Mamleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located on the south bank of the Narmada river opposite to Omkareshwar Temple in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as Amleshwar or Amareshwar Temple. It is considered as the other half of the Jyotirlinga of Omkareshwar, one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva in Hinduism. Mamleshwar temple is an ancient monument with fascinating work of art and architecture. It also has a small three-sided mosque towards the west. You can Make One day picnic plan from Indore and Bhopal.
Mamleshwar Temple Location/ Timing and Entry Fees
Mamleshwar Temple is located on the south bank of the Narmada river opposite to Omkareshwar Temple 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.
Mamleshwar Temple Things to Do / Must See
Mamleshwar Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to complete the darshan of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. It is said that the visit to Omkareshwar is incomplete without the visit to Mamleshwar. Both Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar Shivalings are considered as the same Jyotirlinga, representing Shiva as the lord of sound and immortality.
Visitors can perform rituals such as abhishek (ritual bathing of the deity), aarti (ritual waving of lamps), and naivedya (offering of food) to the Jyotirlinga and seek blessings from Shiva. 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.
One of the most interesting aspects of Mamleshwar Temple is its connection with the legend of king Mandhata. According to the legend, king Mandhata was a righteous and powerful ruler who pleased Shiva with his devotion and penance. Shiva granted him a boon that he would be immortal and his kingdom would be prosperous. However, due to his pride and arrogance, he became corrupt and oppressed his subjects. Shiva then sent a demon named Arunasura to punish him.
Arunasura defeated Mandhata and his army and captured his kingdom. He also tried to destroy the Jyotirlinga, 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.
How to Reach Mamleshwar Temple
Mamleshwar 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 Mamleshwar Temple
Mamleshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva, which are considered as the most sacred and powerful manifestations of Shiva in Hinduism. Jyotirlingas are said to be self-manifested pillars of light that represent Shiva’s infinite power and presence. They are also associated with different legends and stories that reveal Shiva’s grace and compassion towards his devotees.
Mamleshwar Temple is also significant for its location on the south bank of the Narmada river, which is considered as one of the seven holy rivers of India. The Narmada river is said to have originated from the body of Shiva and flows through various sacred places such as Amark
The Narmada river is said to have originated from the body of Shiva and flows through various sacred places such as Amarkantak, Maheshwar, and Omkareshwar. The river is also known for its parikrama (circumambulation), which is a holy and auspicious activity performed by devotees of Shiva and Narmada. The parikrama covers a distance of about 2600 km and takes about three years to complete.
FAQs
Q: Who built Mamleshwar Temple?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as there are no historical records to prove who built the temple. 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 Mamleshwar Temple?
A: Mamleshwar Temple is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM. There is no entry fee for visitors.
Q: What are some other attractions near Mamleshwar Temple?
A: Mamleshwar Temple is located near some other religious and historical places that are worth visiting, such as:
Siddhanath Temple: A 10th century temple dedicated to Shiva, located on a hill near Mamleshwar Temple. It is known for its exquisite carvings and sculptures of various deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.
Omkareshwar Temple: Another Jyotirlinga temple dedicated to Shiva, located on an island shaped like the symbol Om in the Narmada river opposite to Mamleshwar Temple. It is also known as Omkareshwar or Omkar Mandhata Temple.
Gauri Somnath Temple: A 15th century temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, located near Mamleshwar Temple. It is known for its huge shivalinga made of shining black stone.
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
Mamleshwar Temple is a sacred and scenic Jyotirlinga shrine of Shiva, located on the south bank of the Narmada river opposite to Omkareshwar Temple in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. It is a place of spirituality, history, and culture that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Mamleshwar Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to complete the darshan of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga.
