Omkareshwar Temple

Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Mandhata, nearby Khandwa city in Khandwa district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. centuries ago the Bhil tribe settled people on this place and now this place is famous for its grandeur and history.[1] It is on an island called Mandhata, near Khandwa city in the Narmada river at Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh, India; the shape of the island is said to be like the Devanagari  ॐ symbol.

There are two main temples of Lord Shiva here, one to Omkareshwar (whose name means "Lord of Omkara or the Lord of the Om sound") located in the island and one to Mamleshwar (Amaleshwar) (whose name means "Immortal Lord" or "lord of the Immortals or Devas") located on the south bank of Narmada River on the mainland.

Madhya Pradesh has two Jyotirlingas, the second one, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, is situated about 140 km north of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga.



 

Where is the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga located?

It is located on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri on the Narmada River in the Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh.

 

 

Special features of Omkareshwar Temple

The temple has a large prayer hall with about 60 huge and elaborately carved stone pillars supporting it. It is a five storied structure with each floor having a different deity. Above the Omkareshwar linga is the Mahakaleshwar temple. Sidhnath, Gupteshwar and Dhwajeshwar temples are on the third, fourth and fifth floors respectively.

 

What is the story behind Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?

One legend says that two sons of emperor Mandhata of the Ikshvaku dynasty performed severe austerities and pleased Lord Shiva because of which the mountain is called Mandhata Mountain. And Lord Shiva manifested himself as a  jyotirlinga.

At the behest of the gods and sages, Lord Shiva split the linga into two parts – one is at Omkareshwar and the other at Amareshwar or Mamleshwar. Therefore, devotees visit both these temples when they visit Mandhata.

 

Interesting facts about Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

·         There are two Shiva temples situated near each other, both of which are famous pilgrimage spots for devotees – Amareshwar Jyotirlinga on the mainland and Omkareshwar on an island.

·         It is said that Mandhata Island, on which Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated, is in the shape of the sacred Om (ॐ) symbol.

·         There are shrines to Panchmukhi Ganesha, and Annapoorani housed within this temple.

While devotees visit this temple throughout the year, it would be best to visit it in the winter months i.e. October to March. Visiting it during Mahashivratri (February 21st this year) would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!