History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Omkareshwar, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India
Mamleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temple of Lord Shiva is located on naturally Om shaped island of Mandhata or Shivpuri, on bank of river Narmada in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Mamaleshwar temple also known as Amareshwar temple in ancient time, here Amareshwar means Lord of immortal is located on south bank of river Narmada, opposite to Omkareshwar temple. Mamleshwar temple is believed to be here from thousands of years and mentioned in various sacred text of Sanatan Dharma, the present structure of ancient temple was built in 10th century. It is highly famous across India for its majestic architecture, history and mainly due to Jyotirlinga.
There is interesting legend behind the Jyotirlinga temples, as per the Shiva Purana, once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had the tussle over their supremacy. To prove the supremacy, both Lord approaches Lord Shiva, then Lord Shiva takes the form of endless column of light and asked both Lord to find the roots. But Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma were not able to find the roots of columns. So, Jyotirlinga are the shrines of Lord Shiva where he appeared in the form of a fiery column of light.
There are several legend behind the Mamleshwar and Omkareshwar Temple, few key tales are mentioned here.
The most popular legend is, Lord Shiva manifested himself in form of Jyotirlinga here due to rigours penance of God of Vindhyas. As per the other legend, it is believed that Pandava – the great character of Mahabharata period, had built this temple during their exile time of 14 years. Some other also said that Lord Shiva himself had split Jyotirlinga in two part on each side of river Narmada here. forms. The Sadashivas who existed under Pranav is known as Omkar. Similarly, the Jyoti which was revered in Parthivamurthy is called Amaleshwar. Thus it is said the without Darshan of Mamleshwar, the journey of Omkareshwar will be incomplete. As per other legend, the temple was established by King Mandhata, great devotee of Lord Shiva and ancestor of Lord Ram. King Mandhata performed hard penance of Lord Shiva here for many years and pleased them. While Lord Shiva appeared in front of king then he requested Lord to stay here in as boon, and this is how Lord Shiva stayed here in Omkar form.
Huge bridge built over river connects two temple and you can see Dam parallel to bridge built over river to help irrigation here.
Mamleshwar temple is one of the protected monument which shows the extraordinary architectural style of ancient India. During the rule of Maharani Ahilyabai, 22 brahmins performed the Lingarchan rituals on a daily basis where Linga is made and submerge in Narmada river. Now a days 5 Brahmana perform this ritual and around 1000 Shivalingas are planted on a wooden board to perform the daily rituals. The temple walls are adorned with the Slokas of Shiv Mahimna Strotam of 11th century.
Along with Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga temple, there are lot other small shrine located here in surrounding region, these are Gauri Somnath Temple, Kedareshwar Temple, Siddhnath Temple, Shri Govinga Bhagwadpada Cave, Shani Dev temple, Khedapati Hanuman temple, Rinmukteshwar temple, Ashapuri temple etc. You must visit the place where River Narmada meets River Kaveri at the sangam and colourful ghats on bank of river.
June to March is the best time to visit as summer is quite hot here, also Maha Shivratri, Shravan month and festival are the best time to visit Mamleshwar temple to feel the spiritual aura here.
As millions of devotee and tourist reaches here throughout the year, so you can find several hotels, Dharmshala, Restaurant in nearby area to facilitate them.
How to reach Mamleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, India
As Omkareshwar is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlinga and ancient historical sacred site of Madhya Pradesh, India, where millions of devotee around the year reaches. You can reach temple by pedal bridge or via boat in river Naramada. Thus it is very well connected with all major cities of India via Road, Rail and Air network. The nearest airport is in Indore at just 75 km from Omkareshwar. From where you can get private cabs and bus to reach here easily. Omkareshwar Road Mortakka, railway station is just at 12 km from Omkareshwar which connects major cities of Madhya Pradesh by rail line. And major closest Railway Junctions are at Khandwa and Indore at around 72 km. Omkareshwar is situated at 78 km from Indore, 70 km from Khandwa, 137 km from Ujjain, 219 km from Jalgaon, 257 km from Bhopal, 201 km from Ratlam, 110 km from Dewas. You can easily reach to Omkareshwar by state highway and national highway.
