Omkareshwara Jyotirlinga Temple – Madhya Pradesh

There are two important temples to be visited and both are dedicated to Lord Shiva. One is on the island of Mandhata, which is called Omkareshwar temple. There is another temple called Mamaleshwara or Amaleshwara on the south bank of Narmada. It is believed that Omkareshwar pilgrimage will be complete only when both the temples are visited.

About Omkareshwar jyotirlinga Temple

Omkareshwara temple is one of the twelve jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva on Omkar mountains. It is located on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri on the Narmada river in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. From an aerial view, the shape of the island looks like the symbol ‘OM’, a sacred symbol in Hinduism.

Omkareshwar pilgrimage consists of two temples – Omkareshwar temple and Mamaleshwar temple - and pilgrimage will be complete only when both the temples are visited.

What is Jyotirlinga

Jyotirlinga means a column of light. Lingam signifies the infinite nature of Lord Shiva, without the beginning and the end. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, where it is believed that the supreme deity of Hinduism, Lord Shiva himself resides in different manifestations in the form of linga.

Parikrama Around the Island

There is a 16 km circumambulation path (parikrama) around the island for the devotees. Parikrama can also be done through the boats when there is enough water in the river. On the way to Parikrama, you will find pilgrimage sites like the Khedapati Hanuman temple, Omkaranath Ashram, Kedareshwar temple, Ramakrishna ashram dhyana mandir, markand ashram, and the confluence of the rivers Kaveri and Narmada, etc. It is believed that the parikrama was started by Adi Shankaracharya.

There is a 16 km circumambulation path (parikrama) around the island for the devotees. Parikrama can also be done through the boats when there is enough water in the river.

Omkareshwar Temple Architecture

The original temple was destroyed by the Mughals in the 13th century. The present structure of the temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar of the Maratha Empire.

The omkareshwar jyotirlinga temple is a multi-storied structure with each floor dedicated to different forms of Lord Shiva. The temple walls are carved with beautiful sculptures of various deities. It is built in a nagara style of architecture with intricate designs. The shiva linga is placed on the ground floor. There are other shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Annapurna, Shani, Narmada, and Krishna within the temple complex.

Legend behind Omkareshwar Temple

According to mythology, a devotee named Vindhya did severe penance to Lord Shiva to absolve him from his sins. Pleased with his worship, Lord Shiva appeared in two forms, Omkareshwar and Amaleshwar.

According to another story, once King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku clan worshipped Lord Shiva. Pleased with his worship, Lord Shiva appeared in jyotirlinga form and settled there.

Omkareshwar Temple Timings

The omkareshwar temple will be filled with devotees throughout the day. There are three daily rituals of worship performed here. Early morning worship is performed by priests of the temple trust. Afternoon pooja is performed by priests from the royal family of Scindhia and evening pooja is conducted by the priests from the royal family of Holkar. The Shayan aarti or night aarti is performed at 8:30 PM every night, which is very popular in this temple and it is open to the public. A bed is laid out in front of Shivalinga for Shiva and Parvati. A game of Chaupad is played before they go to sleep.

Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM

Jalabhishek: 5:30 AM

Madhyahna Bhog (Afternoon Aarti): 12:30 PM

Jalabhishek: 1:15 PM

Break: 3:50 PM to 4:15 PM

Shayan Aarti: 8:20 PM

Special Poojas: Shivling Pooja, Maha Rudrabhishekam, Laghu Rudrabhishekam, Narmada Aarti, Bhagavan Bhog, Mundan.

Places to visit near Omkareshwar Temple

Mamaleshwara or Amaleshwara temple - This is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is located on the south bank of Narmada. It is believed that Omkareshwar pilgrimage will be complete only when both Omkareshwar and Amaleshwar temples are visited. It is an old temple believed to be constructed in the 10th century.

The holy river Narmada not only flows around the Mandhata hill but also flows between the two main temples (Omkareshwar and Mamaleshwar).

Adi Shankaracharya Cave – This is the temple dedicated to Shankaracharya. It is believed to be the place where he met his Guru Govindapada.

Gauri Somnath Temple - A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with a huge shivalinga.

How to reach Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

It is located at a distance of 80 km from Indore. There are two ways to reach the temple from the southern bank of the Narmada river – a walk through the hanging bridge or a boat ride.

By Air - The nearest airport is Indore airport which is 80 km from the temple

By Train - Mortakka is the nearest railway station, which is 12 km from the temple

By Road - Bus services are available from Indore, Ujjain, and Bhopal.