Omkareshwar Temple Madhya Pradesh: Famous Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva

Omkareshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Mandhata on an island in the Narmada River near the city of Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga temples of Shiva. This temple is located on Mandhata Island, which is shaped like the divine symbol "Om" in Devanagari script. The temple houses a Lingam, an abstract representation of Lord Shiva, and is a popular pilgrimage site rich in history and culture. Visitors can also explore other tourist places in the city such as Mandavgarh and Kajal Rajni Cave, which offer picturesque landscapes and historical architecture. Various festivals like Maha Shivratri are celebrated in Omkareshwar, which attracts devotees and tourists alike.

Table of Contents

1. Importance of Omkareshwar Temple
2. 24 Avatar Omkareshwar Temple
3. Places to visit near Omkareshwar Temple
4. Architecture of Omkareshwar Temple
5. Best time to visit Omkareshwar Temple
6. How to reach Omkareshwar Temple?

Importance of Omkareshwar Temple

Omkareshwar temple holds great importance in Hindu religion. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga temples of Shiva. The temple is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva himself, making it a true holy place attracting devotees seeking blessings from the Lord. Situated on an island in the Narmada River, the temple's location amidst natural beauty adds to its sacredness, the shape of the island resembling the divine symbol "Om" in Devanagari script, a sacred sound in Hinduism. The history of the temple is rich with legends, including stories of Vindhya, Mandhata and the war between Devas and Demons, all of which contribute to its religious significance. Festivals such as Maha Shivratri celebrated at Omkareshwar Temple attract devotees and tourists, adding to its cultural and spiritual importance in Hinduism. The temple architecture, festivals and spiritual practices make it an important pilgrimage site for followers of Hinduism who seek spiritual blessings and connection with Lord Shiva.

24 Avatar Omkareshwar Temple

24 Avatar Temple at Omkareshwar, also known as Shri 24 Avatar Temple, is a unique Hindu temple located in Depalpur near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is not located in Omkareshwar, which is a separate town known for the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple. The 24 Avatar Temple has idols representing the 24 incarnations of Lord Vishnu as well as the 11 Rudra incarnations of Lord Shiva. This is the only temple in India where all the incarnations of Vishnu are present in their Virat (cosmic) form. The temple complex is spread over an area of 30 bighas (about 12 acres) and was built with the help of about 100 artisans. The tower of the main temple is 125 feet high. As of 2023, 23 of the 24 incarnations of Vishnu have been installed, while the last incarnation, Kalki, is yet to be installed. The temple is a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors from far and wide to admire its grandeur and intricate carvings. It is located about 45 km from Indore city and is expected to be fully completed by April 2023.

Places to Visit near Omkareshwar Temple

Shri Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga: Located in Brahmapuri, this temple is an important religious place near Omkareshwar Temple. Shri Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located on the southern bank of the Narmada River in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. It is an ancient temple with intricate carvings and religious significance.
Narmada River Ghat: Omkareshwar Ghat in Mandhata is the best place to experience the beauty of Narmada River, it is a serene place for devotees. The Narmada River flows through Omkareshwar, forming an island called Mandhata.
Shri Siddhnath Temple, Mandhata: Shri Siddhanath Temple in Mandhata is known for its architectural beauty and religious significance. Shri Siddhanatha Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple, built in Brahmanic and Indo-Nagar style. This temple is situated on Mandhata Island and is famous for its architecture.
Abhay Ghat: Abhay Ghat in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh is a sacred bathing ghat located on the Narmada River, adjacent to Nagar Ghat. It provides a serene and clean environment for devotees, which is visited by lakhs of people every year.
View Point – The view point of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Brahmapuri offers a wonderful panoramic view of the holy site, giving visitors an opportunity to appreciate the grandeur of the temple from a distance.

Architecture of Omkareshwar Temple

The architecture of Omkareshwar Temple is a blend of different styles, reflecting its rich historical and cultural significance. The temple is built in North Indian architectural style, characterized by tall minarets and intricate carvings. Additionally, the temple features the Peshwa architectural style, known for its beautiful minarets and intricate carvings. The design of the temple comprises a five-storey complex and is a beautiful example of Nagara style architecture, displaying a blend of traditional elements and artistic craftsmanship.

Prasad offered at Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple

Dry Prasad – Inedible and imperishable Prasad like dry fruits, almonds, cashew nuts, dates etc.
Sandalwood – Sandalwood paste is applied on the idol.
Rudraksh – Rudraksh, rosary or gem which is given to devotees as Prasad.
Incense sticks – Incense sticks are lit and offered to the idol.
Laddu – Laddu Mahaprasad is also sometimes offered as Prasad.

Best time to visit Omkareshwar Temple

The best time to visit Omkareshwar Temple is between October to March. During this period, the weather is relatively cool and pleasant, making it ideal for temple visiting and sightseeing. The temperature ranges between 6 °C to 29 °C, ensuring a comfortable pilgrimage experience. Due to the favorable climate for outdoor activities and temple rituals, winter especially is considered to be the best season for a spiritual visit to this holy site. Additionally, visitors at this time have the opportunity to participate in vibrant festivals such as Maha Shivratri in February, which adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. Overall, since October The months till October provide a serene and spiritually enriching experience for the devotees and tourists visiting Omkareshwar Temple.

How to reach Omkareshwar Temple?

Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (IDR) in Indore is the nearest airport to Omkareshwar.
Airport to Omkareshwar: Visitors can hire a taxi or use local transport to cover the journey of approximately 80 kilometers from the airport to the temple.
by train:
Nearest Railway Station: Omkareshwar Road Railway Station (OMRD) is the nearest railway station to Omkareshwar, which is connected to major railway junctions like Indore Junction and Khandwa Junction.
by the road:
Bus Services: There are frequent bus services connecting Omkareshwar to cities like Ujjain, Khandwa, Khargone and Indore.
Taxi Services: Taxi is also a convenient option to reach Omkareshwar, providing flexibility and comfort to the passengers.