Situated at an altitude of 1000 m, Amarkantak is a well frequented Hindu pilgrimage center which is popularly known as ‘teerthraj’ or ‘the king of pilgrimages’. It is surrounded by three mountain ranges, Vindhya, Satpuras and Maikal. Bordered with lofty hills and dense forests, Amarkantak is very significant from ecological point of view. It is much sought after by the environmental enthusiasts and nature lovers. It also enjoys the reputation to have the origins of the two large rivers, Narmada and Sone.

Beglar visited this town in 1873-74 and reported that Amarkantak was always crowded with the pilgrims who pay a visit either on the way to Jagannath Puri or after returning from the there. Beglar identified Amarkantak with the Amarkuta which finds a mention in the Meghaduta of Kalidasa.

Amarkantak is mentioned as a mountain in the Puranas where some parts of Tripura, an mythological palace-city, fell when it was burnt down by Shiva. The Adi-Khanda of Padma Purana mentions that one who goes to Amarkantak mountain will enjoy the fourteen worlds of thirty-seven thousand crores of years. Afterwards he will be born on earth as a king and reign as supreme emperor. A visit to Amarkantak has ten times the values of an Ashvamedha. If one has Shiva’s darshan there, one will attain the heaven.