Omkareshwar Temple’s among the 12 jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is viewed of greater holiness here. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga situated at the south bank of the river named Narmada on a mountain named Omkar an island in mid Narmada sacred island named Omkareshwar, which is shaped in a holy Hindu symbol ‘Om’, has attracted countless generations of pilgrims. Concerning this, many people have come to worship at the Jyotirlinga (one of twelve in all India) within the temple, dedicated to Shri Omkar Mandhata, on the banks where the temples at Omkareshwar were attacked and nearly broken up by Mahmud of Ghazni in 11th century and later destroyed and finally shattered by Baji Rao II Who’s was compelled to erect a new one.
River Narmada flow2 between Indore & Khandwa. It is very much revered in Malva and is called Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple. The supreme self of all the deities Lord Shiva’s Omkareshwar linga is placed on the mountain Mandhata. Shiv Purana has established the greatness of Omkareshwar and Mammaleshwar. Both the sons of the sun dynasty, Mandhata (Ambarish and Mucchkund) who had become great hermits by their severe penance, their austerities too, performed at this place pleased Lord Shiva. They had also performed great Yagyas at this place hence the mountain is called Mandhata.
History Behind the Omkareshwar Temple
The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is found at Madhya Pradesh by the side of river Narmada. The famous ‘Shikhara of Omkareshwar’ rises high up in the sky seemingly gazing down upon earth. Sacred Hindu texts like Vedas and Puranas have made reference to this temple. There are 6 pilgrimages and 33 deities on the island of Omkareshwar which makes it a must-go-to destination for spiritualists.
A pictorial manifestation of “Om” made by the bends of Narmada adds to the holy spot. Omkareshwar is a perfect example of the age-old Hindu ways and endless spiritual sway of Shiva on his fans. This shrine is the sole site where Lord Shiva showed up in an Omkara Swaroopa.
The Skanda Purana, The Shiv Purana, and The Vayu Purana express the religious significance of Omkareshwar. It is a saying that whoever prays at Omkareshwar with firm belief in Mahadev will receive redemption from all the evils that ever tread on earth.
Architecture of Omkareshwar Temple
The architecture of the Omkareshwar Temple is a fusion between different styles, an embodiment or representation of its deep history and cult significance. The basic plan follows the North Indian architectural style characterized by tall minarets and detailed carvings. In addition, the temple also bears the Peshwa architectural style known for attractive minarets, and beautiful yet detailed carvings. It has a five-storey building setup that is an example in itself of marvelous Nagara style architecture combining traditional features with artistic craftwork.
Best time to visit Omkareshwar Temple
Cool and pleasant weather welcomes the pilgrims during October, November, December, January, February, and March. In winter from October until March, the weather is very cool and pleasant to visit temples and plan sightseeing. Maximum and minimum temperatures range between 6 °C and 29 °C. This ensures a comfortable pilgrimage journey. Since winter has an inviting climate for outdoor activities and temple rituals mostly sitting under the sun in courtyards, it is considered the best season for any spiritual trip to this holy site. Besides quite a few colorful festivals like one of the very important Maha Shivratris falling in February that uplifts the spirit of visitors added spiritual ambiance inside temples.
Omkareshwar Temple Darshan Timings
- Morning: From 5.00 AM to 3:50 PM
- Break: 3:50 PM to 4:15 PM
- Evening: From 4:15 PM to 9:30 PM
Pooja timings of Omkareshwar Temple
- 5.00 AM to 5.30 AM:- Mangal Arti
- 5.30 AM to 12.25 PM:- Jalabhishek
- 12.25 PM to 1.15 PM:- Madhyanha Bhog
- 1.15 PM to 3.50 PM:- Jalabhishek
- 3.50 PM to 4.15 PM:- Vyavastha (Darshan Closed)
- 4.15 PM to 8.20 PM:- Shringar Darshan
- 8.20 PM to 9.05 PM:- Shayan Arti
- 9.05 PM to 9.35 PM:- Shayan Darshan
- 9.30 PM to 5.00 AM:- Pat band Vishram (Darshan Closed)
Significance Of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple’s two portions are the first Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga part and the other Mamleshwar Temple. Thus, a devotee who intends to pay a visit to Jyotirling therefore has to go to both places to complete his darshan Lord Shiva is self-born here; thus, these Jyotirlingas are Swayambhu.
There is a small aperture in the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga at the center. On anointing the Shivalinga, the abhishek water through this orifice joins the Narmada River as soon as we anoint the Shivalinga.
Therefore Hindus regard Narmada as their most holy river. Narmada goes towards the west where it empties itself into Arabian Sea most of the other Indian rivers move eastward and falls into Bay of Bengal.
Amaleswara Linga is opposite Omkareswar Lingam. It really special to have the Sahasra Shivling Puja here. This pooja can be performed by the devotees themselves at once and so, they are convinced that they really own the ‘result’ of the pooja.
Jagathguru Adisankaracharya wrote the commentary on the Upanishads at Omkareshwar. There won’t be rebirth said a devotee after visiting the Shivling in Gauri Somanatha Mandir in this area and further added that they would disclose the future births of the generations to come.
Way To Reach Omkareshwar Temple
India has 12 jyotirlingas. This one is installed in Ujjain, at the Omkareshwar Temple, which people know as the historical sacred site of Madhya Pradesh.
Millions of devotees come to visit the Omkareshwar Temple Ujjain and have a darshan of Shiva Linga.
Omkareshwar Temple at Ujjain can be approached by a boat on river Narmada with a pedal bridge. Consequently, it is well connected by road, rail as well as air to all the major cities in India.
Omkareshwar is 75 km from the nearest airport. One may hire a bus or a cab to reach here. Omkareshwar Road Mortakka Railway Station is 12 km from Omkareshwar. Trains from this station travel to several major cities of Madhya Pradesh.
The nearest important rail junctions of any significance are at Khandwa and Indore, 72 km apart. The distance between Indore, Khandwa, Ujjain, Jalgaon, Bhopal, Ratlam, and Dewas is: 78 km, 70 km, 137 km, 219 km, and 257 km away from the respective places.
Omkareshwar is at a distance of 110 km from Dewas. Omkareshwar has good access by road through major national highways as well as state highways.
Conclusion
Omkareshwar is a very large temple in the Hindu religion. It is one of the Twelve Jyotirlingas and here the temple is located in Madhya Pradesh, India. People from many parts of India go to this temple particularly those who want Blessings from Lord Shiva.
Pujas and rituals like Rudra Abhishek Puja are performed to please Lord Shiva. It is very important to do the rituals as per authentic vidhi. The main worry of devotees is about booking the right Pandit Ji for pujas like Rudra Abhishek Puja.
Hi there, I’m Sunita Sukla content writer at TempleAll and a passionate traveller by heart. I am thrilled to create content that inspires travellers around India. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wander around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.