User:Mahidave2001

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ASTAMBA
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Mount "Astamba or Astambha" is the second highest mountain peak in the Satpura range of Maharashtra, India. It is a religious place in the Akrani Tehsil of Nandurbar district. Located in the 4th line of Satpura range, it has an elevation of 1,325 meters (4,347 ft) and is believed to be the place of Astamba(Ashwatthama Rushi). Therefore, it is considered a sacred place for tribals from the various states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.

Geography
Parent Range: Satpura Range [A range of hills, part of the Deccan Plateau, Western India]

ASTAMBA 21.6825°N, 74.15139°W Elevation : 1,325 m (4,347 ft) Coordinates : latitude 21.6744441986 longitude 74.2133331299

Tourist Attractions
● Old Astamba

● Mama Bhanje/ Bhanja

● Hakdo Thevo

● Bheem Kund (Ungolkund)

Arrival
Distance of Astamba from Nandurbar city is around 71 km whereas Akrani is close to 35 km by road. Nearest railway station to Astamba is in Nandurbar city.

Mythology
Ashwatthama is a mythological character from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. He was the son of Guru Dronacharya and Kripi (sister of Kripacharya). During the Kurukshetra war, Lord Krishna demanded that Ashwatthama give him the gem attached to his forehead, cursing him to live in pain till the end of Kaliyug. After the war, the Ashwatthama went in search of a cure for his forehead injury, roaming around different forests. During his search, he came across Raja Pantha and Raja Ganda Thakur, Kings of Adivasi tribe in the Satpura range. The kings allowed him to live there in their forest.

Since then, stories of Ashwatthama living in the Satpura range had been passed down through years amongst the tribal communities from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. These stories can be heard there even today. Thus, the mountain was named Astamba (after Astmaba rushi i.e. Ashwatthama) and this was the reason people have historically worshiped it.

Popular Culture
The Astamba fair held here is considered to be the most notable fair for tribals from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. During the Diwali festival, the fair is held for 3 to 4 days starting from Dhantrayodashi and goes on till Bhai Dooj. On the day of Kali Chaudas (Naraka Chaturdashi), people offer oil and grains to a stone on top of the peak which is believed to embody Ashwatthama. These offerings are assumed to give relief to Ashwatthama's forehead injury. Having its own spiritual significance, this place is worshiped every year by hundreds of people. A significant feature about this region is that no matter how small the place is, hundreds of people embark on the journey to offer worship every year. It is believed that Ashwatthama often takes the form of a human in order to help the people climb the mountain, to guide them and feed them.