Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga: The Divine Heart of Narmada River

Do you want to know about another mysterious Jyotirlinga of Mahadev?

Can you guess the name?

So, first I want you to answer one thing, have you heard about Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?

Okay, let me start. Omkareshwar is a temple with mesmerizing views of the Holy Narmada River and natural beauty that captivates one’s heart. This temple of Madhya Pradesh is a guiding light towards divine energy and spiritual peace.

Millions of devotees visit Omkareshwar to pray to Lord Shiva and by visiting there. One can deepen their spiritual connection with Lord Mahadev and seek blessings for prosperity and peace.

Omkareshwar means “Lord of Om,” and here you will find the island same as the sacred Hindu symbol ॐ (Om). This holy Jyotilringa is located on the serene bank of the sacred Narmada River. Also, it draws countless devotees towards its magnificent beauty.

Let’s explore the marvelous sight of this Jyotirlinga.. 

The History and Story of Omkareshwar 

Once, Shri Narad Muni ji worshipped Lord Shiva in Gokarna region. Additionally, he went to the Vindhyachal mountain, it honored and made him sit on the best seat. He himself sat beside Narad ji. Afterwards, Narad ji said to Vindhyachal Parvat that you are definitely very powerful and huge. All the mountains are prevalent in you, but the Sumeru Mountain has a distinct existence and identity. You still not match Sumeru even if you have all the quality.

The words of Narad ji made Vindhyachal Parvat very sad, and he started thinking this way, “My life is meaningless. When I am of no use to anyone, then I should improve my life.” Later, he started worshiping Lord Shiva. He went to Omkareshwar in Vindyachal and made a shivalinga nearby. Then, he started worshipping regularly with pure devotion. Therefore, he immersed himself while meditating on Lord Shiva’s feet for hours. He meditated for a long time, and one day, Lord Shiva gave him darshan and asked to tell his wish.

Lord Shiva said- Vindhyachal, I am pleased with your devotion. Now, tell me your wish? Vindhyachal got overwhelmed with the pure words of Lord Shiva. So, he started praising his adorable god. 

Vindhyachal said, “Oh, Lord Shiva. If you are happy, then please purify my intellect and give me the best thoughts. God! Please live here and do all good to this world.”

Shiva granted him a boon and agreed to sit in the gleaming form in the linga established by Vindhyachal parvat. For devotees, Lord Shiva made two parts of the lingam. One is Omkareshwara, and the other is Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga.

The Beautiful View of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga 

The Architecture:

This beautiful temple fascinates the visitors with Nagara style of architecture that features high spires, decorative walls with detailed sculptures. You will find great galleries surrounding the shrine with huge columns imprinted in squares, polygons, and circles. Also, the soft stone adds a degree of detailed work, with numbers on the upper part and a carved-stone roof.

There is a huge Sabha Mandapa, which is 14 feet tall, supported by 40 pillars adorned with Yakshi figures. Specifically, it is a temple with five stories in which you will find different idols of Gods. These idols are of Gods like Shree Omkareshwar, Shree Mahakaleshwar, Shree Siddhanath, Shree Gupteshwar, and Dhwajdhari Shikhar Deity.

Additionally, you can take blessings from Panchamukhi Ganesha and Annapoorna Devi in the temple compound. Especially, Lord Krishna, Devi Narmada, and Lord Shani are worshipped there.

Omkareshwar Parikrama

Devotees who visit Omkareshwar need to do a full parikrama around Omkareshwar Island. The rounded track around Omkar Hill is “Parikrama Marg”. It is approximately 7KM including several points with upstairs and downstairs. Additionally, you will see several temples, ashrams, and Sangam of two rivers on the path.

Moreover, other shrines on marg are Gauri Somnath mandir, Omkareshwar Math, Patali Hanuman Mandir, Rin Mukteshwar Temple, and Shiva Pratima Mandir. Also, you can take a bath at the Kaveri and Narmada river. 

Omkareshwar Parikrama leads you to a favourable future and Moksha.

The Shivalinga

The Shivlinga is exactly located on the ground floor of the shrine and partially immersed in the holy water. Do you want to know an astonishing fact? Also, Omkareshwar Shivlinga is not established under the Sikhara like other Jyotirlingas.

Omkareshwar’s Darshan is incomplete without taking the darshan of Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga. This Jyotirlinga is situated at a distance from Omkareshwar. Every year, couples visit this Jyotirlinga, perform various rituals, and pray to Lord Mahadev for a healthy and prosperous life. 

Darshan Information

Omkareshwar darshan info and Timings

It opens from 5 AM to 12:30 PM and reopens from 1:30 PM to 9 PM. This temple is in the main shrine, and the queue is too long. Basically, there are three lines and it is mostly crowded. 

If you opt for the free Darshan, then it takes 2-3 hours on a normal day. So, make sure to arrive early morning for better darshan. The VIP line is shorter, and tickets for this line are available at the booth near the temple. 

Furthermore, all lines get in together in the gabhara, the shrine is located a few metres from there.

Mamleshwar darshan info and Timings

The temple opens from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and then it reopens from 1:30 PM to 9:00 PM. 

You have to go through the general queue because there is no VIP darshan at Mamleshwar temple. It is a beautiful temple, and you can take darshan within 20 minutes.

Interesting Facts about Omkareshwar

Have a look at some wonderful facts about the Jyotirlinga temple;

• As per beliefs, Lord Shiv with Maa Parvati visits the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga every night and sleeps there. This is another reason behind the special Shayan Aarti, performed in the temple. 
• According to the Hindu saints, if you worship Mahadev in Omkareshwar then it is equal to worshiping in Panch kedars. 
• Omkareshwar is an important pilgrimage on the Narmada Parikrama. It is a divine pilgrimage route that encompasses the entire area of Narmada River.
• The temple is situated on an island, this island comprises two lofty mountains with a valley. It distributes the island, which creates the shape of “Om” (Sacred symbol).
• According to Archaeologists, the divine Jyotirlinga was originally placed inside a small ancient temple. Later on, a large complex was built at the same place.
• The spiritual importance of this Jyotirlinga can be found in the Skanda Purana, the Shiv Purana, and the Vayu Purana. It is believed that worshiping in Omkareshwar with faith in Mahadev can help you get relief from all sins.
• The town where the temple is located hosts many spiritual festivals. Mahashivratri is the most prominent festival that is celebrated at a large extent. 
• Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is the only place where Lord Shiva appeared in the divine Omkara Swaroopa. It is one of Shiva’s most powerful and divine swaroop.
• The important ‘Shikhara of Omkareshwar’ stands tall and full of pride in the sky as if overseeing the whole earth. 

• A surprising thing is that every stone of the Narmada river has the same shape as the shivlinga. You can try this, just pick a stone from the river, and you will see that it is a Shivlinga. Every Shivlinga of the Narmada River is called Narmadeshwar Shivlinga. We all worship these Shivlingas in India.

How to reach Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?

Well, you can visit Mahakaleshwar Ujjain first and then take a bus from there to reach Omkareshwar. This way, you can take darshan at the two Jyotirlingas of Madhya Pradesh.

Do you want to know how you can get there?

Let’s know,,

By Flight:  

If you are traveling via plane then Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore is the nearest. It is located at a distance of about 80 km. You can hire an airport taxi in Indore, and it will take about 2 hours to reach Omkareshwar town.

By Train:  

Omkareshwar road railway station is the nearest railway station which is located about 12 km from the town. The place is well-connected to cities like Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa, and Bhopal. From the station, you can hire a Savaari taxi service in Omkareshwar. 

By Road: 

If you want to reach there by road, then Regular buses are available from Indore, Khandwa, Ujjain, and Bhopal. Omkareshwar town is roughly 80 km away from Indore, and it takes around 2 hours by road. Also, you can opt for a cab from Omkareshwar to Ujjain and experience the beautiful views.

The way to the Temple

Okay, so after reaching Omkareshwar Town, what’s the next thing to do?

The beautiful temple is located on Mandhata Hill. There are two ways to get there- by walking or by boat.

Moreover, there is an old bridge and a new suspension bridge. These two bridges connect Mandhata Hill with the bank of the Narmada River. Both bridges are near the VIP parking area. The VIP parking charges are Rs. 200 per vehicle, and the regular parking charges are Rs. 50 per vehicle.

To visit the Mamleshwar temple, you need to walk down a long zigzag stairway. 

If you are taking a boat to reach the Omkareshwar temple then a single craft charges Rs.50/person (one way). It will take you from Gaumukh Ghat to Mandhata Hill. 

Choose whatever way you like.. 

Take a Step Closer to Divine 

This beautiful and divine Jyotirlinga is not just a mesmerizing place, but it has greater significance. It is among the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. If you are planning a trip to Omkareshwar then take time. Stay there for at least one night to feel the positive energy and divine power of Lord Omkareshwar. 

Trust me, it is one of the most mesmerizing hill temples in India. It will captivate your heart with the divine beauty. 

FAQs:

Q: Which railway station is near to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?

A: Omkareshwar is a town, and it has its own railway station named Omkareshwar Road railway station. Well, it is the nearest station to the temple. 

Q: What is the distance between Omkareshwar to Ujjain?

A: The actual distance from Ujjain to Omkareshwar is approximately 139 kms which takes about 2 hours.

Q: Is Omkareshwar a hill station?

A: Absolutely, it is a hill station and the hill is popular as the name Mandhata. 

Q: Can I visit Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar in one day?

A: Yes, you can visit both Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar in a single day as they are located nearby.