Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Lord of divine word “OM”
Omkareshwar Temple of Jyotirlinga: Omkareshwar (Lord of the heavenly sound “Om”) Among the most powerful Hindu temples consecrated to Lord Shiva is Jyotirlinga. It lies on an island named Shivapuri at the banks of Narmada river. It forms a striking resemblance to the Hindu heavenly alphabet “Om” in shape, except that it has an “overhead”. Omkareshwar and Amareshwar (Lord of Immortality) are the two temples placed here.
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History of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple:
According to Hindu scriptures, we can be witnessed about the great war between two forces, one representing evil and the other good, evil won the war. Gods who are well on the side of good prayed to Lord Shiva to save, blessed with the payer Lord Shiva took the form of Omkareshwar and defeated the evil force.
As Narada, son of Brahma, was the pardoned devotee of Lord Vishnu, he narrated the greatness of Mount Meru to Mount Vindhya, who, feeling jealous of him becoming greater than Meru, so he began worshiping Lord Shiva. He pleased by Vindhya’s devotion blessed him with a boon for fulfilling his desire.
At the same time, Lord Shiva, at the request of gods and sages, became two parts (Lingas). One half was Omkareshwara, and the other one was Amareshwar or Mamaleshwar. On fulfilling the desire of Mount Vindhya, Lord captured a word that he would never become an obstacle to his devotees. Vindhya forgot the promise and started growing by obstructing the light of the sun and moon.
So to restrain his growth, devotees approached Sage Agastya to stop Vindhya. Along with his wife, Sage approached the Mount and convinced Vindhya with magical words and took a word that he would never grow until he returns back to him, but he didn’t return back. Sage Agastya settled in Srisailam which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
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Importance of Omkareshwar Temple:
The Omkareshwar Temple is a very significant temple for the following reasons:
- It is one of the twelve in total, counting Jyotirlinga temples, believed to be the most sacred Shiva temples across the world.
- The temple sits on Mandhata Island, which much like an Om it self is but as symbolic as the latter is to Hinduism.
- The Omkareshwar Temple features references within several ancient texts of Hinduism, including the Vedas and the Puranas.
- It goes that Shiva appeared in the guise of a column of light in this temple where, as legend has it, a strife between Brahma and Vishnu ensued on who was to be the main deity.
- Omkareshwar Temple is one of the prominent pilgrim centers among millions of Hindus from all over the world.
- It is said that the people can obtain good luck, prosperity, and salvation by worshipping Lord Shiva at Omkareshwar Temple. In fact, it is a very powerful centre for meditation to get in touch with godliness.
Omkareshwar Temple is important not only in terms of religion but is also a tourist destination. The temple sits appropriately on Mandhata Island and has a magnificent view outside of itself. It also holds other important Hindu temples such as Mamleshwar Temple, Siddhanath Temple, and Gupteshwar Temple among others.
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Significance of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple:
Jyotirlinga: Omkareshwar jyotirling (light form) is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated with Lord Shiva. The Jyotirlinga itself is considered very sacred and needs to represent the cosmic form of Lord Shiva. Devotion to the Jyotirlinga brings great blessings and, above all, great spiritual benefits.
Symbolism: The name of this temple is Omkareshwar. Word omkareshwar can be translated in the form of Lord Shiva as “Om” symbol is sacred and “kaara” means form. The island upon which the temple is erected has taken the shape of the sacred symbol of “Om.”.
Historical and Mythological Importance: The importance of history and mythology surrounds this temple. Also, referred in some ancient scriptures and Puranas are, the Skanda Purana and the Shiva Purana. The Narmada River, which forms a parikrama around the temple is also a symbol of Ganges River, by this mythological significance the temple is highly worshipped.
Pilgrimage Destination : Devotees and pilgrims visit the temple throughout the year. The site is considered very auspicious for worship and spiritual practices. People come to the temple with the intention of getting the blessings of Lord Shiva and getting some elevation spiritually.
Architecture and Sacredness: Architecture of the temple: The designing of the temple takes the aesthetic blend of medieval and modern styles. The detailed carvings, sculptures, and all artistic enhancement make it look all the more beautiful. And finally, the Sanctum Sanctorum accommodates the Jyotirlinga-a very sacred place.
Festivals and Celebrations: Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple hosts many grand festivals. It remains the busiest during the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August) and Mahashivaratri. Thousands throng the temple at these times to be part of rituals, processions, and special prayers.
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Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Timing:
Morning Timings:
Temple opens: 5:00 AM
Mangal Aarti: 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM
Abhishekam: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Darshanam (General): 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Afternoon Break:
The temple remains closed for darshan from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Evening Timings:
Darshanam (General): 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Temple closes: 9:30 PM
Omkareswar Jyotirlinga Temple Official Website:
Places to visit near Omkareswar Jyotirlinga Temple:
Omkareshwar Parikrama: It is the process of rotating arond the route of holy town of Omkareshwar. The parikrama path is known for the view of Narmada River and hills around.
Siddhanath Temple: At near distance to Omkareshwar Temple, Siddhanath Temple is there and it is one of the temple dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Shiva named Siddhanath. The temple is marked in terms of architecture and religious importance.
Mamleshwar Temple: Another important shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is placed across the Narmada River called Mamleshwar Temple. The landscape surrounding the Omkareshwar Temple can be viewed from this place.
Kedareshwar Temple: It is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva and requires a small climb to reach there. It is situated on a hill beside Omkareshwar. The view from there is simply fascinating.
Satmatrika Temples: There is a chain of seven different temples close to the Omkareshwar Temple complex, each under the banner of divine mother with a different deity. Each one is distinct in its own deity and architecture plan.
Ahilyeshwar Temple: Although there is no direct link with Omkareshwar temple, Ahilyeshwar Temple at Maheshwar, is around 60 km from Omkareshwar. It is important because it is a Shiva temple and mainly famous due to its fantastic carvings as well as its relation with the Holkar’s dynasty.
Kajal Rani Cave is erected on the bank of the Narmada River. As a matter of fact, one of the natural cave formations that exist within the country, Kajal Rani is famous particularly for beauty. This is very quiet and serene to enjoy nature and cool your brains.
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How to reach Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (Indore);
Distance: approximately 77 kilometers.
By Train:
The nearest railway station: Omkareshwar Road Railway Station
Distance: 12 kilometers
By Road:
From Indore: approximately 77 kilometers; journey Time: around 2-3 hours.
From Khandwa: approximately 75 kilometers; journey Time: around 2 hours.