Omkareshwar Temple Indore, Omkareshwar Temple Jyotirlinga

Omkareshwar is one of the oldest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intrinsic religious values. It is one of the Jyotirlinga among the 12 in India. The temple is situated on an Om shaped island in Narmada River, called as Shivapuri or Mandhata. It is positioned at a distance of 77 km from Indore. Omkareshwar is believed to be a self manifested Shiva Lingam.

This island is phenomenon of nature, having itself taken a shape of Om symbol which is 2 km wide and 4 km long. Pilgrims comes here throughout the year for the darshan of Omkareshwar Temple. The best time to visit this place is around winter season.

History of Omkareshwar Temple Jyotirlinga

According to Indian mythological belief, Brahma and Vishnu, had an argument on the supremacy of creation, hence Lord Shiva, to resolve this issue, had created three endless pillars and told them to find the end of these pillars. Both Vishnu and Brahma tried but they could not. Lord Vishnu accepted the defeat while Brahma lied that he found the end.

Due to the untruthful nature, Lord Shiva appeared from second light pillar and cursed Brahma that he will not get any place where he will be worshipped while, Vishnu will be worshipped in all parts of world till the end of eternity. This light of pillars are incepted where the Lord Shiva is worshiped hence it is called as Jyotirlinga. There is believed to be 64 Jyotilinga across the country but 12 among them have auspicious values in mythological stories.

History of Omkareshwar

It is one of the oldest temple which has many beliefs of emergence. But the main belief of legends is that Mount Vindhya has prayed to Lord Shiva and worshiped him in form of Parthiv Lingam. Lord emerged here at Omkareshwar and praised the worship of Mount Vindhya, since then it is said that Shiva eternal light remain here only.

On the request of Devas, this Linga is split in two parts, formed Omkareshwara and Amareswar or Mamleshwar. Both parted lingas have their temples in Omkareshwar itself.

Architecture of Omkareshwar Temple

The Omkareshwar Temple the main temple in this area, built in the north Indian style of architecture, having high Spires on top. This is a prominent place for the traveler coming for pilgrimage here. When and how it is constructed, is still under the folds of mystery.

The presiding deity in sanctum sanctorum of this shrine is mounted in an old construction while the dome is made with layers of stone blocks. The extended portion of this temple has rather new construction due to its proximity to Narmada banks on south. This led to one peculiar feature of this temple which is that the deity of this temple is neither in front of the main entrance nor under the tower which was later constructed.

Pujan and Savari at Omkareshwar Temple

In Omkareshwar temple, three times puja is performed by priests. At early morning puja is performed by trust of Omkareshwar temple. Puja performed in mid day is done by Scindia State Priest and evening puja by the Holkar State Priests.

The temple witness huge flow of devotees throughout the days after immersion in Narmada River for the worship of Lord Shiva. People coming for pilgrim perform various abhishieks, anusthans, and special pujas for the salvation.

Temple is visited by hordes of devotees on festive days as well as on Mondays. Every Monday, a procession called as Dola, is taken out with lord Omkar in a Palanquin with all the priests and devotees of temple.

This procession is first taken on the Ghat of River Narmada, where prayers are performed and then it takes a round of whole area of Omkareshwar. This event draws lots of people locally as well as from other parts of India. At the time of Shravana month, this Somwar Sawaries (procession) are organized on larger scale to give more grandeur to the occasion.

About Omkareshwar Town

Omkareshwar is divided into three parts, Bramha Puri, Vishnu Puri, and Shiva Puri. Brahma Puri is positioned on the Southern Banks of river Narmada and temple of Lord Brahma exists there. In Vishnu Puri temple of Lord Vishnu is situated and in Shiva Puri, Lord Omkareshwar is located.

Festivals and events at Omkareshwar Temple

There are many festivals organized in Omkareshwar, but among these two are prominent, Kartik Festival and Maha Shivratri.

Kartik Festival

It is organized in the month of Kartik according to Hindu calendar year. This festival includes Panchkoshi yatra which begins at Gomukh Ghat on ekadashi of shukla paksha. This yatra goes through Sanawad, Barwah and closes at Omkareshwar temple on Purnima, the full moon day.

A fair of 10 days is organized on this occasion and lots of devotees come to give their presence in this holiest place of India. People from all around India as well as abroad come here on Somvati Amawasya to take a holy dip in Narmada River and darshan of Omkareshwar.

Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is organized in the Falgun Month of Hindu calendar. It is believed that Lord Shiva got married to goddess Parvati on this auspicious day and followers of Hinduism have larger religious values for this day. Special Puja is done on this day and devotees keep fast to show their devotion to Lord Shiva.

Parikrama at Omkareshwar

Devotees in Omkareshwar perform parikrama of Omkareshwar temple, i.e. Mandhata Parvat (Mount) which consists of seven kilometers. They take water of river Narmada and then they go around the mount and offer their prayers in Omkareshwar temple. On their way to parikrama, people visit some important temples such as Rinmukteshwar temple, Gauri Somnath Mandir, Siddhanath Mandir, Ashapuri mandir, Chand Suraj Dwar and Bheem Arjun Dwar.

Ghats or Piers near Omkareshwar Temple

Omkareshwar is comprised with lots of Ghats built on the banks of River Narmada. These are one of the most pleasant places in Omkareshwar as silent flowing river and wind breezing above it just mesmerizes the onlookers. Many puja and worships are done here on Ghats and people usually have a dip in clean water of Narmada with belief of attaining salvation. The Main Ghats or Piers in Omkareshwar are:

Kotitirth Ghat
Chakar teerth Ghat
Kewalram Ghat
Nagar Ghat
Bramhapuri Ghat
Sangam Ghat

Prasad distribution at Omkareshwar Temple

Prasadalaya:

Prasadalaya is positioned next to Omkareshwar temple managed by trust of temple. Here Khichadi Prasad is distributed to all the Sadhus and holy men at no cost. This is done every morning from 10 AM to 11 AM.

Omkar Prasadalaya:

This Prasadalaya is built near the Mamleshwar Bridge to distribute food in form of Prasad to the devotees of Omkareshwar Temple. Visitors can take a coupon of Rs. 10, at Prasadalaya between 8.30 and 10.30 in morning. This food is served from 12.30 to 2.30 in the afternoon. This is highly hygienic and pure food served to devotees.

Special Prasad:

Special Prasad is given at time of festive seasons or Shravan somvars. This special Prasad is in the form of peda made of milk solids.

How to reach Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar is located in the central part of India. It is reachable from all the parts of India as well as from foreign countries.

Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport, Indore 77 km

Nearest Major Railway Station: Khandwa, 72 km from Omkareshwar

Nearest Bus Station: Mortakka, 12 km away from Omkareshwar

Travelers can easily reach through all the means of transportation to this place. Many state buses and private buses ply between the major cities of Madhya Pradesh and Omkareshwar. Tourists can also hire private taxis or sedan for a visit. State Government has organized special bus services for the tourism of Madhya Pradesh between all the major pilgrims of this state.

Parking at Omkareshwar

Devotees coming by own vehicle have been given ample place for parking their vehicles. To administrate the flow of visitors, parking for all the vehicles are given at specified places. These places include:
P1 Near New bus Stand
P2 Near New Bridge, in front of Vriddha Ashram
P3 Near Mamleshwar Mandir
P4 Near Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
P5 Near Mahanirvani Akhada, next to Vishnu Mandir

Timings of Pujan/ Arti at Omkareshwar

Devotees can visit this shrine all 365 days in a year, there is no such holidays declared for travelers. Doors are open since morning 5 AM till evening 9.35 PM. After that entry is not permissible. The daily activities at Shrine temple are as follows:

Mangal Arti: Morning 5.00 AM to 5.30 AM
Jalabhishek: 5.30 AM to 12.25 PM
Madhyanha Bhog: 12.25 PM to 1.15 PM
Jalabhishek: 1.15 PM to 3.50 Pm
Vyavastha (Darshan closed): 3.50 PM to 4.15 PM
Shringar Darshan: 4.15 PM to 8.20 PM
Shayan Arti: 8.20 PM to 9.05 PM
Shayan Darshan: 9.05 PM to 9.35 PM
Pat Band Vishram: 9.35 PM to 5.00 AM next day

Accommodations at Omkareshwar

Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Bhakt Niwas
Phone : 07280- 271204

MP Tourism Narmada Rest House
Phone : 07280- 271455

Rules of Omkareshwar Temple

Devotees should maintain peace in temple premises
They should maintain cleanliness in temple premises
Do not give money to beggars at temple entrances
Devotees should maintain order and listen to the instructions given by volunteers
Do not devote water, milk or other such thing on deity as per instruction
They should maintain queue for darshan
They should follow the pujan schedule given in timings.

Online Pujan of Omkareshwar Temple

The management has launched online Abhishek Pujan for the devotees who are not able to come to Omkareshwar temple. Those pilgrims should visit their official website and fill one nominal form to give their personal details. The puja done is of different types, including Normal Punanandabhishek, Shiv Mahimn Path and Abhishek, Shiv Mahimn Strot 11 Path by 1 Brahmin, Rudra Path 1 Avartan by 1 Brahmin, Rudra Path 11 Avartan by 1 Brahmin, and Laghu Rudrabhishek. Devotee can make online payment for all these puja performed here.

Other Attractions of Omkareshwar

Kedareshwar temple

This is one of the holiest shrines of Omkareshwar, built in the 11th century.

Siddhanath Temple

It is a sacred place located at the confluence of two rivers Narmada and Kaveri. It is known for its ancient architecture dating back to 14th - 15th century.

Shri Punchmukhi Ganesh Mandir

Temple of lord Ganesha having five faces in the entire idol, hence called as Punchmukhi Ganesh.

Omkar Mandhata Temple

This is also an important shrine of Omkareshwar temple.

Sri Govinda Bhagavatpada Cave

This is one of the most important places of attraction in Omkareshwar. It is believed that sage Shankaracharya had taken all his spiritual education from great sage Govind Bhagwatpad here only.