Overview of Narmada Kaveri Sangam
Narmada Kaveri Sangam is a sacred confluence of two rivers, Narmada and Kaveri, in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most holy and auspicious places for Hindus, especially for the devotees of Lord Shiva. According to the ancient scriptures, the Narmada river is one of the seven holy rivers of India and the Kaveri river is one of the four rivers that originated from the pot of nectar during the churning of the ocean. Visit during One day Omkareshwar Local Sightseeing by Private cab.
The two rivers meet twice on the Omkar Parvat, an island shaped like the sacred symbol of Om, where the Omkareshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is located. The Narmada Kaveri Sangam is believed to have the power to wash away one’s sins and grant one’s wishes. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Narmada Kaveri Sangam, 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 Narmada Kaveri Sangam
Narmada Kaveri Sangam is located on the eastern side of Omkar Parvat, about 1 km from Omkareshwar Temple. The Narmada river flows from the south to the north of the island, while the Kaveri river flows from the east to the west. The two rivers merge for the first time near the Kubera Temple, where Kubera, the lord of wealth, performed penance and obtained the blessings of Brahma, the creator.
The two rivers separate after about 1 km and form the Om-shaped island. The two rivers merge again near the Kedareshwar Temple, where Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance, Tandava, after the death of his consort, Sati. The Narmada Kaveri Sangam offers a panoramic view of the river and the island. Here is a map of the location of Narmada Kaveri Sangam:
Timing/Entry Fees Narmada Kaveri Sangam
Narmada Kaveri Sangam is open from 6 AM to 8 PM every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the sangam. However, there may be additional charges for taking a boat ride, performing pooja, aarti, or abhishek. The sangam also provides accommodation and food facilities for pilgrims. The best time to visit the sangam is during the winter season, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the river is calm. The sangam 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 Narmada Kaveri Sangam
Narmada Kaveri Sangam 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 Narmada Kaveri Sangam.
From there, one can walk or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the sangam. Alternatively, one can also take a boat ride from Omkareshwar Ghat to reach the sangam. 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 sangam. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and respect the local customs and traditions.
Things to Do Narmada Kaveri Sangam
Narmada Kaveri Sangam 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 sangam and its surroundings:
- Seek blessings from the Narmada and Kaveri rivers and admire the natural beauty and tranquility of the sangam. The sangam is considered to be very sacred and auspicious and is said to fulfill one’s desires. One can also perform pooja, aarti, or abhishek at the sangam and offer flowers, coconut, and sweets to the rivers.
- Enjoy the scenic boat ride from Omkareshwar Ghat to the sangam and back. The boat ride offers a splendid view of the Omkar Parvat, the Omkareshwar Temple, and the other temples and ghats on the island. The boat ride is also a convenient way to complete the Parikrama or circumambulation of the island, which is about 7 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete by foot.
- 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 Narmada Kaveri Sangam
Narmada Kaveri Sangam is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially for the devotees of Lord Shiva. The sangam 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 sangam 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 sangam 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 sangam is also revered by the followers of the Nath sect, who believe that the sangam was established by their founder, Matsyendranath. The sangam is also visited by people of other faiths, who seek peace, harmony, and spiritual enlightenment.
FAQ’s,
Q: What is the legend behind the name Omkareshwar?
A: According to the legend, once Lord Shiva was pleased with the penance of a sage named Mandhata, and granted him a boon. The sage asked for a place where he could worship Lord Shiva forever. Lord Shiva then created an om-shaped island in the Narmada river, and manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga, which is a pillar of light. He named the island and the Jyotirlinga as Omkareshwar, which means the lord of om.
Q: What is the story behind the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri?
A: According to the story, once the river Kaveri was flowing in the south, and the river Narmada was flowing in the north. They both wanted to meet Lord Shiva, who was residing in Omkareshwar. They prayed to him to grant them a meeting. Lord Shiva then allowed them to meet twice, once before Omkareshwar and once after Omkareshwar. He also blessed them with the power to grant boons to the devotees who bathe in their sangam.
Q: What are the benefits of doing the parikrama of Omkareshwar?
A: The parikrama of Omkareshwar is a sacred act of devotion and reverence. It is believed that by doing the parikrama, one can attain the blessings of Lord Shiva, the Narmada river, and the Kaveri river. It is also believed that by doing the parikrama, one can fulfill one’s desires, overcome one’s difficulties, and achieve one’s goals. It is also believed that by doing the parikrama, one can experience the peace and bliss of the divine presence.
Conclusion
Narmada Kaveri Sangam-Omkareshwar is a place of great religious, cultural, and natural significance, and that it is a must-visit destination for anyone who is interested in spirituality, history, or nature. You can also mention that it is a place where one can experience the harmony of the two rivers, the om-shaped island, and the lord of om. You can also mention that it is a place where one can feel the grace and the glory of the supreme power.
