Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated on the serene islands of Shivapuri or Mandhata. It is the fourth Jyotirlinga among the Dwadasha Jyotirlingas, where Lord Shiva is worshiped as Omkareshwar. The Jyotirlinga at Omkareshwar Temple is Swayambhu Lingam; it is self-manifested.
The all-powerful linga is a single round black-stoned structure representing Lord Shiva. There is also a deity of Parvati Devi. The unique feature of this temple is the presence of two lingas, Omkareshwar and Marshmallow.
Mandhata island is shaped like the Omkara, adding to the transcendent ambience of the temple. Om is the structural and functional unit of the universe. Devotees visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for spiritual advancement, self-realization, and enlightenment. Worshiping Lord Omkareshwar also grants moksha to devotees, uplifting them from the cycle of life and death.
How Mamaleshwar Jyotirlinga was Established
During the rainy season, the Omkareshwar linga would often get submerged in the Narmada River, making it difficult for devotees to worship the linga. At that time, there was no dam constructed across the Narmada River to control the flooding.
Adi Shankaracharya visited this place during one such flood and thought for a while about a solution. He established another Shivalinga, known as Amaleshwar or Mamaleshwar Shivalinga and granted it the status of Jyotirlinga. This new Shivalinga is placed on the opposite bank of Mandhata Island, allowing the devotees to continue their worship even when the Omkareshwar linga was submerged.
Vedic History of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Once upon a time, in the dynasty of Ikshvaku, there lived a famous king Mandhata. He was known for his devotion, kind heartedness, generosity, and tolerance. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and performed severe penance to please him. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva asked King Mandhata to ask for any boon. King Mandhata asked for a divine Shivalinga to worship, which he placed on the island where he performed tapasya. King Mandhata performed tapasya on this island, it is for this reason that this island is called Mandhata.
There is another history related to Omkareshwar. According to the Koti Rudra Samhita of the Shiva Purana, on the advice of sage Narada, Vindhya Mountain worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of an earthen Shivalinga for about 6 months. Pleased with the utmost devotion to Vindhya Mountain, Lord Shiva appeared before him and said, “Oh, Vindhya Mountain! I’m very much pleased with your devotion; you may ask for any boon.”
Vindhya Mountain said, “O Lord Shiva! Please reside with me and fulfill the wishes of devotees who come here to have your darshan.
Lord Shiva was pleased by the dedication and determination of Vindhya Mountain, stayed there to protect the world. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Omkara or Pranava form and came to be known as Omkareshwar. Whereas the earthen Shivalinga came to be known as Mamaleshwar.
Thereafter, the linga atop the part of Vindhya Mountain, also known as Vindhyachala mountain, came to be known as Omkareshwar. A temple was then constructed to worship Lord Shiva.
Architecture of Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar Temple, Indore, is a marvel of the Nagara style of architecture. The majestic tall tower, or shikhara, of the temple is worth a visit. The walls and shikhara of the temple have intricate carvings. These carvings exhibit various deities, motifs, sculptures, pauranic scenes, and floral patterns.
Shikhara rises gracefully towards the sky, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine. The devotees can also enjoy the stunning riverfront view of the Narmada River from the temple.
Inside the dimly lit narrow garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is enshrined. The presence of linga itself invokes devotion into the hearts of devotees.
The temple is a 5-storeyed architecture, where Omkareshwar is present on the first floor, whereas Siddnath, Gupteshwar, and Dhwajeshwar shrines are located on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors, respectively.
Poojas to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Maha Rudrabhisheka: This abhishekam is performed to fulfill the wishes of devotees. During the ritual, the Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharva Veda are recited to the linga.
Laghu Rudrabhishekha: Performing this ritual helps the devotees relieve from illness and bless them with prosperity. This abhisheka is performed between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Narmada Aarti: It is an auspicious aarti that takes place on the banks of the river Narmada.
Bhagavan Bhog: Everyday Lord Shiva is offered bhog in the evening. Rice, sugar, and ghee are offered as bhog.
Temple Timings of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
The darshan timings of Omkareshwar temple are as follows:
Morning Darshan: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Best time to visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
October to March is the best time to visit this temple. The pleasant weather makes this place a good religious destination.
Festivals of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Maha Shivaratri: It is the most important vibrant celebration at Omkareshwar temple. Lord Shiva is beautifully decorated on this day. Devotees fast the whole day and offer their prayers and seek blessings of Lord Shiva by doing bhajan the entire night on Shivaratri.
Navratri: This festival is conducted in the month of September-October and is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Diwali: On this special occasion, the temple is beautifully decorated with diyas and colorful lights.
Kartika Purnima: Pilgrims take a holy dip in the river Narmada and visit the temple to seek his blessings.
How to Reach Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
If you plan to visit the Omkareshwar Temple, Ujjain, and other sacred places, consider taking Tirtha Yatra’s Ujjain Yatra. All arrangements are well taken care of.
If you prefer to travel by yourself, here are a few options.
By Air - The nearest airport to Omkareshwar Temple is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the destination.
By Train - Omkareshwar Road Railway Station is the nearest railway station. From there, you can book a cab or taxi or local bus to reach the temple.
By Road - This beautiful island is well connected by road from different cities. Bus and taxi service is available.
Places to Visit Nearby Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Kedareshwar Temple – It is situated 1 Km from Omkareshwar Temple, one of the most prominent places to visit. The main deity of the temple is Kedar, situated at the confluence of two rivers, Narmada and Kuberi.
Siddhanath Temple - This 13th-century temple is located on Mandhata Island and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Gauri Somnath Temple – This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This temple was built in the 11th century AD and is famous for its huge Shivalinga and Nandi statue. To reach this temple, one has to climb 200+ steps from the ghat.
Omkar Ghat - Situated on the holy banks of the river Narmada in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh.
Abhay Ghat - This is also one of the important ghats situated on the holy banks of the river Narmada in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh.
Sri Govinda Bhagavatpaada Cave – This cave is located just beneath Omkareshwar temple. It is at this place that Sri Shankaracharya met his guru, Govinda Bhagavatpaada. Sri Shankaracharya got his formal education here and also got deeksha.
Parikrama Of Omkar Hill – The Omkar Parikrama path starts from the ghat on Mandhata Island. Devotees can perform parikrama around Omkareshwar, which is about 8 km and takes around 3 hours.
Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple – At this temple, Sri Adi Guru Shankaracharya debated with Madana Mishra on the philosophy of Advaita, and his wife, Ubhaya Bharti, agreed to be the judge of the debate. The debate took place in the 18th or 19th century.
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