Omkareshwar :-
River Narmada has been an incredible part of Madhya Pradesh. Amarkantak, Bhedaghat, Omkareshwar and Maheshwar are some of the major pilgrimages and tourist places developed near the banks of River Narmada.
Residing at Indore during our student life I and my cousin have got the opportunity to visit the Indira Sagar Pariyojana at Punasa and also to visit the Omkareshwar. We have gone to these places by motorbike as it is just 80 km away from Indore by road. There is a very frequent transport facility from Indore to Omkareshwar by road as it is a place of religious importance.
One of the 12 foremost holy shrines of Shivlingas is located at Malwa (on the banks of the river Narmada) in Madhya Pradesh, India. Here, the one of the supreme holy pilgrimage places is devoted to Lord Shiva (Mamleshwara). Indeed, the sole junction as an appearance of Lord Shiva comes visible as a tale of Spiritual place, millions of devotees from all over the country visit the prehistoric divine temple every year. Moreover, there are two most significant holy temples are situated here – Omkareshwar (dedicated to Lord of Omkara) and Amareshwar (dedicated to Lord of Immortals).
About Omkareshwar Lingam:-
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga also has its own history and stories.Three are them are prominent. According to one story, Vindhya mountain was visited by Narad Muni (son of Lord Brahma) in a comic mood. He told Vindhya about the greatness of Meru mountain which made Vindhya full of jealousy. He begin worship of Lord Shiva to become greater than Meru mountain. He continued his relentless worship for 6 months. He practiced severe penance and even worshipped Parvita Linga Puja without moving from its place. As a result, lord Shiva was pleased with his worship and blessed him with his desirable boon with a condition to not to become problem to Shiva devotees. At the same time Hindu Goods and Maharishis came and praised Shiva and requested to stay in that place. Shiva accepted and stayed in that place as Mamaleshwar Jyotirlinga. Full with proud and jealousy, Vindhya mountain began to grow in unconditional way and even violate the boon conditions. He even create obstruction for Sun & Moon also. All devotees and deities put
the matter in knowledge to Lord Vishnu who suggested them to meet sage Agastya who is capable to solve their problem. On suggestion of Vishnu Gods meet saint Agastya and described their problem. At that time Agastya Maharishi was living in Kashi with his wife. Agastya with his wife visited Vindhya mountain and requested him to stop growing till they can go to southern part of India for worship purpose and return back. Vindhya was agree on this condition and stop its further growth. But Agastya Maharishi never returned back which put Vindhya restricted to its present state. Saint Agastya with his wife stayed in Srisailam which is also called "Kashi of South India" and Dwadash Jyotirlinga. Similarly their are some other legends also.
In later history we can discover that during 12th century, Omkareshwar was under rule of Bhil Kings. Bhil is a martial tribe mainly concentrated in Central India. It was the time when Bhil king Natthu was ruling the region and he was in a conflicting situation with powerful priest Daryo Gosai. Priest wrote a letter to Jaipur's Rajput king for help in settling the issue with Natthu Bhil. Jaipur king send his brother Bharat Singh Chauhan to do the justice with arrogant Natthu Bhil. Soon Bharat Singh Chauhan was at Natthu's door. Natthu Bhil was a shrewd person and in the name of child has only a beautiful and talented daughter. To avoid the conflict, Natthu offered a marriage proposal to Bharat Singh with his daughter which was accepted. After Natthu Bhil, Bharat Singh ruled this region and from here Bhil-Rajput genealogy begins due to which today's Bhils in this region claims themselves as descendents of Rajputs.
The second story relates to Mandhata and his son's penance. King Mandhata of Ishvaku clan (an ancestor of Lord Ram) worshipped Lord Shiva here till the Lord manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga. Some scholars also narrate the story about Mandhata's sons-Ambarish and Mucchkund, who had practiced severe penance and austerities here and pleased Lord Shiva. Because of this the mountain is named Mandhata.
The third story from Hindu scriptures says that once upon a time there was a great war between Devas and Danavas(demon), in which Danavas won. This was a major setback for Devas and hence Devas prayed to Lord Shiva. Pleased with their prayer, Lord Shiva emerged in the form of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and defeated Danavas.
Omkareshwaram History1:-
The shape of the island is said to be like the Hindu Om symbol. There are two temples here, one to Omkareshwar (whose name means "Lord of Omkaara or the Lord of the Om Sound") and one to Amareshwar (whose name means "Immortal lord" or "lord of the Immortals or Devas").
According to legends, Shiva Purana illustrates the importance of Mammaleshwar and Omkareshwar. Mucchkund and Ambarish were two sons of Sun dynasty Mandhata. Both practiced rigorous reparation at this place to make Lord Shiva pleased and happy. They also carried out great spiritual sacrifices in this place due to that the mountain is known as Mandhata.
Another famous myth says that Vidhya Parvat practiced strict penance and worshipped Lord Omkareshwar along with Parthivarchana for almost six months. As a result, Lord Shiva became happy and blessed him with desired boon. On the heartfelt request of all the deities, Lord Shiva created two parts of the lings. One half being Amareshwar and the other is Omkareshwar.
According to some scholars, King Mandhata of Ishvaku kinfolk worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred place. Moreover this, Govinda Bhagavatpaada, who was the Guru of Shankaracharya is considered to have lived in a cave located at this place.
Omkareshwar Temple Architecture:-
There are not many monuments of interest in Omkareshwar, in architectural sense, however you will find many modern religious shrines in the town.
The old temples about Mandhata have all suffered greatly from the bigotry of the Mohammedans who ruled the country from about A.D.1400. Every old dome is overthrown, and not a single figure of a god or animal is to be found unmutilated. The fanatic Allauddin passed through the country in A.D. 1295 on his return from his Deccan raid, and as he took Asirgarh (near Burhanpur) which is not far from Omkareshwar, it was probable that he would have passed over so tempting on idol preserve. Policy of Allauddin of intolerance to other religions was continued by the Ghori princes of Malwa, and later by Mughal king Aurangzeb. While visiting the Mandhata hills and its nearby places, we can witness the remains of temples and structures which attracts interest of archaeologists. Both the hills are covered with remnants of habitations built in stones (Basalt and yellow Sand-stone) without cement.
Omkareshwar is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu sites in the nation. This is due to the presence of the Jyotirlingam, one of the twelve in India. Lingam is the symbol of Lord Shiva but the Jyotirlingam is special. Jyotirlingam is called the lingam of light. It is said to derive currents of power from within itself. While, an ordinary lingam is ritually invested with mantra shakti (power invested by chants) by the priests. The Jyotirlingam is enshrined in the Temple of Sri Omkareshwar Mahadeo.
This shrine can be seen from long distance attributed to its white high rising spire. It is built on the edge of a cliff overlooking river Narmada. The core of the existing temple is perhaps built by Paramaras in 11th century as seen by its Bhumija style of spire. The most of the present shrine is built quite later, in the 19th century by Holkars. This is a three tiered temple, where Shiva linga is placed on the lowest level. There is a Panchamukhi Ganesha shrine on the next level. The uppermost level has Annapurana shrine. The pillars of the mandapa are carved with sculptures and yaksha capitals. This is the only jyotirlinga where the linga is not of proper shape or better say shapeless. You can take photographs inside the mandapa but not of the sanctum.
Grand Sabha Mandap (meeting or prayer hall):-
The temple has a grand Sabha Mandap (meeting or prayer hall) standing on about 60 huge brown stone pillar (14 feet high), elaborately carved with a curious frieze and fillet of satyrlike figures. Many of them have broad shoulders and meditating foreheads.The temple is 5 storeyed each having a different deity. There are three regular ‘Pujas’ in the temple. The morningone done by the temple trust , the middle one by the priest of Scindia state and the evening one by the priest of the Holkar state.The temple is always crowded with pilgrims, coming after a bath in the Narmada and with pots full of Narmada water, coconuts and articles of worship, many of them performing Abhishek or special worships through the priests.
About Demon:-
In the ancient times the Demons defeated the gods or divines. Indra was worried. The Danavas or Demons have wrecked havoc in all the three worlds, i.e., Trilokas. In order to empower the Devas once again, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirmaya Omkararoop. He came out of the nether world or Patala. Lord Shankar came out in the form of Linga on the banks of river Narmada. The gods or Devas have worshipped the Linga which made them powerful once again. This time they were able to destroy the demons and re-acquiesced their empire in Heavens.
Brahma and Vishnu also lived in the same place as Omkar Amaleshwar. That is why on the banks of Narmada Brahmapuri, Vishnupuri and Rudrapuri are built which are known as Tripuri Kshetra. The Amareshwar JyotiraLinga is situated in Rudrapuri.
Location:-
Omkareshwar or better known as Mandhata Omkareshwar is one of the foremost of the 12 Joytirlingas or it is luminous physical self-presentation of Lord Shiva of the Hindus. Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om', has drawn to it hundreds of generations of pilgrims. Here, at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the devout gather to kneel before the Jyotirlinga (one of the twelve throughout India) at the temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata. And here, as in so many of Madhya Pradesh's sacred shrines, the works of Nature complement those of man to provide a setting awe-inspiring in its magnificence.
The island comprises two lofty hills and is divided by a valley in such a way that it appears in the shape of the sacred Hindu symbol 'Om' from above. Between the precipitous hills of the Vindhya on the North and the Satpura on the South, the Narmada forms a deep silent pool which in former times was full of alligators and fish, so tame as to take grain from human hand. This pool is 270 ft below the cantilever type bridge constructed in 1979. The bridge has enhanced the scenic beauty of the place, making it look exceedingly picturesque.
Omkareswar kshetra parikrama is the very important thing to do in Omkareswar tour.The parikrama route Starts from Omkareswar temple and completes after surrounding the hill.Adi Shankaracharya did parikrama when he visited Omkareswar jyotirling.While doing parikrama, he met his Guru Sri Govindapada and learned Advaita from him.We can see that place at the end of parikrama.It is nearer to Omkareswar temple.
First of all we will reach Triveni sangamam.Here we can take holy bath.Just after Triveni sangamam there is a temple of Runa Mukteswar. In this temple people offer Red gram to lord Siva. After that the journey is through forest.It is very pleasent and nice to see in Winter season.After crossing this forest there is a temple of Bholenath.It is the mid point of parikrama. The Siva linga in this temple is very big and it is made of
Narmada banam.After that we will reach Durga Goddess temple. By crossing Durga temple we will enter into a deep forest.In the forest there are many ancient monuments and temples which are under the control of Indian Archeological department.
In the way of Parikrama one can see so many Sadhus belonging to different traditions.If we are lucky we can see deers and peacocks in the route. The view of Narmada river is very beautiful with the bridges and the Project.
The last stop is the cave of Guru Govindapada. Totally we can get very much pleasure by doing this parikrama.
Festivals &Pujas:-
The main festival Mahashivratri and Kartik Poornima are celebrated with great spirits and harmony. The temple is specially decorated with flowers and beautifully lit up during the festival season. Millions of devotees from around the world visit during these festivals. Apart from Lord Shiva, the temple premises also comprise other small temples of Goddess Annapoorneshwari and Lord Panchmuga Ganesha located on the first floor of the main temple. Panchmuga Ganesha Temple also forms one of the most important spiritual attractions of Omkareshwar. Motorboats are used to establish connectivity with the mainland and to reach Koti Tirth Ghat below the temple. The usual temple timing is 5 am to 10 pm. The temple may, however, be closed at various times during the day for various activities like Gupt Aarti (5.30-6 am), Bhog (12.30- 1 pm), Cleaning (5.45-6.15 pm) etc. The temple remains open 24 hrs during Shivaratri.
Sight seeing Places:-
Siddhanatha Temple :- There are many temples scattered around the hill, most of those are recent structures. However, Siddhanatha temple, located on a high plateau up on the hill, is of 11th century construction and in much of ruins. It looks like a rubble of stones, carelessly put at one single place. Yes, there is a MP Archaeological and Museum Department board of protected monument however there is no
protection given to this shrine, even there is no enclosing boundary. Many of its stones are taken by villagers
and put inside their local shrines nearby. All the guidebooks talked about very magnificent elephant frieze in relief, however all my efforts failed to locate such a frieze within the temple site. However I was able to locate such a relief in nearby vicinity, in a local open-air temple. Yes, indeed it is an exquisite relief carving showing an elephant with a rider under a makara -torana. Restoration of this temple can be done as many of the stones are still in their original form, however I do not see any activity of such a sort in near future.
Mamleshwar – the Jyotirlingam:-
While the island temple has received much attention in the past and has been renovated recently, the Mamleshwar temple certainly looks much older and more beautiful too. The Mamleshwar temple is also more endearing thanks to the absence of the pandas (priests) who are the most prominent feature of the
Omkar Mandhata temple on the island. We visited the Mamleshwar temple at night before the final aarti was performed, and had to literally hunt out a priest to perform Abhishek to the lord, and the one we finally found was so thrilled by all the items we had brought for the puja that he happily did the elaborate puja with a smile on his face and asked for money only when we were done.
Annapurna Temple:-
There is an ancient type construction old Markandeya Mandir around which the Annapurna Temple Trust of Indore has raised a great complex containing a Sarva Mangala temple with the three goddesses Laxmi , Parvati and Saraswati.
A 35 feet tall statue of Lord Krishna depicting the “Virat Swarup” or gigantic shape of Krishna as mentioned in the Bhagwat Geeta .It is center of attraction for the pilgrims. Swami Sacchidanandji Maharaj , a learned saint , guides the Ashram.He has founded the Ashram.
Shri Gajanan Maharaj mandir:-
Shri Gajanan Maharaj mandir (Shegaon) is a place you must visit in Omkareshwar, The temple is completely made of marble and Dholpuri stones.
The Bhakta niwas (Dharmashala) is here to make your stay pleasant.Another view of the temple, photography inside the temple is strictly prohibited.
Gouri Somnath Mandir:-
Temple, containing a gigantic six feet tall shivlinga, around which as the legend goes two grow up persons embracing it cannot reach their hands unless they are a internal uncle and nephew (Mama-Bhanja). The lingam though very old of a smooth black stone with shinning polish. There is a sitting Nandi(Scared bull) of similar stone outside. As per legend if anyone looked into it he would see the figure of his next birth.
More about Gouri Somnath Mandir:-
Emperor Aurangzaeb, the devout son of Islam and arch iconoclast, while marching to the south, on his way near by Omkareshwar he heard of the rich temples and monuments therein, so he could not resist temptation to come to a spot full od spils. He came and did spoil by multitating the figures as apparent even now. Curious to test the legend, he stood before the Lingam, and on gazing he saw a pig in it . In his rage he hurt the Lingam, and sicethe it has assumed its.
Vishnu temple:-
Large ancient Vishnu temple in omkareshwar Also known as VishnuPuri.
Sidhwarkut Jain temples:-
Just as omkareshwar is one of the foremost of 12 Jyotirlingas of the Hindus, So is Siddhwarkut of the 24 tirthankars of jains.
There are number of Jain temples in Siddhavarkut some old and renovated and some new ones. Some images found in the old temple bear the date 1488 A.D. Most of the images of Shantinathji a jain tirthankar with the symbol of deer.
Ram mandir:-
Shri Ram mandir on prikrama path is part of sri Rajrajeshshwari seva sansthan trust.
Ananta Sri Thakur Omkarnathjee Maharaj:-
PARAM GURUDEV Sri Dasharathi Dev of Digsui was the Guru Of Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath. His life of total surrender to his Guru is indeed a unique example of exclusive devotion to one's Guru.At the age of forty-five, He was commissioned by His Guru, to preach the Naam or the Mahamantra. In the days before He gave up His mortal body, Dashrathideva saw a dream set in celestial space. The dream contained a message: the Mahamantra was the only means to universal succour, in the present age. Dashrathideva conveyed this message to His disciple. By now Prabodhchandra Chatopadyaya had formally become a renunciate; he had donned the robe and assumed the name of ‘Sitaramdas Omkarnath'.
Shri Omkar Mandhata:-
The main temple with detailed carving in soap stone stands on a mile long and half mile island.
24 Avataras:-
A cluster of Hindu and Jain temples in varied architecture modes.
Satmatrika Temple:-
6 km. A group of 10th century temples.
How To Reach:-
By Air:-
The nearest airport, Indore - 77 km from the shrine, is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal and Gwalior with regular flights.
By Train:-
Nearest railhead is Omkareshwar Road on the Ratlam-Khandwa section of the Western Railways.
By Road:-
Omkareshwar is connected to Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa and Omkareshwar Road by regular bus services including Volvo buses and private buses.
Accomodation:-
Don’t expect any plush hotels, the accommodation available is pretty basic.
Dharamshalas are aplenty but they are primarily for Hindus. Check out the Yatrika Guest House at Omkareshwar Mandir. Another good bet is the Holkar Guest House run by the Ahilyabai Charity Trust.
River Narmada has been an incredible part of Madhya Pradesh. Amarkantak, Bhedaghat, Omkareshwar and Maheshwar are some of the major pilgrimages and tourist places developed near the banks of River Narmada.
Residing at Indore during our student life I and my cousin have got the opportunity to visit the Indira Sagar Pariyojana at Punasa and also to visit the Omkareshwar. We have gone to these places by motorbike as it is just 80 km away from Indore by road. There is a very frequent transport facility from Indore to Omkareshwar by road as it is a place of religious importance.
One of the 12 foremost holy shrines of Shivlingas is located at Malwa (on the banks of the river Narmada) in Madhya Pradesh, India. Here, the one of the supreme holy pilgrimage places is devoted to Lord Shiva (Mamleshwara). Indeed, the sole junction as an appearance of Lord Shiva comes visible as a tale of Spiritual place, millions of devotees from all over the country visit the prehistoric divine temple every year. Moreover, there are two most significant holy temples are situated here – Omkareshwar (dedicated to Lord of Omkara) and Amareshwar (dedicated to Lord of Immortals).
About Omkareshwar Lingam:-
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga also has its own history and stories.Three are them are prominent. According to one story, Vindhya mountain was visited by Narad Muni (son of Lord Brahma) in a comic mood. He told Vindhya about the greatness of Meru mountain which made Vindhya full of jealousy. He begin worship of Lord Shiva to become greater than Meru mountain. He continued his relentless worship for 6 months. He practiced severe penance and even worshipped Parvita Linga Puja without moving from its place. As a result, lord Shiva was pleased with his worship and blessed him with his desirable boon with a condition to not to become problem to Shiva devotees. At the same time Hindu Goods and Maharishis came and praised Shiva and requested to stay in that place. Shiva accepted and stayed in that place as Mamaleshwar Jyotirlinga. Full with proud and jealousy, Vindhya mountain began to grow in unconditional way and even violate the boon conditions. He even create obstruction for Sun & Moon also. All devotees and deities put
In later history we can discover that during 12th century, Omkareshwar was under rule of Bhil Kings. Bhil is a martial tribe mainly concentrated in Central India. It was the time when Bhil king Natthu was ruling the region and he was in a conflicting situation with powerful priest Daryo Gosai. Priest wrote a letter to Jaipur's Rajput king for help in settling the issue with Natthu Bhil. Jaipur king send his brother Bharat Singh Chauhan to do the justice with arrogant Natthu Bhil. Soon Bharat Singh Chauhan was at Natthu's door. Natthu Bhil was a shrewd person and in the name of child has only a beautiful and talented daughter. To avoid the conflict, Natthu offered a marriage proposal to Bharat Singh with his daughter which was accepted. After Natthu Bhil, Bharat Singh ruled this region and from here Bhil-Rajput genealogy begins due to which today's Bhils in this region claims themselves as descendents of Rajputs.
The second story relates to Mandhata and his son's penance. King Mandhata of Ishvaku clan (an ancestor of Lord Ram) worshipped Lord Shiva here till the Lord manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga. Some scholars also narrate the story about Mandhata's sons-Ambarish and Mucchkund, who had practiced severe penance and austerities here and pleased Lord Shiva. Because of this the mountain is named Mandhata.
The third story from Hindu scriptures says that once upon a time there was a great war between Devas and Danavas(demon), in which Danavas won. This was a major setback for Devas and hence Devas prayed to Lord Shiva. Pleased with their prayer, Lord Shiva emerged in the form of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and defeated Danavas.
Omkareshwaram History1:-
The shape of the island is said to be like the Hindu Om symbol. There are two temples here, one to Omkareshwar (whose name means "Lord of Omkaara or the Lord of the Om Sound") and one to Amareshwar (whose name means "Immortal lord" or "lord of the Immortals or Devas").
According to legends, Shiva Purana illustrates the importance of Mammaleshwar and Omkareshwar. Mucchkund and Ambarish were two sons of Sun dynasty Mandhata. Both practiced rigorous reparation at this place to make Lord Shiva pleased and happy. They also carried out great spiritual sacrifices in this place due to that the mountain is known as Mandhata.
Another famous myth says that Vidhya Parvat practiced strict penance and worshipped Lord Omkareshwar along with Parthivarchana for almost six months. As a result, Lord Shiva became happy and blessed him with desired boon. On the heartfelt request of all the deities, Lord Shiva created two parts of the lings. One half being Amareshwar and the other is Omkareshwar.
According to some scholars, King Mandhata of Ishvaku kinfolk worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred place. Moreover this, Govinda Bhagavatpaada, who was the Guru of Shankaracharya is considered to have lived in a cave located at this place.
Omkareshwar Temple Architecture:-
There are not many monuments of interest in Omkareshwar, in architectural sense, however you will find many modern religious shrines in the town.
This shrine can be seen from long distance attributed to its white high rising spire. It is built on the edge of a cliff overlooking river Narmada. The core of the existing temple is perhaps built by Paramaras in 11th century as seen by its Bhumija style of spire. The most of the present shrine is built quite later, in the 19th century by Holkars. This is a three tiered temple, where Shiva linga is placed on the lowest level. There is a Panchamukhi Ganesha shrine on the next level. The uppermost level has Annapurana shrine. The pillars of the mandapa are carved with sculptures and yaksha capitals. This is the only jyotirlinga where the linga is not of proper shape or better say shapeless. You can take photographs inside the mandapa but not of the sanctum.
Grand Sabha Mandap (meeting or prayer hall):-
The temple has a grand Sabha Mandap (meeting or prayer hall) standing on about 60 huge brown stone pillar (14 feet high), elaborately carved with a curious frieze and fillet of satyrlike figures. Many of them have broad shoulders and meditating foreheads.The temple is 5 storeyed each having a different deity. There are three regular ‘Pujas’ in the temple. The morningone done by the temple trust , the middle one by the priest of Scindia state and the evening one by the priest of the Holkar state.The temple is always crowded with pilgrims, coming after a bath in the Narmada and with pots full of Narmada water, coconuts and articles of worship, many of them performing Abhishek or special worships through the priests.
About Demon:-
In the ancient times the Demons defeated the gods or divines. Indra was worried. The Danavas or Demons have wrecked havoc in all the three worlds, i.e., Trilokas. In order to empower the Devas once again, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirmaya Omkararoop. He came out of the nether world or Patala. Lord Shankar came out in the form of Linga on the banks of river Narmada. The gods or Devas have worshipped the Linga which made them powerful once again. This time they were able to destroy the demons and re-acquiesced their empire in Heavens.
Brahma and Vishnu also lived in the same place as Omkar Amaleshwar. That is why on the banks of Narmada Brahmapuri, Vishnupuri and Rudrapuri are built which are known as Tripuri Kshetra. The Amareshwar JyotiraLinga is situated in Rudrapuri.
Location:-
Omkareshwar or better known as Mandhata Omkareshwar is one of the foremost of the 12 Joytirlingas or it is luminous physical self-presentation of Lord Shiva of the Hindus. Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om', has drawn to it hundreds of generations of pilgrims. Here, at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the devout gather to kneel before the Jyotirlinga (one of the twelve throughout India) at the temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata. And here, as in so many of Madhya Pradesh's sacred shrines, the works of Nature complement those of man to provide a setting awe-inspiring in its magnificence.
The island comprises two lofty hills and is divided by a valley in such a way that it appears in the shape of the sacred Hindu symbol 'Om' from above. Between the precipitous hills of the Vindhya on the North and the Satpura on the South, the Narmada forms a deep silent pool which in former times was full of alligators and fish, so tame as to take grain from human hand. This pool is 270 ft below the cantilever type bridge constructed in 1979. The bridge has enhanced the scenic beauty of the place, making it look exceedingly picturesque.
Omkareswar kshetra parikrama is the very important thing to do in Omkareswar tour.The parikrama route Starts from Omkareswar temple and completes after surrounding the hill.Adi Shankaracharya did parikrama when he visited Omkareswar jyotirling.While doing parikrama, he met his Guru Sri Govindapada and learned Advaita from him.We can see that place at the end of parikrama.It is nearer to Omkareswar temple.
First of all we will reach Triveni sangamam.Here we can take holy bath.Just after Triveni sangamam there is a temple of Runa Mukteswar. In this temple people offer Red gram to lord Siva. After that the journey is through forest.It is very pleasent and nice to see in Winter season.After crossing this forest there is a temple of Bholenath.It is the mid point of parikrama. The Siva linga in this temple is very big and it is made of
In the way of Parikrama one can see so many Sadhus belonging to different traditions.If we are lucky we can see deers and peacocks in the route. The view of Narmada river is very beautiful with the bridges and the Project.
The last stop is the cave of Guru Govindapada. Totally we can get very much pleasure by doing this parikrama.
Festivals &Pujas:-
The main festival Mahashivratri and Kartik Poornima are celebrated with great spirits and harmony. The temple is specially decorated with flowers and beautifully lit up during the festival season. Millions of devotees from around the world visit during these festivals. Apart from Lord Shiva, the temple premises also comprise other small temples of Goddess Annapoorneshwari and Lord Panchmuga Ganesha located on the first floor of the main temple. Panchmuga Ganesha Temple also forms one of the most important spiritual attractions of Omkareshwar. Motorboats are used to establish connectivity with the mainland and to reach Koti Tirth Ghat below the temple. The usual temple timing is 5 am to 10 pm. The temple may, however, be closed at various times during the day for various activities like Gupt Aarti (5.30-6 am), Bhog (12.30- 1 pm), Cleaning (5.45-6.15 pm) etc. The temple remains open 24 hrs during Shivaratri.Sight seeing Places:-
Siddhanatha Temple :- There are many temples scattered around the hill, most of those are recent structures. However, Siddhanatha temple, located on a high plateau up on the hill, is of 11th century construction and in much of ruins. It looks like a rubble of stones, carelessly put at one single place. Yes, there is a MP Archaeological and Museum Department board of protected monument however there is no
Mamleshwar – the Jyotirlingam:-
While the island temple has received much attention in the past and has been renovated recently, the Mamleshwar temple certainly looks much older and more beautiful too. The Mamleshwar temple is also more endearing thanks to the absence of the pandas (priests) who are the most prominent feature of the
Annapurna Temple:-
There is an ancient type construction old Markandeya Mandir around which the Annapurna Temple Trust of Indore has raised a great complex containing a Sarva Mangala temple with the three goddesses Laxmi , Parvati and Saraswati.
Shri Gajanan Maharaj mandir:-
Shri Gajanan Maharaj mandir (Shegaon) is a place you must visit in Omkareshwar, The temple is completely made of marble and Dholpuri stones.
Gouri Somnath Mandir:-
Temple, containing a gigantic six feet tall shivlinga, around which as the legend goes two grow up persons embracing it cannot reach their hands unless they are a internal uncle and nephew (Mama-Bhanja). The lingam though very old of a smooth black stone with shinning polish. There is a sitting Nandi(Scared bull) of similar stone outside. As per legend if anyone looked into it he would see the figure of his next birth.
More about Gouri Somnath Mandir:-
Emperor Aurangzaeb, the devout son of Islam and arch iconoclast, while marching to the south, on his way near by Omkareshwar he heard of the rich temples and monuments therein, so he could not resist temptation to come to a spot full od spils. He came and did spoil by multitating the figures as apparent even now. Curious to test the legend, he stood before the Lingam, and on gazing he saw a pig in it . In his rage he hurt the Lingam, and sicethe it has assumed its.
Vishnu temple:-
Large ancient Vishnu temple in omkareshwar Also known as VishnuPuri.
Sidhwarkut Jain temples:-Just as omkareshwar is one of the foremost of 12 Jyotirlingas of the Hindus, So is Siddhwarkut of the 24 tirthankars of jains.
There are number of Jain temples in Siddhavarkut some old and renovated and some new ones. Some images found in the old temple bear the date 1488 A.D. Most of the images of Shantinathji a jain tirthankar with the symbol of deer.
Ram mandir:-
Shri Ram mandir on prikrama path is part of sri Rajrajeshshwari seva sansthan trust.
Ananta Sri Thakur Omkarnathjee Maharaj:-
PARAM GURUDEV Sri Dasharathi Dev of Digsui was the Guru Of Thakur Sitaramdas Omkarnath. His life of total surrender to his Guru is indeed a unique example of exclusive devotion to one's Guru.At the age of forty-five, He was commissioned by His Guru, to preach the Naam or the Mahamantra. In the days before He gave up His mortal body, Dashrathideva saw a dream set in celestial space. The dream contained a message: the Mahamantra was the only means to universal succour, in the present age. Dashrathideva conveyed this message to His disciple. By now Prabodhchandra Chatopadyaya had formally become a renunciate; he had donned the robe and assumed the name of ‘Sitaramdas Omkarnath'.
Shri Omkar Mandhata:-
The main temple with detailed carving in soap stone stands on a mile long and half mile island.
A cluster of Hindu and Jain temples in varied architecture modes.
Satmatrika Temple:-
6 km. A group of 10th century temples.
How To Reach:-
By Air:-
The nearest airport, Indore - 77 km from the shrine, is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal and Gwalior with regular flights.
By Train:-
Nearest railhead is Omkareshwar Road on the Ratlam-Khandwa section of the Western Railways.
By Road:-
Omkareshwar is connected to Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa and Omkareshwar Road by regular bus services including Volvo buses and private buses.
Accomodation:-
Don’t expect any plush hotels, the accommodation available is pretty basic.
Dharamshalas are aplenty but they are primarily for Hindus. Check out the Yatrika Guest House at Omkareshwar Mandir. Another good bet is the Holkar Guest House run by the Ahilyabai Charity Trust.
