Omkareshwar Jyotirling is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Mandhata, near Khandwa city in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. It is located on the island of Mandhata, near Khandwa city in the Narmada district of Madhya Pradesh, India; the shape of the island is said to resemble the Devanagari symbol ॐ.

There are two main Shiva temples located at this particular spot, one on the island dedicated to Omkareshwar (whose name means “Lord of Omkara or the Lord of the Om sound”) and one on the mainland dedicated to Mamleshwar (Amaleshwar) (whose name means “Immortal Lord” or “Lord of the Immortals or Devas”).

The story behind Omkareshwar Jyotirling

According to legend, Vindhya Mountain was once provoked by the sage Narada. Vindhya was determined to prove Narada wrong and began strict penance in order to please Lord Shiva. For six months, the mountain performed strict penance on the banks of the Narmada, where Onkareshwar Linga was located. Lord Shiva appeared to him, pleased with his austerity, and asked him to ask for a boon. Following Lord Shiva’s words, the Vindhyachal prayed to God for wisdom.

At the same time, Vindhya asked lord shiva to be established in this location for all eternity. Lord Shiva divided the linga into two parts at the request of the gods and sages, one at Omkareshwar and the other at Amareshwar or Mamleshwar. As a result, devotees visit both temples when they visit Mandhata.

History of Omkareshwar Jyotirling

This holy spot is described as a spiritual and inhabited location in the Puranas. Nobody knows when this historic temple was originally built. The earliest evidence, however, indicates that in 1063, King Udayaditya installed four stone inscriptions, each with a Sanskrit Stotra. Raja Bharat Singh Chauhan renovated the temple and built a palace nearby in 1195.

The indigenous Bhil chieftains ruled Omkareshwar from 10 to 13 AD under the Parmar rulers of Malwa. The Marathas took control during the 18th century AD when many temples were built and renovated.

Omkareshwar Jyotirling Temple is said to be the location where Adi Shankara met his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada in a cave. Even today, this cave can be found just below the Shiva temple, where an image of Adi Shankara has been installed.

Architecture of Omkareshwar Jyotirling

The Omkareshwar Jyotirling has a large prayer hall that is supported by approximately 60 massive, ornately carved stone pillars. It is a five-story structure with a different deity on each floor. Above the Omkareshwar linga is the Mahakaleshwar temple. The Sidhnath, Gupteshwar, and Dhwajeshwar temples are located on the third, fourth, and fifth levels, respectively.

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga’s nature is divided. The Omkareshwar Temple houses one half of the Jyotirlinga, while the Mammaleshwar Temple houses the other. Pilgrims must visit both of these temples to see the entire Jyotirlinga. The Jyotirlingas are Swayambhu, which means they are self-created.

Facts about Omkareshwar Jyotirling

• Omkareshwar Jyotirling is located in the city of Mandhata (also known as Omkareshwar) in the Khandwa district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is approximately 16 kilometres from Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh.
• Two Shiva temples, Amareshwar Jyotirlinga on the mainland and Omkareshwar on an island are close to each other and popular pilgrimage destinations for devotees.
• Mandhata Island, where Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located, is said to be shaped like the sacred Om (ॐ).
• Omkareshwar is formed by the sacred Narmada river. This is one of India’s most sacred rivers, and it is now the site of one of the world’s largest dam projects.
• The Omkareshwar Jyotirling Temple is located on the island of Mandhata or Shivpuri, on the banks of the Narmada and the Kaveri River (a tributary of the Narmada). The island is 4 kilometres long and 2.6 km2, and it can be reached by boat or bridge.
• There are sanctums to Panchamukhi Ganesha, and Annapoorani housed inside this temple.
• Being one of the major pilgrimage centres in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar celebrates a few festivals with great enthusiasm.

Famous Festivals In Omkareshwar Jyotirling

• Mahashivaratri: The Maha Shivaratri festival is a grand event at Omkareshwar Jyotirling Temple, as it is at all important Shiva temples. It is the main festival in town. Every year, millions of devotees flock to this town to catch a glimpse of the Lord on this auspicious day, which falls in February/March.
• Ganesh Chaturthi: Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this festival is celebrated in August / September
• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct) as well as celebrate the triumph of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon (Mahishasura).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).

How to Reach Omkareshwar Jyotirling

By Air: Devi Ahilyabhai Holkar Airport, Indore is the nearest airport which is about 82 km from Omkareshwar Jyotirling Temple.

By Rail: Omkareshwar Mortakka Railway Station is 12 km from the temple.

By Road: Mortakka Bus Stand is the nearest Bus stand. The temple is located at a distance of about approx 12 km from the bus stand.