now from them at least. The Bengali cultures
and traditions are significantly visible on the lifestyles of the city
dwellers. Durga Puja, Raksha Bandhan and Diwali are the famous festive
occasions which pull huge crowds at one place every year.
The
city is also very popular as a junction station which has an immense important
in connecting the National Park Kanha and Bandhavgarh.
Located
at an altitude on 496 meters, Jabalpur is a hugely popular city as the third
largest city of India. Approximately 9 lakhs of inhabitants live and explore
the city of Jabalpur regularly.
One
of the prime allurements of Jabalpur, the Marble Rocks, is located at a
distance of 23 km towards the western side of the city. Blue color of the sky reflects
on the crystal clear blue water of the Narmada River. 300 feet tall Hills of
Magnesium limestone on both the sides uplift the spirits of the swarms of
nature lovers. It’s truly a heavenly experience to watch the nature around. The
hard stone at the top most peak of the hill looks marvelous when it enjoys a
bath in the evening with the moon light. The reflection of the bright sunlight
creates various colors. The spectacle is mesmerizing. Tourists who are able to
watch the splendor of this place can definitely count themselves in the batch
of the lucky people.
A
number of crocodiles swim in the water of the Narmada River. The depth of the
River here varies between 400 to 700 feet. But, make sure that you don’t ever
try to play with the homes of the bees.
Bhedaghat of Jabalpur can be accessed by availing an auto or taxi
or bus. Riding on a boat and travelling through the Narmada River for 3 km
during November- May are enchanting experience for all. You can watch the charm
of the Marble Rocks at both the side of the Narmada River while enjoying the
boat ride. You have to spend 18 rupees per head for this trip though. You can,
however, hire an entire yacht if you have 10/20 family members.
The
end point of the hill is renowned as Monkey's Leap. Here the rocks are so close
to each other that a monkey can leap across, hence the name. The cave of the
saint Dattatreya is situated in front of the Monkey's Leap at the right hand
side of the River. It is said that the saint Bhrinda had meditated on the slope
of the hill. The deity Shiva, established by the queen Ahilyabai, resides on an
adjoining stone of the hill.
You
would love to watch the impressive structure of the Elephant Feet and Horses
Feet. Their structures had taken these kinds of shapes due to the continuous
erosion caused by the water streams. During full moon, a half an hour boating
would encourage you to come back to Jabalpur once again. The splendor of the
Marble Rocks is worth watching under the flood lights.
A
Jain temple and a Kali temple are also there in the vicinity.
Motel
Marble Rocks, Upper Rest House, Lower Rest House, Hotel Samdariya, Hotel Rahul
Tourist Home and Dharamsala are there for the tourists in Bhedaghat. A number
of shops are scattered in and around the place as well.
Chousat Yogini Temple, on the way to the Marble Rocks, on the protracted
Narmada River banks, can be accessed through 108 stair steps. Inscriptions had
revealed the history of 10th century.
The Golki Math, built by Keyur Barsha (the follower of Shiva), houses 298 deities,
such as, Hara Patvati on Nandi, Surya Dev, Ganesha and Vishnu. Most of the
idols of the deities of the temple, however, are in ruins. 64 yoginis, friends
of the Kali devi, look attractive as well. The idols of yoginis were brought
all the way from Khajuraho. It is opined that this particular temple had a well
established link with the Rani Durgavati Palace.
One
of the most absorbing and agreeable enticements of Jabalpur is an effervescent waterfall, called the Dhuandhar Waterfall. The untamed
water stream of Narmada River jumps on the valley fiercely from an altitude of
100 feet. The fetal stream of the entire Narmada River then marks its way
through the lingering gorge. Watching the sight of the free flowing water
stream is an eye soothing experience. Hordes of holiday makers spend hours
watching the vista around sitting quietly on the banks of the River. Take a
walk for one mile alongside the Narmada River to reach the waterfall. It is
popularly known as Dhumadhar waterfall. The reflection of the sunlight on the
water would offer you a pleasing view as well. A number of shops at the
roadsides amuse the swarms of tourists. But, don’t forget to bargain.
The
striking Madan
Mohan Fort, about 7 km away from the city of Jabalpur, was the
palace of Gond dynasty and is located on the way to the Marbles Rocks. Raja
Madan Shah had built the palace marvelously on a huge flanked granite stone
atop the hill in 1116. The name of the palace had been derived from the name of
the king. The palace is also known in the proximity as the palace of Rani
Durgavati. Even though the depicted architectures of the windows, roof and
balcony of the palace are not treats to the eyes but the excellence in
structuring is notable. The queen had committed suicide when she could foresee
the defeat against the strong force of the emperor, Akbar. To recall that
historical tale and the bravery of the queen a commemorative had also been
built on the palace premise. The sprinkling ruins of the palace still recollect
the old memories of primeval era.
The
bird’s eye view of the entire city would enthrall everybody who climbs up the
palace. The Balancing Rocks, on the way to the elevated palace, are flanked
startlingly one after the other.
Hire
a car from the city to the foothill of the palace. Willing tourists, however,
have to take a long walk to the palace from the foothill to watch the grandeur
around.
Pisan Hari Jain Temple is not very far away as well. Cross the fort and the
medical college on the same way to the Marble Rocks to access the holy Pisan
Hari Jain temple.
Motilal
Park, Rani Durgavati museum, Sangram Sagar, temple of Mangala Devi and Bajna
Math are the other coveted tourists’ destinations. The Rani Durgavati museum
has an assortment of ancient architectural objects and sculptures. The Sangram
Sagar was built by the Gond king Sangram Shah during 1480-1540.
Tourists
can avail a car from the city bus stand, about 3 km from the railway station,
to the Dhumadhar waterfall. Take a walk to the Chousath Yogini temple and
marble rocks from the Dhumadhar waterfall. If you hire a car, then the tour of
the entire city can be completed in 4/5 hours. For any assistance you can
contact MP State Tourism Office on the 1 no Railway Platform (@0761-2677690).
Located
at a distance of 9 km towards the western side of the city of Jabalpur, the Tilwara ghat, on the banks of the
Narmada River, is a holy destination for the Hindu devotees. A holy bath here
would shed the sins of the devotees.
The
sanctified Tilbhandeshwar
Shiva temple, on the River banks of Narmada, is another sought
after attraction. It is believed that the Shiva idol of the temple is still
growing. If you give foods then you would be able to watch a number of animated
fishes in the Narmada River. This is the historical place where the ashes of
the Indian patriot Mahatma Gandhi had been immersed in the Narmada River. The
Gandhi memorial museum in the close hinterland recalls the old memories of
Mahatma Gandhi.
Hordes
of holiday makers, who love the quietness of the village, should walk around
the Tripuri village, on the way to the Gandhi museum. This particular village
had also included its name in the pages of history for another Indian freedom
fighter and the world famous leader Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. A conference
of Congress was organized in 1939 in Tripuri village and great Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose was the president of the conference.
The
divine Rupnath
Shiva (about 84
km from Jabalpur towards Allahabad) and Maihar (about 157 km away from Jabalpur
on the Jabalpur- Satna road) can be accessed from Jabalpur both by bus and by
train. Tourists must enjoy the trips to Kanha (165 km) and Bandhabgarh (164 km)
from Jabalpur. Satna acts as a connecting railway station between Jabalpur and
Khajuraho.
While
at Jabalpur, you can perform aarti of Narmada at Bhedaghat on any evening. The
scene resembles that of Brahmakund, Haridwar.
How to reach: Jabalpur railway station is linked with Kolkata, Mumbai,
Allahabad, Satna, Jhansi, Agra Cant, Nizamuddin, Lcuknow, Bhopal and many more
cities by trains. Tourists can access Jabalpur regularly by buses as well from
Khajuraho, Bhopal, Gwalior, Kanha, Bandhabgarh, Satna, Indore, Bilaspur,
Allahabad and Nagpur.