MP Tourism-Legend campaign.

1)
The legend of the cleansing of the ‘Dark Woman’.

Situated at an altitude of 1065 metres, at the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura mountain ranges, amongst sylvan surroundings, is Amarkantak, the source of the River Narmada. Legend has it that Lord Shiva blessed Narmada with unique purifying powers. A devotee who has to take a dip in the Holy Ganga, pray seven days on the banks of River Yamuna and for three days on the banks of River Saraswati to cleanse himself off his sins, requires but one sight of the Holy Narmada, for the same effect!

According to a prevalent folklore Ganga herself visits Narmada, once a year, dressed like a dark woman to cleanse herself off all the sins that have been dumped into her! It is the mystique of this Narmada with its purifying waters, which call upon to the believers and non-believers likewise.

Come to the legendary state of Madhya Pradesh to take back pieces of a legend? Legends that mesmerise, which mystify and more than anything else, legends that beckon!

Madhya Pradesh.
Where legends beckon.



2)
The legend of the Sacred ‘Hill of many Wonders’.

That is what ‘Chitrakoot’ means. Located in the peaceful Northern slopes of the Vindhyas, this forest clearing boasts of quiet rivers and soothing air. There is a comforting and mysterious calm that surrounds the place. It was in these deep forests that Rama and Sita spent eleven of their fourteen years of exile. Here that the great sage Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated. And here, the principal trinity of the Hindu mythology, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, took their incarnations.

Visionaries, princes, devotees and even gods have sought and found solace in Chitrakoot. Drawn inspiration from its sublime natural beauty. Gained spiritual strength from its composed temples and in turn become part of the sanctified legend that is Chitrakoot.
To give your soul a peaceful experience, visit the legendary state of Madhya Pradesh. It will give you a chance to set yourself on a spiritual journey and a chance to find the real you.

Madhya Pradesh.
Where legends beckon.



3)
The legend of Hemavati and the Moon.

Legend has it that Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest was seduced by the moon god while bathing in the Rati river one evening. The child born of this union between a mortal and a god was a son, Chandravarman. The boy grew up to be the founder of the great Chandela dynasty. To fulfill his mother’s wish Chandravarman began the construction of the Khajurao temples. The temples that reveal human passions.
Khajuraho today is a quiet village of a few thousand people. To pay tribute to the freedom of spiritual expressions the Khajuraho Festival of Dances is organized here every year in the months of February and March. The festival that draws the best classical dancers in the country is a seven-day extravaganza. A unique treat for connoisseurs from all over the world.
Whatever your reason might be, the legendary temples of Khajurao hold enough mystery and charm to draw you there. They are the standing proof of the union of a mortal and eternal.

Madhya Pradesh.
Where legends beckon.



4)
The legend of the land of the ‘Man Cub’.

Remember Mowgli, the 'Man-Child' or Bagheera, the Black Panther or Baloo, Mowgli’s Guardian Angel? And who can forget the inimitable Sher Khan, the villain of Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book? Kipling was inspired to write his memorable book by the luxuriant forest cover of Pench, teeming with an astonishing variety of wildlife. Nestling in the Southern slopes of the Satpura range, Pench is a major Tiger Reserve. The River Pench, which splits the National Park into two, forms the lifeline of the Park.

Who knows, you might find an untold story if you visit the place. The gorge of Waingunga river where Kipling’s Sherkhan was killed. The cave where Mowgli grew up. You are sure to find the reason why Kipling chose this piece of land for his most renowned work.

Be sure to carry your camera. You might just catch a glimpse of characters made immortal. And in the process find yourself standing amongst the legends themselves.

Madhya Pradesh.
Where legends beckon.





5)
The legend of love that spread a religion.

When the merchants of Vidisha decided to convert Sanchi into a Buddhist retreat, they went to famous Mauryan King Asoka to ask him to grant them the land. When he came to Vidisha, the prince fell in love with the beautiful Devi, the daughter of one of the most powerful merchants of Vidisha. The love was returned and it is said that it is because of this connection that Asoka started to take a serious interest in Buddhism. To honour his ladylove’s faith the prince started playing an active role in the building of Sanchi.
Buddha himself never came to Sanchi, however in the tranquil stillness of the place he seems closer than any other famous place. The Stupas of Sanchi offer a lovely view of the surrounding countryside. Sitting under the trees in the bright sunshine, it is easy to understand why so many have gone away so moved and touched by this ancient village.
You can take back memories in the form of pictures from any place, but from how many places can you claim to take back pieces of a legend?

Madhya Pradesh.
Where legends beckon.



6)
Lamps light, rain falls and a voice that controls it all!

Music, it’s said, dissolves human boundaries. Tansen’s music could dissolve the boundaries of nature. With his voice he could light lamps and burst clouds. It is your chance to re-live the glory of those times, with the Tansen Festival. Come, dissolve yourself in the sweetness of Indian classical ragas.

A pillar of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen, one of the ‘Navratnas’ (Nine Jewels) of Emperor Akbar's court, was laid to rest in Gwalior. Built in the early Mughal architectural style, this tomb is a part of Gwalior’s cultural heritage. It is also the venue of the Tansen festival held every year in November-December. Renowned classical singers from across the country, and captivated audiences pay tribute to the great legend during the festival that runs for five mesmerising nights.

Madhya Pradesh.
Where legends beckon.