Holy Destinations of India
Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar, the sacred, island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om' has drawn hundreds of generations of pilgrims. Here, at the confluence of the rivers narmada and Kaveri, the devout have gathered 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 aweinspiring in its magnificence.
Legend behind
Omkareshwar Temple
Shiva Purana describes the greatness of Omkareshwar and Mammaleshwar. It
says, two sons of the sun dynasty Mandhata - Ambarish and Mucchkund
practiced severe penance and austerities here and pleased Lord Shiva. They
also performed great religious sacrifices in this place because of which the
mountain is named Mandhata.
Another popular legend says that once upon a time Vidhya Parvat practiced
severe penance and worshipped Parthivarchana along with Lord Omkareshwar for
nearly six months. As a result Lord Shiva was pleased and blessed him with
the desire boon. On the sincere request of all the gods and the sages Lord
Shiva made two parts of the lings. One half being Omkareshwara and the other
Amaleshwara or Amareshwar.
Some scholar say, King Mandhatha of the Ishvaku clan is believed to have
worshipped Shiva here. Besides, Govinda Bhagavatpaada, the Guru of
Shankaracharya is believed to have lived in a cave here.
Photos of Omkareshwar
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Places to visit
Shri Omkar Mandhata :
The temple stands on a one mile long. Half mile wide island formed by the
fork of the Narmada. The soft stone of which it was constructed has lent its
pliable surface to a rare degree of detailed work, of which the frieze
figures on the upper portion is the most strking. Also intricately carved is
the stone roof of the temple. Encircling the shrine are verandahs with
columns which are carved in circles, polygons and squares.
Siddnath Temple :
A fine example of early medieval Brahiminic architecture. Its unique feature
is a frieze of elephants carved upon a stone slab at its outer perimeter.
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Avatars :
A cluster of Hindu and Jain temples, remarkable for their skillful use of
varied architectural modes.
Satmatrika Temples :
6 km from Omkareshwar, a group of 10th century temples.
Kajal Rani Cave :
9 km from Omkareshwar, this is a particularly picturesque scenic spot, with
a panoramic view of the broad acres and gently undulating landscape that
stretches in unbroken harmony till the horizon.
How to reach
By Air :
The nearest airport is Indore (77 km), connected by regular flights with
Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal and Gwolior.
By Rail
:
Nearest railhead is Omkareshwar Road (12 km) on the Ratlam-khandwa section
of the Western Railway.
By Road
:
Omkareshwar is connected to Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa and Omkareshwar Road by
regular bus services.
Best Season to Visit :
July to March
Click here for Map of Omkareshwar
Accommodation in Omkareshwar
Narmada
Resort
Tel: (07280) 271455
E-mail:omkareshwar@mptourism.com