Table of Contents
The Narmada River, one of the seven holy rivers in Hinduism, is a very important river in India. It’s famous for its religious importance and its impact on the culture and economy of the region. This river flows through central India and stretches for about 1,312 kilometers. The area around it is home to a variety of plants and animals, and the river itself is connected to many stories and myths. The Narmada River is also famous for its beautiful marble rocks and lovely surroundings, which make it a favorite spot for both tourists and pilgrims.
Narmada River Origin
This river, also called the “Holy Narmada,” Narmada river originates from its journey from the Narmada Kund in Amarkantak, located in the Anuppur District of Madhya Pradesh at an elevation of approximately 900 meters within the Maikala Range. It then flows for approximately 1,312 kilometers before finally emptying into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat. According to Hindu beliefs, the Narmada River is believed to have sprung from the body of the god Shiva. It ranks as the fifth longest river in the Indian subcontinent and holds significant religious, cultural, and economic importance in the region. In Hinduism, it is revered as a goddess and a sacred river.
Narmada River Tributaries
The Narmada River is a significant river in India. Tributaries of Narmada river includes river Hiran, Tawa, Barna, Kolar, Sukta, Duand, Chhota Tawa, Goi, Sher, and Shakkar rivers, which join it at different points along its journey.
- Hiran River: The Hiran River is an important river that joins the Narmada River at a place called Hiranfall.
- Tawa River: The Tawa River is one of the biggest rivers that flows into the Narmada River at a location known as Bandra.
- Barna River: The Barna River meets the Narmada River close to Bari.
- Kolar River: The Kolar River makes its way into the Narmada River near Shahganj in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
- Sukta River: The Sukta River merges with the Narmada River in the state of Madhya Pradesh as well.
- Duand River: The Duand River is another tributary that connects to the Narmada River.
- Chhota Tawa River: The Chhota Tawa River is a smaller of tributary Narmada river that flows into the Narmada.
- Goi River: The Goi River also merges with the Narmada in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
- Sher River: The Sher River joins the Narmada at a place called Sher.
- Shakkar River: The Shakkar River is yet another tributary of the Narmada.
- Orsang River: The Orsang River flows into the Narmada in the state of Gujarat.
Narmada River Map
Importance of Narmada River
The Narmada River holds great importance in various aspects. It plays a vital role culturally, religiously, and geographically. This river is a valuable natural resource for the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra due to its unique blend of rugged terrain and fertile plains.
Tourists are drawn to the Narmada River and its surroundings, where they can explore attractions like the Marble Rocks in Jabalpur, the Omkareshwar Temple, and the Dhuandhar Falls in Bhedaghat.
In India, rivers are often revered, and the Narmada River is no exception. It is worshipped as a goddess and honored in festivals like Narmada Jayanti and Narmada Mahotsav. Additionally, the Indian government has recognized the river’s religious significance and ecological importance, protecting it under the National River Conservation Plan.
| Rivers of India | |
| Umngot River | Subarnarekha River |
| Kali Gandaki River Nepal | Sutlej River |
| Mahi River | Tapti River |
| Yamuna River | Hooghly River |
Narmada River Dam
The Narmada River, a revered waterway in India, has been the focus of multiple dam projects aimed at utilizing its water resources for electricity generation. Notable dams constructed along the Narmada River include:
Sardar Sarovar Dam: The Sardar Sarovar Dam stands as the largest structure along the Narmada River in Gujarat’s Navagam village. Completed in 2017, it measures a towering 163 meters in height and can hold a staggering 9,500 million cubic meters of water.
Maan Dam: Located near Kholra village in Madhya Pradesh, the Maan Dam is a solid gravity dam. This dam serves a dual purpose by supplying irrigation water to local farmers and generating hydroelectric power.
Indira Sagar Dam: Situated in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district, the Indira Sagar Dam is a versatile project. It ranks as the second-largest undertaking on the Narmada River, boasting a storage capacity of 12.22 billion cubic meters.
Jobat Dam: In the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s Jobat town, you’ll find the Jobat Dam, a small yet invaluable reservoir. With a height of 48 meters, it offers vital irrigation support to nearby farmlands.
The construction of these dams has raised concerns about their effects on the river’s environment, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of the people residing in the area. The Narmada Valley Dam Projects have faced criticism for displacing a large number of people and causing significant harm to the river’s ecosystem.
Narmada Basin
The Narmada River basin is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including unique species such as the softshell turtle, gharial crocodile, and Indian skimmer that are found in its waters. The journey of the Narmada River can be divided into three main parts:
- Upper Narmada Basin: This section begins at the river’s source in Amarkantak and continues to the town of Mandla in Madhya Pradesh. Along the way, the river flows through deep gorges, dense forests, and tribal villages.
- Middle Narmada Basin: The river’s journey from Mandla to the city of Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh forms the middle section. In this part, the river widens, creating numerous small islands and sandbars.
- Lower Narmada Basin: This section stretches from Hoshangabad to the river’s estuary in the Arabian Sea, passing through the state of Gujarat. Here, the river carves a fertile plain with its sediment deposits.
Overall, the course of the Narmada River is marked by a mix of natural wonders, cultural traditions, and historical significance, making it an important river in India.
FAQs on Narmada River
What is the length of the Narmada River?
The Narmada River is approximately 1,312 kilometres (815 miles) long which makes it the fifth-longest river in India.
Where does the Narmada River originate and flow?
The Narmada River originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, India. It flows westward through many states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, ultimately emptying into the Arabian Sea.
What is the significance of the Narmada River?
The Narmada River holds great cultural and religious significance in India. It is considered one of the sacred rivers, and many pilgrimages and festivals are associated with it. Survival of many purple and species depends on the existence of Narmada River.
How is the Narmada River celebrated in festivals?
Narmada Jayanti, the birthday of the Narmada River, is celebrated with reverence. Pilgrims undertake the Narmada Parikrama, circumambulating the river as a form of devotion.
Where is the Narmada River located?
The Narmada River is located in central India. It flows westward through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
Does Narmada meet Ganga?
No, the Narmada River does not meet the Ganga. The Narmada flows westward into the Arabian Sea, while the Ganga flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
Is Narmada older than Ganga?
Yes, geologically, the Narmada River is considered older than the Ganga. The Narmada is part of a rift valley, making it one of the ancient rivers on the Indian subcontinent.
