Omkareshwar, Ancient Historical City & Major Pilgrimage Center, Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh, India

History, Best Places to Visit and Travel Guide of Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, India

Omkareshwar, home to one of twelve Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, one of major pilgrimage site of Madhya Pradesh, India is naturally Om shaped island, the most sacred word of Hinduism. Meaning of Omkareshwar is lord of Omkaar or Om sound. It is located on bank of river Narmada in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh which is also known as island Mandhata or Shivapuri. Omkareshwar is adorned with two lofty hills, between which the river Narmada forms a serene pool and the place of Narmada and Kaveri Sangam. This makes Omkareshwar is gorgeous riverside destination of Madhya Pradesh. The 272 ft. hanging bridge over River Narmada enhances the beauty of Omkareshwar which connects two end. On the opposite side of Omkareshwar temple, Mamaleshwar - original name Amareshwar temple is located on the south coast. Both the temples are holds the same importance and both Shivlingas are considered as Jyotirlingas. Millions of devotee throughout the year reach here to get blessing of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva visits here to sleep or ‘Shayan’ every night and so ‘Shayan Arti’ is performed here in super vibrant way. As per the local folklore, visiting Omkareshwar is as pious as visiting Kedarnath and Panch Kedars.

Along with Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple and Mamleshwar Temple, there are several other ancient sacred and historical place which you must have to visit. One of key attraction is 11th-century Gauri Somnath Temple that can be reach after climbing 287 steep stairs. Kajal Rani caves which showcase the rich history which attracts natural lover here is just 9 km away from Omkareshwar. Siddnath Temple popular for fascinating architecture of early medieval Brahminic style is another key attraction where you can find gorgeous carvings in entire temple campus. Satmatrika Temple, cluster of ancient temple built in 10th century is just 6 km from Omkareshwar. Sidhdhawarkut, major Tirtha of Jain where mainly pictures describes Tirthankara Lord Shri Shantinath ji is situated here where follower of Jainism across the world reach here. The cave of Govind ji, the Guru of Adiguru Shankaracharya and rinkmukteshwar Temple are situated here. Fanase Ghat and Peshawar Ghat built in bank of river Narmada where devotee can take holy dip in sacred water of river Narmada. Omkareshwar becomes alive during festivals such as Maha Shivratri, Holi, Diwali, Dusshera, Ganesh Charurthi, Anant Chaudas etc.

There are various tales and folklore associated with Omkareshwar, few of them are narrated as below.

The first one is related to the Vindhya- the deity of Vindhyachal Parvat who had prepared a Shivlinga and started worshiped Lord Shiva to cleanse his soul of the sins committed by him. Lord Shiva pleased with his worship and appeared before him in two forms- Omkareshwar and Amkareshwar. Parikrama around the island is believed to be very sacred and which helps in removing all the sins.

The other legend suggests that King Mandhata the ancestor of Lord Shree Ram from whom the island might known. King and his son Ambarish and Muchukunda were true devotee of Lord Shiva and worshipped with great devotion and thus Lord Shiva appeared and manifested himself in the form of Jyotirlinga.

How to reach Omkareshwar, Mandhata or Shivapuri Island, Khandwa, 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. 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.

Taluka / Tehsil: Punasa, District: Khandwa, State: madhya-pradesh, Country: india.

Religious Importance: Hindu

How to Reach Omkareshwar

Key Contact of Omkareshwar