A- A A+

Omkareshwar Travel Guide, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Omkareshwar Temple Indore, History of Omkareshwar

in
Dwadash Jyotirlings - Omkareshwar & Amaleshwar - Introduction

Introduction

Image: 
Introduction: 
   
These 2 Jyotirlings of Shiv are combined and treated as 1. Of these Jyotirlings situated in the Malwa region of Western Madhya Pradesh, one of them called Omkareshwar is on Mandhata island (in the midst of Narmada River), and the other called Amaleshwar is on the mainland on the banks of Narmada.
    
The Narmada River gives an Om shape to the Mandhata Island, which is why this place is called Omkareshwar.
    
This Narmada region is a place of Brahma and Vishnu besides Shiv. The 3 hills, Brahmapuri, Vishnupuri, and Rudrapuri, are considered as the place of these 3 Gods.
    
The controversial Omkareshwar dam which has resulted in the Narmada Bachao agitation has made this place a topic of discussion these days. The dam is being built 9 km above the temple.
    
The Omkareshwar and Amaleshwar region is in the midst of dense forests whose diverse vegetation, marine, and wild life attracts even nature lovers.
   
Situated 77 km to the south of Indore, here the Narmada meets the local river Kaveri.
 

no_jos

NULL

Mythological Beliefs

Mythological Beliefs: 
   
According to beliefs from the Puranas, renowned king Mandhata of the Ikshwaku dynasty meditated in the name of Shiv. Later, his sons Ambarish and Muchkund also meditated here.
    
 According to another belief, Vindhya Mountain worshipped Shiv of the form of an Om (Pranav) and a natural Ling. This pleased Shiv and therefore he appeared as a Jyotirling. Later, at the request of the Gods and the Rishis, the Jyotirling split into 2, as Omkareshwar and Amaleshwar.
    
According to the Skand Puran, Omkareshwar teerth is divine, where performing Anna-daan or puja or penance, or attaining death, results in attaining Shivlok.
   
The same Puran states that Amaleshwar is served by hundreds of Gods and Rishis.
    
A traditional belief is that a death here leads to moksh. As a result, the custom of Bhrigu-patan prevailed in which devotees would take their own life by diving into the Narmada. The British banned this practice.
    
Another source suggests that Parvati performed penance over here to be one (Ardhnarishwar) with Shiv.
 

Historical Facts

History: 
   
The Narmada region was inhabited by humans since the Palaeolithic Age. It is from this region that the first evidence of a homo-erectus from the Indian peninsula, Narmada man, was found.
   
The influence of Malwa culture was seen even in the Chalcolithic Age.
   
According to the Puranas, an ashram belonging to the guru of Vindhyachal Mountain, Rishi Agastya existed here. He was responsible for spreading the Aryan culture in Southern India.
   
In the beginning of the 9th century, Aadi Guru Shankaracharya visited this place. His Guru, Govind Bhagwat-paad lived here. Shankaracharya wrote many of his books on the Mandhata Island.
   
In the 10th century, the entire region came under the control of the Parmar dynasty. Udayaditya from this dynasty has praised Amaleshwar Mahadev in 4 of the inscriptions here. The Pushpdant inscription also has glories about Shiv on it.
   
After the Parmars, the Bhils conquered the region, but in 1195 A.D. Bharat Singh of the Chauhan dynasty made it his residence.
   
After the rise of the Marathas, the Holkar family ruled here whose famous queen; Ahilyabai lived in the neighbouring Maheshwar. She built many Ghats, steps and also the Amaleshwar Temple.
   
After the third Anglo-Maratha battle, the region came under the British who banned the prevalent custom of Bhrigu-patan in 1824 A.D.
 

Main Places To See

Main Places To See: 
   
Omkareshwar Temple:
 
This is the main temple of Mandhata Island situated in the midst of the Narmada waters. It is a 3-storied temple which has the Ling idols of Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar and Vaidyanatheshwar. The temple complex is the place for about 24 Gods. It is about 150 metres to the east of the bridge.
    
Amaleshwar Temple (Mamleshwar):
 
It is on the other side of Narmada on the mainland. The original temple is dates back to the 11th century which was renovated by Ahilyabai Holkar. According to religious beliefs, it is customary to offer darshan after returning from Omkareshwar.
    
Chaubis Avtar Mandir Samooh (group):
 
This group of temples is situated at the point where the waters of Kaveri separate from Narmada. At a distance from here is an idol of Ravan in a lying posture.
    
Kubereshwar Sthan:
 
This place is below Omkareshwar, where the Kaveri water flows in to the Narmada River. The belief is that here Kuber performed meditation for Shiv.
    
Siddhnath Temple:
 
This 13th century temple is being preserved by Archaeological Survey of India. It is about 200 metres to the north-east of the main temple. A stone sculpted idol of an elephant is a major attraction.
   
Gauri Somnath Temple:
 
At 300 metres from the bridge, this temple is situated at the peak of the island. Built with red stone, the temple has black granite Shivling. A temple legend is associated with Aurangzeb.
 

Main Festivals

Main Festivals: 
   
Omkareshwar Parikrama:
 
Devotees consider the entire region as mokhsdaayi while the Narmada is also among the 7 sacred rivers of India. Therefore a parikrama of the entire region is done that lasts for 3 days.
   
Omkareshwar Jal Vihar:
 
Every Monday, the golden, Panchmukhi Ling idol is taken for a boat-ride on the waters.
   
Kartik Poornima Mela:
 
Omkareshwar puja on Kartik Poornima holds special significance. On this day a huge fair is held that is attended by local folks as well tourists from far off.
   
Makar Sankranti:
 
Shiv Puja and Narmada bath on 14th January (Magh month) are considered as giver of salvation. On this day, the local people enjoy flying kites.
   
Rang Panchmi:
 
This festival of colours is celebrated 5 days after Holi, however it is more prevalent in Indore.
   
Mahashivratri:
 
Celebrated in Magh month, it is the biggest festival for Shiv followers. On this occasion, the decoration of both the temples is worth mentioning.
 

Where To Stay

Where To Stay : 
   
Dharamshalas:
 
 Omkareshwar Road Dharmshala  Railway Station
 Khedi Ghat Dharmshala  Amaleshwar
 Ahilyabai Dharmshala  Amaleshwar
 Sundarlalji Dharmshala  Mandhata Island
    
Hotels:
 
 Category  General
 Name  Tourist Complex
 Address  Near Bus Stand, Omkareshwar - 461 881, MP
 Telephone  +91 - 1364 - 271 455
 Web Site  www.mptourism.com
   
 
 Category  General
 Name  Narmada Resort
 Address  Omkareshwar Khandwa, MP
 Telephone  +91 - 1364 - 271 455
   
 
 Category  Medium
 Name  Manu Guest House
 Address  On the island, Omkareshwar
    
 
 Category  Medium
 Name  Ganesh Guest House
 Address  Amaleshwar
   
 
 Category  High
 Name  Geeta Shri Guest House
 Address  Amaleshwar
   
 
 Category  High
 Name  Yatrika Guest House
 Address  On the island, Omkareshwar
 

Location/Climate

Location/Climate: 
 
Location
 
 Geographical  Location  Height  Above  Sea Level  Average Annual Rainfall
 Latitude  Longitude  28 metres  900 mm
 22.5˚ N  76˚ E
   
 
Temperature

Temperature is given in degrees Celsius.
 
 Month  Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr  May  Jun  Jul  Aug  Sep  Oct   Nov    Dec
 Maximum   26  29  34  38  41  37  30  29  30  31  29  26
 Minimum  10  13  17  21  26  25  23  23  22  18  13  11
   
 
Important Informations
This place is a part of the Vindhyachal Mountain range that is considered as the meeting point of Northern and Southern India.
Tourists visit this place all year round.
 

General Information

General Information: 
 
 STD Code
 07280
 Puja Timings
 6.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m.
 Police Assistance
  100
 Ambulance  +91 - 731 - 2528301 / 2527301 / 2527947
 Hospital  
  Shri Nath Hospital
 1, Behind Section-I Police Station, MIG Colony,  
 Indore - 452 008
 Tel: +91 - 731 - 2574526
 Unique Hospital
 335, Madhav Mandir Complex, Jawahar Road,  
 Indore - 452 001
 Tel: +91 - 0731 - 2534124, 2433525
 Currency  Exchange
 State Bank of India
 Omkareshwar, Khandwa, MP - 450 554
 Tel: +91 - 7280 - 271 226
 Post Office
 Chief Post Office, Khandwa,
 Tel: +91 - 733 - 2222362
 Sub Post Office, Khandwa, Tel: +91 - 733 - 2222352
 Sub Post Office, Khandwa - Ratangadh,
 Tel: +91 - 733 - 2222221
 Tourist Office
  MPTDC Tourist Office
 4th floor, Gangotri,
 T.T. Nagar, Bhopal,
 Tel: +91 - 755 - 2778383, 2334340
 Restaurants
 Vikas (Bus Stand), Om Shiv (Gety Chowk), Narmada   Café   (Mamleshwar Road)
   
 
Food
The most popular cuisine here is Dal-bafla, Poha, Jalebi, Sabudana khichdi etc. Mung halwa, Rabdi and Gulab-jamun can be tried as desserts while Shikanji and Jal-jeera are common drinks.
 

Travel Planner

Address (Click on "A" to locate): 
Loading...
PDF File: 
application/pdf iconomkar.pdf
Airports in the vicinity: 
- अहमदाबाद
- इंदौर
- भोपाल
Railway: 
 Main Railway Stations  Station Code
 Ujjain  UJN
 Indore  INDB
 Bhopal  BPL
 Chittaurgarh  COR
 Ahmedabad  ADI
Road Distance from Destinations: 
 Ujjain  Chittaugarh  258 km
 Indore  56 km
 Bhopal  185 km
 Omkareshwar

 

  Indore  77 km
 Chittaugarh  388 km
 Bhopal  260 km

Forward

Email this page
Print preview icon