Flowing through Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the Wainganga River is one of the significant rivers in central India. It’s water primarily covers the districts of Seoni, Balaghat, Chanda, and Gondia.

Mythological Significance of the Wainganga

The Wainganga holds various mentions in ancient Indian texts, including several Puranas and the epic Mahabharata. Known by various names across these scriptures—Vennava in the Brahmanda and Kurma Puranas, Vena in the Vamana and Matsya Puranas, Venva in the Vayu Purana, and Venya in the Markandeya Purana. The Mahabharata even records the Vena River residing in the palace of Varuna, the deity of waters. It further recounts how Sahadeva, during his southern conquest, vanquished the ruler of the Vena basin. The Mahabharata also lists Vena as one of the rivers from which fire can be ignited.

The sanctity of the Vena River is beautifully described in the Vana Parva, stating that anyone who fasts for three days on its banks will ascend to heaven. A dip in its waters is believed to bestow the merit of an Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice ritual). The Anushasana Parva instructs devotees to pray to this sacred river every morning and evening. The renowned ancient astronomer Varahamihira also references the Vena in his Brihat Samhita, underscoring its historical recognition.

Origin and Course of the Wainganga

The Wainganga River originates from a hill located in the upper reaches of Partabpur, Seoni district. From this point, it takes on a crescent shape, initially flowing north, then east, and finally towards the southeast. Its early journey is characterized by a rocky terrain, eventually transitioning through fertile plains and narrow valleys. The stretch of the Wainganga, extending approximately 10 kilometers before its confluence with the Dhanwar River, is particularly picturesque.

The Wainganga marks a portion of the boundary between Seoni and Balaghat districts before entering Balaghat proper. Here, it is joined by the Dhanwar River, which flows in from Mandla district. Before fully entering Balaghat, the Wainganga reaches a point northwest of Patadeh village and then turns westward, making its way into the district. Within Balaghat, the Wainganga spans approximately 106 kilometers, boasting an average width of about 800 feet. The Sarathi and Chunni rivers merge with the Wainganga on its right bank, while the Savar Jhori River joins it on the left. As the Wainganga leaves Balaghat district, it converges with the Bagh River.

Further downstream, the Wainganga becomes the principal river of Bhandara district in Maharashtra, with other local rivers serving as its tributaries. It enters Bhandara from the northeast and flows through its center, eventually forming a boundary between Nagpur and Bhandara districts for some distance. At this point, its width is around 500 yards. Key tributaries of the Wainganga in Bhandara district include the Kanhan, Pench, Bawanthadi, and Sura rivers. The Wainganga’s total length within Bhandara is approximately 200 kilometers. For much of its course, the Wainganga flows between banks that rise 50 to 60 feet high. After its journey through Bhandara, it enters Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district, completing a total journey of 570 kilometers before merging with the Wardha River on the southwestern border of Chandrapur. Post-confluence with the Wardha, the river is known as Pranhita, which eventually joins the mighty Godavari.

Major Tributaries of the Wainganga

Kanhan River

The Kanhan River meets the Wainganga on its right bank and is one of its primary tributaries. Originating from the western plateau of Chhindwara district, it flows past the famous Devgarh Fort before entering the northern region of Nagpur. It then proceeds into Bhandara district, eventually joining the Wainganga near Godi Pipri, about ten kilometers from the Bhandara area.

Pench River

A tributary of the Kanhan, the Pench River originates from the southern plateau of the Satpura mountain range. It winds through several turns in its southeastern course, eventually turning south and merging with the Kanhan near Kamthi in Nagpur.

Bagh River

The Bagh River is a significant tributary of the Wainganga. It originates in the Chichgarh Plateau near Chichgarh village in Bhandara district, with a length of approximately 166 kilometers. It flows along the border of Balaghat and Bhandara districts for some distance near Amgaon and then joins the Wainganga near Veer Sola.

Bawanthadi River

This river originates in Seoni district and flows south, entering Bhandara from the northeast. After flowing for about 48 kilometers, it merges with the Wainganga. Though a relatively small river, the Bawanthadi is fed by several hill streams, ensuring it carries water throughout the year.

Wardha River

The Wardha River originates from Multai tehsil in Betul district. It flows along the southern border of Chhindwara district for about thirteen kilometers before entering Maharashtra. Later in its course, it converges with the Wainganga.

Tourist Attractions in the Wainganga River Basin

Mundara

Being the origin point of the Wainganga, Mundara is considered a sacred site. It’s located about 16 kilometers southeast of Seoni city, near Partabpur. The Wainganga’s source is adorned with several temples, and a fair is held here during the month of Kartik (October-November), lasting for fifteen days. Thousands of devotees flock to Mundara during this period to take a holy dip in the Wainganga.

Chhapara

Chhapara is situated in Lakhnadon tehsil of Seoni district, at the confluence of the Wainganga and a smaller river, Motinala. The Motinala gets its name from the pearls (moti) that were once found here. The town itself is named Chhapara due to the presence of six settlements (chha meaning six). A fort here, built by Ramsingh, a relative of the Gond dynasty ruler Bakht Buland of Devgarh, has its southern wall along the Wainganga and its western wall along the Motinala. This fort was partially demolished during the 1857 rebellion.

Pauni

Pauni is located on the banks of the Wainganga in Bhandara district, Maharashtra, approximately 51 kilometers from Bhandara city. Its name is believed to derive from a king named Pawan, after whom Pohna and Pawanar villages in Wardha district are also named. Archaeological excavations have firmly established Pauni’s historical and ancient significance. It was also a major center for Buddhism, with inscriptions from the Vakataka dynasty, coins from the Satavahana period, and artifacts from the Mauryan and Shunga eras being discovered here.