Gauri Somnath Temple

Gauri Somnath Temple Omkareshwar: A Temple of Gigantic Shivlinga

Gauri Somnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, located near Omkareshwar Temple on Mandhata Island in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the biggest and oldest temples in Omkareshwar, and is known for its huge shivlinga made of shining black stone. The temple also has a statue of Nandi (the sacred bull) outside. Gauri Somnath Temple is a place of devotion and wonder for the devotees of Shiva and Parvati. Visit during One day trip From Indore and Bhopal.

Gauri Somnath Temple Location – Timing and Entry Fees

Gauri Somnath Temple

Gauri Somnath Temple is located on Omkar Parikramapath, near Omkareshwar Temple on Mandhata Island in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. The nearest railway station is Omkareshwar Road, which is about 12 km away from the temple. The nearest airport is Indore, which is about 77 km away from the temple. The temple is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM. There is no entry fee for visitors.

Gauri Somnath Temple Things to Do / Must See

Gauri Somnath Temple

Gauri Somnath Temple is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to witness the gigantic shivlinga that is said to have some miraculous properties. According to the legend, the shivlinga had the ability to show the future births of anyone who looked into it until it was damaged by Emperor Aurangzeb, after which the powers were lost forever. 

Also, no one apart from an uncle and nephew pair can touch their hands while embracing the shivlinga from opposite ends. The shivlinga is about six feet tall and made of a smooth black stone with a shiny polish. There is a sitting Nandi of similar stone outside. The temple also has an idol of Goddess Parvati, consort of Shiva, behind the shivlinga.

Visitors can perform rituals such as abhishek (ritual bathing of the deity), aarti (ritual waving of lamps), and naivedya (offering of food) to the shivlinga and seek blessings from Shiva and Parvati. Visitors can also admire the intricate carvings and sculptures on the walls and pillars of the temple, depicting various deities and scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple also has a small pond and a garden that add to its beauty.

How to Reach Gauri Somnath Temple

Gauri Somnath Temple

Gauri Somnath Temple can be easily reached by public transport or private vehicles. The nearest railway station is Omkareshwar Road, which is about 12 km away from the temple. From there, one can take a bus or a taxi to Omkareshwar Bus Stand, which is about 3 km away from the temple.

Alternatively, one can take a boat ride from Omkareshwar Road or Mortakka Ghat to reach the temple island directly. The nearest airport is Indore, which is about 77 km away from the temple. From there, one can take a bus or a taxi to Omkareshwar Bus Stand or Omkareshwar Road.

Significance of Gauri Somnath Temple

Gauri Somnath Temple

Gauri Somnath Temple is one of the most significant temples in Omkareshwar, as it houses the gigantic shivlinga that represents Shiva as the lord of sound and immortality. The shivlinga is also associated with various legends and stories that reveal Shiva’s grace and compassion towards his devotees. One such legend is that of king Mandhata, who was blessed by Shiva with immortality and prosperity but later became corrupt and arrogant.

Shiva then sent a demon named Arunasura to punish him and his kingdom. Arunasura tried to destroy the shivlinga but Shiva protected it by creating a protective shield around it. Mandhata realized his mistake and repented for his sins. He prayed to Shiva for forgiveness and salvation. Shiva was pleased with his repentance and restored his kingdom and glory. He also named the island after him as Mandhata.

FAQs

Q: Who built Gauri Somnath Temple?

A: However, it is believed that the temple was originally built by king Mandhata, a legendary ruler from ancient India who was blessed by Shiva. The present structure of the temple suggests that it was rebuilt or renovated in different periods by different dynasties, such as the Paramaras, the Solankis, the Marathas, and the Scindias.

Q: What are the timings and entry fees of Gauri Somnath Temple?

A: Gauri Somnath Temple is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM. There is no entry fee for visitors.

Q: What are some other attractions near Gauri Somnath Temple?

A: Gauri Somnath Temple is located near some other religious and historical places that are worth visiting, such as:
Omkareshwar Temple: Another Jyotirlinga temple dedicated to Shiva, located on an island shaped like the symbol Om in the Narmada river opposite to Gauri Somnath Temple. It is also known as Omkareshwar or Omkar Mandhata Temple.
Mamleshwar Temple: Another Jyotirlinga temple dedicated to Shiva, located on the south bank of the Narmada river opposite to Omkareshwar Temple. It is also known as Amleshwar or Amareshwar Temple.
Siddhanath Temple: A 10th century temple dedicated to Shiva, located on a hill near Gauri Somnath Temple. It is known for its exquisite carvings and sculptures of various deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.
Ahilya Ghat: A sacred bathing place on the Narmada river, named after Ahilyabai Holkar, a famous queen and ruler of Malwa region in the 18th century. She was a devout follower of Shiva and built many temples and ghats along the Narmada river.
Omkar Mandhata Parikrama: A circumambulation of the island of Mandhata, covering a distance of about 7 km. It is considered as a holy and auspicious activity by devotees of Shiva and Narmada.

Conclusion

Gauri Somnath Temple is a sacred and scenic Jyotirlinga shrine of Shiva and Parvati, located near Omkareshwar Temple on Mandhata Island in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. It is a place of devotion and wonder that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Gauri Somnath Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to witness the gigantic shivlinga that has some miraculous properties.

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