Omkareshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Mandhata, nearby Khandwa city in Khandwa district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, where Shiva is worshipped as the supreme lord of the sound Om. Omkareshwar temple is situated on an island shaped like the Devanagari symbol ॐ in the Narmada river, which is considered as one of the seven holy rivers of India. The temple also has a small three-sided mosque towards the west. Onkareshwar Easley Access by Indore and Bhopal
Omkareshwar Temple Location/ Timing and Entry Fees
Omkareshwar Temple is located on Mandhata island in the Narmada river, near Khandwa city in Khandwa district of 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.
Things to Do / Must See Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for its spiritual and scenic significance. 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 enjoy the panoramic view of the Narmada river and the surrounding hills from the temple premises. The temple complex also has other shrines dedicated to various deities such as Parvati, Ganesha, Hanuman, and Nandi.
One of the most interesting aspects of Omkareshwar 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 Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar 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 Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar 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.
Omkareshwar Temple is also significant for its location on an island shaped like the symbol Om, which is regarded as the primordial sound and vibration of creation in Hinduism. Om is also the sacred syllable that precedes all mantras and prayers to Shiva and other deities. Omkareshwar Temple is also significant for its scenic beauty and natural surroundings that create a serene and blissful atmosphere for worship and meditation.
FAQs
Q: Who built Omkareshwar 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 Omkareshwar Temple?
A: Omkareshwar Temple is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM. There is no entry fee for visitors.
Q: What are some other attractions near Omkareshwar Temple?
A: Omkareshwar 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 Omkareshwar Temple. It is known for its exquisite carvings and sculptures of various deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.
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 Amaleshwar or Amreshwar 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
Q: How to book online services for Omkareshwar Temple?
A: Omkareshwar Temple Trust has launched an official website (www.shriomkareshwar.org) and an android app (Omkareshwar) for providing online services to devotees. Through these platforms, one can book online services such as live darshan, laddu mahaprasad home delivery service, special darshan ticket, abhishek, aarti and naivedya booking.
Conclusion
Omkareshwar Temple is a sacred and scenic Jyotirlinga shrine of Shiva, located on an island shaped like the symbol Om in the Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh. It is a place of spirituality, history, and culture that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Omkareshwar Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the divine grace and glory of Shiva.
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