Pachmarhi

Travel to Pachmarhi: History of Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi is a serene hill station located in the Vindhya ranges of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. When discussing the history of Pachmarhi, it is also important to look at the legend that has been passed down through generations as local folklore and explains the spiritual significance of the area.

According to legend, Lord Shiva had to flee to save his life from Bhasmasura, who, through a blessing granted by Shiva himself, had gained the power to turn anyone to ashes simply by placing his hand on the victim's head. Bhasmasura wanted to test this power on the deity himself and began pursuing him.

The chase took Shiva across the Himalayas, the plains and eventually the lower ranges of central India. Meanwhile, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a beautiful maiden, attracted Bhasmasura's attention and eventually tricked him into placing his own hand on his head, causing him to burst into flames.

Pachmarhi and the Mahabharata

According to popular belief, the history of Pachmarhi dates back to the time of the Mahabharata. Near the state gardens in Pachmarhi, visitors can see five caves or shelters known as Madhis. These five structures are believed to have given the region its earlier name, Panch Madhi, which gradually became Pachmarhi.

According to legend, these five caves, which resemble an ancient Buddhist monastery, belonged to the five Pandava brothers, who lived here during their exile. However, geologists have classified them as being of possible Buddhist or Jain origin.

Pachmarhi During the British Period

The history of Pachmarhi changed significantly when the British rediscovered the area. Pachmarhi was rediscovered by Captain Forsyth in 1857 when he arrived at the head of a column of Bengal Lancers.

The British developed Pachmarhi as a sanatorium and health resort. During British India, Pachmarhi served as the summer retreat of the Central Provinces.

Rock Paintings and Archaeological Heritage

The history of Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh has both archaeological relevance and religious significance. The region is known for its ancient rock paintings, which can be found in numerous rock shelters throughout the Satpura Hills.

One of the well-known sites is the famous cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Mahadeo Hills.

Rock paintings have been discovered at various locations throughout the Satpura Hills. Many of these paintings have been dated between 500 AD and 800 AD, while some of the oldest are believed to be approximately 10,000 years old.

Among the representations studied is a figure resembling Gilgamesh subduing two wild animals at Mount Rosa, as well as a scene showing a monkey standing on its hind legs and playing a flute while a man lying on a bed that appears too small for him raises his arms as if following the rhythm of the music.

Aurobindo Ghosh studied these paintings and discovered two caves which he named Bansia Beria and Dhauladhar.

Bansia Beria Cave also contains a painting depicting what appears to be a large cross along with a group of men holding objects resembling umbrellas. The cross has been suggested to possibly represent part of a swastika.

Another painted cross can be found in the same cave, composed of small triangles as if it had been created using a stencil.

The Satpura rock paintings form an important part of the historical and archaeological heritage of Pachmarhi and Madhya Pradesh.

How to Reach Pachmarhi

Reaching Pachmarhi is relatively easy due to its air, rail and road connections.

By Air

Pachmarhi is located less than 200 km from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, and can be accessed by air. Bhopal's domestic airport has regular flights connecting it with other parts of the country.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Pipariya, approximately 47 km from Pachmarhi. Pipariya is served by regular trains from several major railway stations.

By Road

Although Pachmarhi is a hill station, it has good road connections with different parts of Madhya Pradesh. Pachmarhi can be reached by road from major cities such as Bhopal, Gwalior and Indore.

Hotels in Pachmarhi

• Ginger Smart Agartala Pachmarhi