Introduction
Omkareshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, in India. It is located on an island shaped like the sacred symbol of Om in the Narmada river, near Khandwa city in Madhya Pradesh. In this blog post, we will explore the history, significance, architecture and rituals of this ancient temple and learn why it is a must-visit destination for devotees and tourists alike.
Table of Contents
The Legend of Omkareshwar Temple
According to the Shiv Mahapuran, a holy scripture of Hinduism, once there was a dispute between Brahma, the creator god, and Vishnu, the preserver god, over who was superior. To settle their argument, Shiva, the destroyer god, manifested himself as a pillar of light that pierced through the three worlds. He challenged Brahma and Vishnu to find the end of the pillar in either direction. Brahma went upwards and Vishnu went downwards, but neither could reach the end. Brahma lied that he had found the end, while Vishnu admitted his defeat. Shiva then appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would not be worshipped by anyone, while Vishnu would be revered till eternity. The pillar of light that Shiva appeared as is called a Jyotirlinga, which means “the radiant sign of Shiva”. There are 12 such Jyotirlingas in India, and Omkareshwar is one of them.
How to Reach Omkareshwar Temple
- By Air: The nearest airports to Omkareshwar are Indore (77 km) and Ujjain (133 km). There are regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other major cities to these airports. Once you reach the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Omkareshwar.
- By Rail: There is a railway station in Omkareshwar Road, which is 12 km from the temple. Trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bhopal stop at this station. You can also take a train to Indore or Ujjain and then take a taxi or bus to Omkareshwar.
- By Road: Omkareshwar is well-connected by road to major cities in Madhya Pradesh and other parts of India. You can take a bus or a taxi to Omkareshwar from Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, Khandwa, and other nearby cities.
Here are the approximate travel distances and times from some major cities in India to Omkareshwar:
| City | Distance (km) | Travel time (hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Indore | 77 | 1.5 |
| Ujjain | 133 | 2 |
| Bhopal | 268 | 4 |
| Mumbai | 550 | 8 |
| Delhi | 1,000 | 15 |
Another legend says that once there was a sage named Mandhata who worshipped Shiva with great devotion. He performed severe penances on the island in the Narmada river. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva appeared before him and granted him a boon. Mandhata asked for Shiva to reside on the island forever and bless his descendants. Shiva agreed and assumed the form of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on the island. He also named the island after Mandhata. Since then, the island and the temple have been attracting pilgrims from all over the world.
The Architecture of Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar Temple is a marvel of ancient Indian architecture. It is built in the Nagara style, which is characterized by a tall spire or shikhara over the sanctum sanctorum. The temple has four entrances, each facing a cardinal direction. The main entrance is on the north side, which leads to a hall or mandapa with intricately carved pillars and ceilings. The hall has an image of Nandi, the bull mount of Shiva, facing the sanctum.
The sanctum sanctorum houses the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, which is a black stone lingam with a circular base. The lingam is adorned with flowers and vermilion paste. It is believed that the lingam is self-manifested and not carved by human hands. The lingam is also said to be swayambhu, which means “self-existent”. It is considered to be the supreme representation of Shiva’s energy and power.
The temple complex also has several other shrines dedicated to various deities such as Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Hanuman and others. There are also many smaller lingams installed by various kings and sages who visited the temple in the past. The temple also has a sacred water tank or kund called Indradyumna Kund, where devotees take a dip before entering the temple.
The Rituals of Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar Temple follows a strict schedule of rituals and ceremonies throughout the day. The temple opens at 5 am with a ritual bath or abhishek of the Jyotirlinga with water from the Narmada river. This is followed by an offering of milk, honey, curd, ghee and other items to the lingam. Then, the lingam is decorated with sandalwood paste, flowers and clothes. The morning worship or puja is performed by chanting hymns and mantras from the Vedas and other scriptures.
The temple remains open for darshan or viewing till 12:30 pm, when it closes for an hour for midday worship or madhyana puja. The temple reopens at 1:30 pm and remains open till 8:20 pm for evening worship or sandhya puja. The evening worship includes an elaborate ritual called shringar or adornment of the lingam with gold ornaments and jewels. The lingam is also covered with a silver mask that depicts Shiva’s face.
The temple closes at 8:20 pm for night worship or shayan puja, which is the last ritual of the day. The lingam is offered a bed of flowers and a silver cot. A special aarti or lamp ceremony is performed with musical instruments and singing. The lingam is then put to sleep with a lullaby. The temple closes at 9:30 pm and reopens the next day at 5 am.
The Significance of Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that visiting Omkareshwar Temple can grant one’s wishes and fulfill one’s desires. It is also said that one can attain liberation or moksha from the cycle of birth and death by worshipping at Omkareshwar Temple. The temple is also a source of inspiration and guidance for many seekers and sages who meditate and perform penances on the island.
Omkareshwar Temple is also a place of cultural and historical importance. It showcases the rich heritage and legacy of Indian civilization and art. It also reflects the diversity and harmony of Hinduism, as it welcomes people from all sects, regions and backgrounds. The temple is also a hub of festivals and celebrations, especially during Mahashivaratri, Kartik Purnima, Shravan Maas and other auspicious occasions.
Omkareshwar Temple is a divine abode of Lord Shiva, where he resides as the Lord of Om, the primordial sound of creation. It is a place where one can experience the bliss and grace of Shiva, who is the source of all life and joy. It is a place where one can connect with the supreme reality, which is beyond all forms and names.
Tips for Visiting Omkareshwar Temple
- The best time to visit Omkareshwar Temple is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
- The temple timings are from 5 am to 9:30 pm, with breaks in between for various rituals. One should plan their visit accordingly and avoid peak hours to avoid crowds and queues.
- One should dress modestly and respectfully while visiting the temple. One should also remove their shoes and leather items before entering the temple premises.
- One should follow the rules and regulations of the temple authorities and respect the sentiments of the devotees. One should not touch or photograph the idols or lingams without permission.
- One should also take care of their belongings and valuables while visiting the temple. One should not carry any weapons or explosives inside the temple.
- One should also explore the other attractions on the island, such as Siddhanath Temple, Gauri Somnath Temple, Satmatrika Temple, Ranmukteshwar Temple and others.
- One should also enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of the Narmada river, which is considered to be one of the seven holy rivers of India.
Conclusion
Omkareshwar Temple is a unique and magnificent temple that showcases the glory and splendor of Lord Shiva. It is a place where one can feel the presence and power of Shiva, who is omnipresent and omniscient. It is a place where one can seek blessings and guidance from Shiva, who is compassionate and benevolent. It is a place where one can experience peace and joy in Shiva, who is blissful and eternal.
If you are looking for a spiritual journey that will enrich your soul and mind, then you should definitely visit Omkareshwar Temple at least once in your lifetime. You will surely return with unforgettable memories and divine grace.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Omkareshwar Temple?
Omkareshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on an island in the Narmada River, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are the holiest of all Shiva temples in Hinduism.
- What is the significance of Omkareshwar Temple?
The name “Omkareshwar” comes from the Sanskrit words “Om” and “karsh”, which mean “sound” and “to attract”. The temple is said to be the place where the sound of Om was first heard. It is also believed that the temple is the center of the universe.
- What are the dos and don’ts at Omkareshwar Temple?
Here are some dos and don’ts at Omkareshwar Temple:
Dos:
- Dress modestly.
- Remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
- Take a dip in the holy Narmada River.
- Visit the other temples in the area.
Don’ts:
- Eat non-vegetarian food.
- Smoke or drink alcohol.
- Argue or fight with anyone.
- Take pictures or videos inside the temple.
- What are the best times to visit Omkareshwar Temple?
The best time to visit Omkareshwar Temple is during the months of November to February, when the weather is pleasant. However, the temple is open all year round, and there are always pilgrims visiting.
- What are the facilities available at Omkareshwar Temple?
There are a number of facilities available at Omkareshwar Temple, including:
- Accommodation: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Omkareshwar, as well as some ashrams and temples that offer accommodation to pilgrims.
- Food: There are a number of restaurants in Omkareshwar that serve vegetarian food. There are also a number of stalls in the temple complex that sell food and snacks.
- Transportation: There are a number of buses and trains that connect Omkareshwar to other major cities in India. There is also an airport in Indore, which is about 150 kilometers from Omkareshwar.
