I am sure you all
have heard many stories about PatalLok. PatalLok a place where Danav, Daitya
(Demons) & Naga lives as per Hindu Vedic Mythology. Now what if we tell you
PatalLok still exists?
Yes there is a
place in Chindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, PatalKot is known for the entry to PatalLok (Gate to enter patallok).
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PatalKot Valley on Satpura Mountain Ranges |
Patalkot
name comes from Sanskrit word "Patal" that means “very deep” and
“Kot” means “a place to live.” There is a belief that after worshiping 'Lord Shiva', Prince Megnath(son of Ravana) had gone to PatalLok through this place only. People
say that Kings ruled this place in the 18th and 19th Centuries and that there
was a long tunnel connecting this place to Pachmarhi
in Hoshangabad district. Traditionally, the site
is believed to be the entrance to PatalLok and discovered just few years back..
Also this the same place from where Lord Hanumana entered PatalLok to save Rama
and Lakshmana from Ahiravana (King of PatalLok and Ravana brother) when Ahiravana
(also known as Mahi Ravana) kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana.
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ShivLinga Temple (Where Megnatha worshiped lord Shiva to enter Patal Lok) |
Where is PatalKot
or Gates to PatalLok:
Madhya Pradesh is
known for its forest treasures and Patalkot is one of its best nature’s gifts
with great geographical and scenic beauty situated in the hilly block of Tamia of
Chindwara district. Patalkot is a lovely landscape located at a depth of 1200-1500
feet in a valley. Because of the great depth at which it is located this place
is christened as Patalkot. When one looks down the place sitting at the top of
the valley, the place looks like a Horse Shoe in shape and it’s just 70Kms from
Chindwara. Doodhi River that bifurcates the valley is the primary water source
of the region. Patalkot valley is spread over an area of 79 km2. As soon as the clock strikes 4 pm, the village
transforms into darkness, no sunlight reaches the depth of the mystical valley
of Patalkot after few hours past noon.
There are 12
villages & 13 hamlets in this valley, with total population of 2012 (1017
males and 995 females). Most of the people belong to ‘Bharia’ or ‘Gond’ tribes.
The main villages of the valley are: Rated,
Chimtipur, GujjaDongri, SahraPachgol, Harra-ka-Char, Sukhabhand, Dhurnimalni,
Jhiram, PalaniGaildubba, Ghatlinga, Gudichattri, Gaildubba, Kareyam, Ghana,
etc. These villages are located at the distance of 2-3 km each. The tribal dwelling in this untouched land, live harmoniously and are
gradually uplifting their lifestyle, however they are totally cut off from the
current civilized world.
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PatalKot Valley View (Horse-Shoe Shaped) |
Gond and Bharia
are the two main tribal communities out of those 45 living in the Madhya
Pradesh and Chattisgarh state. It is said that Bharias are living here for more
than 500 years and mainly constituted above 80% of the population and Gond
tribe about 20%. Till
a few decades ago, the tribes living here were totally disconnected from the
outside world because of the difficult terrain leading up to the valley, and
the dense forests sprawling across. Because of this disconnectedness and
seclusion, the Bharias and Gonds established a close friendship, and dependence
with the ‘sacred’ forests around them. This valley is covered with tropical
forests, which are supposed to be rich in biodiversity. Hundreds of
economically important medicinal plants are found in abundance and endemic
& rare flora is also found in this valley.
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PatalKot - Satpura Mountain Range |
When
you visit this mystical Patalkot, you can see wall paintings and slogans
painted on the walls, along the way to the valley that highlights the
importance of eco-system and conservation of nature. It is truly a good way to
spread the awareness.
This valley is
known as a treasure of medicinal plants. According Madhya Pradesh VigyanSabha
(MPVS), which is working in the area for past 10-12 years more than 300
varieties of medicinal plants has been identified in the area. The tribal of
Patalkot are skilled in using the forest plants to make effective medicines.
Herbal healers locally known as Bhumka are real knowledge bank. They utilize
medicinal plants that are grown in the valley.
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Stairs To Reach PatalKot |
There exist
several mythological beliefs and traditional narratives that connect the
origins of Patalkot to Mahadeo hills – a sacred site for Lord Shiva. Chota Mahadeo
peak near Tamia an offshoot of Mahadeo hills surrounding Pachmarhi (the only
hill station in MP on a plateau) is situated in the vicinity of the valley.
According to locals, the deep gorge in Patalkot is owing to the mythical
journeys of Shiva in the ‘Tapovan’ of this valley.
The people here believes that patalkot is the only entrance to patal-lok and they are the protector or
watchman of the patal-lok.
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RajaBhog Caves at PatalKot |
About tribes of
PatalKot:
Gods and Goddesses:
Tribals perform prayers and rituals everyday. The place,
they perform Pooja (prayer) is called as Devghar.
Tribals worship Mahadev, Badadev, Madai, Madmi Mai, Dhuladev, Nandia,
Surjadev, Agiadev as their gods and goddesses.
Tribal instruments:
Nagda, Timki, Shehnai, Chakule, Singa, Tambura, Chikara,
Bansuri, Ghunghru, Khadtaal, Madar, Dhol, Dahak and Tudiya are
common instruments they play in various ceremonies and rituals.
Important
festivals:
Meghnath is one
the most important fair of the valley. This fair is celebrated on Chait Purnima (According
to Hindu calendar, full moon night in March or April, depending upon the
position of planet system). On this occasion, tribals make a wish and encircle
on a big pillar. The place where Meghnath is worshipped is predestined and it
is said to be a holy place in the village.
Best time to visit Patalkot:
The best time to
visit this beautiful valley is during monsoons, as it
is sheltered, with clouds all around.
Best time to
visit inside the valley: October to February.
Best time to view the valley from top: July to September.
How to reach the PatalKot or Patalok
gates:
Patalkot is located in the hilly
region of Tamia tehsil. It is around 78-80 kms away from Chindwara in Madhya Pradesh.
The best way to reach the valley via Chindwara is through taxi or hiring a car.
By Air:
Jabalpur,Bhopal & Nagpur are the
nearest Airports around Chindwara.
By rail:
From Bhopal/ Jabalpur broad gauge trains are available right up to Chindwara Station. After arriving Nagpur by broad gauge rail route, (only meter gauge trains (Choti Line trains) are available between Nagpur and Chindwara), one will have to make the necessary change of trains to reach Chindwara.
By road:
Chindwara can be approached by road from Nagpur (distance 125 kms.), Jabalpur (distance 215 kms.) or Bhopal (distance 286 kms.). Taxis and buses are also readily available from these cities connecting Chindwara town.
Where to stay in PatalKot:
There
is no facility of accommodation in the valley; the nearest accommodation
facility is in Tamia at the forest or PWD guest house. Patalkot is a good place
for tourism of M.P. If you want to experience real experience or want to see
tribal living, you can set your tents in the valley and enjoy camping.