Omkareshwara Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka. The temple is famous for its unique architecture, which reflects a blend of Gothic and Islamic styles. The temple was built by King Lingarajendra II in 1820 as an act of penance for killing a Brahmin. The temple has a Shiva Linga brought from Kashi, which is worshipped as Omkareshwara. The temple also has a water tank with a mantapa and many fish in it. Visit during Coorg Local Sightseeing By cab
Location of Omkareshwara Temple
Omkareshwara Temple is located at State Highway 88, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka 571201. It is about 1 km from the Madikeri bus stand and 35 km from the Bhagamandala Triveni Sangamam. It is situated in the heart of the Madikeri town, which is the headquarters of Coorg district.
Timing/Entry Fees Omkareshwara Temple
Omkareshwara Temple is open to visitors from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple or the water tank. However, one has to pay a nominal parking fee for vehicles, which ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 depending on the type of vehicle.
How to Reach Omkareshwara Temple
There are various modes of transport available to reach Omkareshwara Temple from different parts of Karnataka and India.
- By air: The nearest airports are Mysore (122 km), Mangalore (144 km) and Bangalore (268 km). From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Madikeri and then hire an autorickshaw or a taxi to Omkareshwara Temple.
- By train: The nearest railway stations are Mysore (115 km), Hassan (105 km) and Mangalore (135 km). From there, one can take a bus or a taxi to Madikeri and then hire an autorickshaw or a taxi to Omkareshwara Temple.
- By road: Coorg is well connected by road with other cities and towns in Karnataka and neighboring states. There are regular government and private buses that ply to Madikeri from various places. One can also drive to Madikeri by car or bike and then hire an autorickshaw or a taxi to Omkareshwara Temple.
Things to Do/Must See Omkareshwara Temple
Omkareshwara Temple is a place of religious and cultural interest that offers a lot of things to do and see for the visitors.
- Admire the unique architecture of the temple, which combines Gothic and Islamic styles. The temple has a large central dome with four minarets at the four corners. It also has a dome-shaped entrance with arches and floral motifs.
- Offer prayers at the Shiva Linga installed near the entrance door, which is said to be brought from Kashi by King Lingarajendra II. The Shiva Linga is worshipped as Omkareshwara, which means the lord of Om sound.
- Enjoy the view of the water tank in front of the temple, which has a mantapa in the center connected by a walkway. The water tank is inhabited by various kinds of fish, which can be fed by the visitors.
- Visit the nearby Raja’s Seat, which is a scenic spot that offers a stunning view of the sunset and the valley below. It was once a favorite place of the Kodava kings to relax and enjoy nature.
- Visit the nearby Madikeri Fort, which is a historic fort that dates back to the 17th century. It was rebuilt by Tipu Sultan and later by the British. It houses a museum, a temple, a church and a prison.
Nearby Tourist Attractions Omkareshwara Temple
There are many other tourist attractions near Omkareshwara Temple that one can explore while visiting Coorg. Some of them are:
- Abbey Falls: A spectacular waterfall that cascades from a height of 70 feet into a pool. It is surrounded by coffee and spice plantations and offers a refreshing experience.
- Talacauvery: The origin of River Kaveri, which is located on the Brahmagiri hill. It has a temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma, who is considered as the mother of the river.
- Bhagamandala Triveni Sangamam: The confluence of three rivers – Kaveri, Kannike and Sujyoti – which is considered as a holy place in Hinduism. It has a temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities.
- Mandalpatti: A hill station that offers a breathtaking view of the misty mountains and green valleys. It is ideal for trekking, camping and photography.
Significance of Omkareshwara Temple
Omkareshwara Temple is a significant attraction in Coorg for its religious and cultural importance. It is one of the oldest temples in Coorg, which was built by King Lingarajendra II in 1820 as an act of penance for killing a Brahmin. The temple has a Shiva Linga brought from Kashi, which is worshipped as Omkareshwara. The temple also has a unique architecture, which reflects a blend of Gothic and Islamic styles. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every year, who seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and admire the beauty of the temple.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Omkareshwara Temple?
A: The best time to visit Omkareshwara Temple is during the monsoon season (July to September), when the temple looks more beautiful with the greenery and the rain. However, one should be careful while walking on the slippery path and the mantapa.
Q: How long does it take to explore Omkareshwara Temple?
A: It takes about 1-2 hours to explore Omkareshwara Temple and its surroundings. One can also spend some more time relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
Q: Is photography allowed inside Omkareshwara Temple?
A: Yes, photography is allowed inside Omkareshwara Temple, but one should respect the sanctity of the place and avoid disturbing the devotees.
Conclusion
Omkareshwara Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the religious and cultural beauty of Coorg. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was built by King Lingarajendra II in 1820 as an act of penance for killing a Brahmin. The temple has a Shiva Linga brought from Kashi, which is worshipped as Omkareshwara. The temple also has a unique architecture, which reflects a blend of Gothic and Islamic styles. It is also a place that offers a serene and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life…
