Kedareshwar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located on Mandhata Island in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Situated at the confluence of rivers Narmada and Kuberi, it is one of the most prominent religious places to visit in Omkareshwar. Built in the 11th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Kedar, another manifestation of Lord Shiva. It boasts of intricate architecture and bears an uncanny resemblance to the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand. You can visit during One day Omkareshwar Local Sightseeing by Private cab.
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Kedareshwar Temple, such as its location, timing, entry fees, how to reach, things to do, significance, and frequently asked questions. Best 10 Places To Visit in Omkareshwar
Location of Kedareshwar Temple
Kedareshwar Temple is located on the southern bank of the Narmada river, on the eastern side of Mandhata Island. The island is shaped like the sacred symbol of Om and is also known as Omkar Parvat. The temple is about 1 km from Omkareshwar Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is also close to Siddhanath Temple, Gauri Somnath Temple, Omkar Ghat, and Abhay Ghat. The temple offers a majestic view of the river and the island. Here is a map of the location of Kedareshwar Temple:
Timing/Entry Fees of Kedareshwar Temple
Kedareshwar Temple is open from 5 AM to 9:30 PM every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. However, there may be additional charges for performing pooja, aarti, or abhishek. The temple also provides accommodation and food facilities for pilgrims.
The best time to visit the temple is during the winter season, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the river is calm. The temple also attracts a large number of devotees during the festivals of Shivaratri, Kartik Purnima, and Shravan Maas, when special rituals and celebrations are held.
How to Rich to Kedareshwar Temple
- Kedareshwar Temple can be reached by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is Indore Airport, which is about 77 km from Omkareshwar. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Omkareshwar.
- The nearest railway station is Omkareshwar Road, which is about 12 km from Omkareshwar. From there, one can take a taxi, a bus, or an auto-rickshaw to reach Omkareshwar.
- The nearest bus station is Omkareshwar Bus Station, which is about 2 km from Kedareshwar Temple. From there, one can walk or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
- Alternatively, one can also take a boat ride from Omkareshwar Ghat to reach the temple. The boat ride costs around Rs. 20 per person and takes about 10 minutes. It is advisable to carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat while traveling to the temple. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and respect the local customs and traditions.
Things to Do Kedareshwar Temple
Kedareshwar Temple is not only a place of worship but also a place of adventure and culture. Here are some things that visitors can do at the temple and its surroundings:
- Seek blessings from Lord Kedar and admire the beautiful carvings and sculptures of the temple. The temple has a shivalinga that is believed to be self-manifested and a Nandi bull that faces the river. The temple also has a hall with 12 pillars that represent the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- Enjoy the scenic view of the Narmada river and the Omkar Parvat from the temple. The river is considered to be one of the seven holy rivers of India and the Omkar Parvat is considered to be one of the 10 Maheshwar Peethas of Lord Shiva. The view is especially mesmerizing during sunrise and sunset.
- Take a dip in the Narmada river and perform the Parikrama or circumambulation of the island. The river is said to have the power to wash away one’s sins and the Parikrama is said to grant one’s wishes. The Parikrama is about 7 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete. It covers various temples, ghats, caves, and ashrams along the way.
- Visit the other temples and attractions on the island, such as Omkareshwar Temple, Siddhanath Temple, Gauri Somnath Temple, Omkar Ghat, and Abhay Ghat. Omkareshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is also known as Omkar Mandhata Temple. Siddhanath Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its unique architecture and stone carvings. Gauri Somnath Temple is a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is known for its huge shivalinga made of sandalwood. Omkar Ghat and Abhay Ghat are the two main ghats where pilgrims take a bath and perform rituals.
- Explore the nearby places, such as Maheshwar, Indore, Ujjain, and Mandu. Maheshwar is a historical town on the banks of the Narmada river and is known for its temples, fort, and handloom sarees. Indore is the largest city and the commercial hub of Madhya Pradesh and is known for its monuments, museums, markets, and food. Ujjain is one of the oldest and holiest cities of India and is known for its temples, especially Mahakaleshwar Temple, which is another Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Mandu is a hilltop fort city and is known for its palaces, mosques, tombs, and lakes.
Significance of Kedareshwar Temple
Kedareshwar Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially for the devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the four places where the drops of amrit or nectar fell from the pitcher carried by Garuda, the divine eagle, during the Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean.
The other three places are Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The temple is also one of the places where Lord Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga or a pillar of light, after being pleased by the penance of a king named Mandhata. The temple is also believed to be the place where Lord Shiva performed the Tandava or the cosmic dance, after the death of his consort Sati.
The temple is also considered to be the replica of the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand, which is one of the four sites of the Char Dham or the four sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is also revered by the followers of the Nath sect, who believe that the temple was established by their founder, Matsyendranath. The temple is also visited by people of other faiths, who seek peace, harmony, and spiritual enlightenment.
FAQ’s,
Q: How many steps are there to reach Kedareshwar Temple?
A: There are about 270 steps to reach Kedareshwar Temple from the base of the island. The steps are steep and uneven, so one should be careful while climbing. Alternatively, one can also take a boat ride from Omkareshwar Ghat to reach the temple.
Q: Is photography allowed inside Kedareshwar Temple?
A: Photography is allowed outside the temple, but not inside the sanctum sanctorum.
Conclusion
Kedareshwar Temple is a remarkable place that offers a blend of history, culture, nature, and religion. It is one of the most sacred and significant temples of Lord Shiva and attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The temple showcases the ancient and exquisite architecture and art of India and reflects the devotion and faith of the people.
The temple also provides a serene and scenic environment that soothes the mind and soul. Visiting the temple was a memorable and enriching experience for me, as I learned a lot about the temple and its legends and felt a connection with the divine. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in exploring the spiritual and cultural heritage of India to visit Kedareshwar Temple and witness its glory and grace.
