31.2 ℃ 09 Feb 2025
Nestled about 80 km southeast of the bustling city of Indore, the sacred town of Omkareshwar draws its name from an island shaped like the sacred syllable "OM" and is also known as the 'Mandhata Parvat' or the 'Omkar Parvat'. This serene town is home to one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas, the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, and holds significance as a prominent pilgrimage site among Hindus.
Devotees from distant places journey here to seek blessings at the shrine and offer prayers along the banks of the Narmada River. The town's spiritual significance is further enhanced by Ekatma Dham, a sanctuary devoted to the profound teachings of Shri Adi Shankaracharya. This sanctuary serves as a haven for seekers, saints, and yogis, offering a serene space to experience inner peace and uncover the rich spiritual heritage of Omkareshwar.
At the confluence of the two holy rivers, Narmada and Kaveri, Omkareshwar stands as a symbol of spiritual harmony and divine energy. Ekatma Dham, preserving the timeless message of Advaita Vedanta, adds to the spiritual allure, creating an atmosphere where devotees can connect with their inner selves and explore the profound teachings embedded in the town's spiritual heritage.
The town holds great religious significance among Lord Shiva devotees and has many temples dedicated to him.
Among the notable temples of Omkareshwar are:
1. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga/Omkar Mandhata temple
The main temple shrine of Omkareshwar, is mounted on an island. The word Omkareshwar translates to 'The Lord of Omkara or The Om Sound'. Also known as the Omkar Mandhata temple, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga displays a beautiful North Indian architectural style adorned with a Shikhar (dome) made by stacking layers of stone.
The sanctum sanctorum of the temple looks like a small structure built in the ancient construction style. Within the temple complex stands a spacious assembly hall soaring to a height of 14 feet, supported by an array of 60 majestic pillars. This architectural marvel encompasses a total of five floors, within this sacred space, various deities are sanctified, from Shri Omkareshwar and Shri Mahakaleshwar to Shri Siddhanath, and Shri Gupteshwar.
2. Mamleshwar temple
Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga, also known as the Amreshwar temple is situated on the mainland on the south bank of Narmada. The word Mamleshwar translates to 'The Lord of Immortals'. According to legends, both Mamleshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga are believed to be manifestations of the same sacred entity. The Jyotirlinga is enclosed in a beautiful ancient-style temple complex, with rock walls adorned with intricate carvings.
3. Siddhanath Temple
The ruin of this 13th-century marvel is another stunning architectural gem in Omkareshwar. The Siddhanath Temple is a fine example of early mediaeval Brahminic architecture with detailed carvings on the pillars and walls of the temple, which not only depicts its rich architecture but also its spiritual value. These ruins include impressive paintings carved in stone, one of them including frescos of an elephant carved in around 1.5m height of stone.
4. Gauri Somnath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this temple bears a striking resemblance to the Khajuraho group of temples. Believed to be built in the 11th century AD the Gauri Somnath temple was built by the Parmars. The temple has three storeys and was created in the Bhumij style of architecture. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses a huge 6-feet linga which is made up of black stone. Protected by the state archaeology department the temple was supposedly reconstructed by the Marathas and is an architectural masterpiece.
5. Kedareshwar Temple
This 11th-century marvel, located about 4 km from the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, is renowned for its intricate architecture. Located at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers, the Kedareshwar temple was built as a tribute to Lord Kedar and bears an uncanny resemblance to the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand.
6. Govinda Bhagavatpada Caves
Another spiritually significant site of the town is the Govinda Bhagavatpada caves. It was within these sacred caverns that Adi Shankaracharya experienced enlightenment under the wise guidance of his Guru, Govinda Bhagvatpada. This transformative event led Adi Shankaracharya to found the universal philosophy of Advaita Vedanta.
The majestic mountain ranges and the clear Narmada stream are adorned with lovely Ghats, enhancing Omkareshwar's natural splendour. Fanase Ghat and Peshawar Ghat are two major tourist spots.
Another popular destination is the 'Mamleshwar Setu', a cantilever-type bridge running over river Narmada. It is a 270 ft. hanging bridge that enhances the beauty of Omkareshwar.
Every day a Shayan Aarti is performed at the local Kotitirtha Ghat to worship 'Maa Narmada' considering the sacredness of this river, which adds to the scenic allure of this sacred destination.
Ekatma Dham: A global spiritual hub, Ekatma Dham is built in Omkareshwar to honour the place where Adi Shankaracharya commemorated his universal philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. The 'Statue of Oneness,' a 108-ft tribute to Adi Shankaracharya was installed in September 2023 under this project. The statue rests atop a 54-ft pedestal, supported by a 27-ft lotus petal base, creating an impressive sight to behold. Other initiatives under the Ekatma Dham project include Advaita Lok and the Acharya Shankar International Institute of Advaita Vedanta.
Alongside, the state government is planning a 130 km Narmada River cruise to Gujarat's Statue of Unity, focusing on enhancing cruise tourism in the state.
Explore the nearby attractions after immersing yourself in the wonders of Omkareshwar. The town is well-connected by road, making it convenient to journey to neighbouring destinations:
1. Sailani Island: Situated roughly 40 km from Omkareshwar, Sailani Island graces the banks of the Narmada River and Omkareshwar Dam in the Khandwa district. For a tranquil getaway, the MPT Sailani Resort offers not only a serene escape for relaxation and rejuvenation but also presents a myriad of adventurous activities for an exhilarating experience.
2. Maheshwar: Located approximately 70 km from Omkareshwar, the city was the royal seat of the Maratha ruler, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar and served as the capital of the Holkar kingdom. Renowned for a picturesque ghat and the stunning Ahilya Bai fort, Maheshwar provides a delightful retreat with options for heritage walks, boat rides, and a quick excursion to the captivating "sahastradhara." The city is also famous for its unique Maheshwari weave.
3. Indore: The bustling city of Indore is a mere 80 km ride from Omkareshwar. Also recognised as the cleanest city in India, Indore is known for its delectable street food, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality. The city promises a lively urban experience with a rich array of cultural, culinary, and historical explorations.
4. Ujjain: Famous for housing the only south-facing Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain is an ideal destination for a spiritual tour in the heart of India. Situated approximately 140 km from Omkareshwar, Ujjain is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site, with the major attractions in the city including Mahakaleshwar temple, Harsiddhi Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Sandipani Ashram, and Mahakal Lok among others.
The sacred month of Sawan (July or August), dedicated to Lord Shiva, witnesses the highest influx of tourists in the city, pilgrims in numbers visit the divine abode of Lord Shiva, where they earnestly engage in prayers and undergo a sanctifying bath in the holy Narmada River. October to March stands out as the ideal time to visit Omkareshwar, as Winters bring a relatively pleasant climate.
Omkareshwar is well connected to the nearby major cities of Indore and Ujjain, making it easily accessible via road, train, and flight.
By Air: The closest airport to Omkareshwar is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, nearly 87 km from the town.
By Rail: The closest broad-gauge railway stations to the town are Khandwa railway station (77 km) and Indore junction (78 km).
By Road: Omkareshwar is well accessible by roadways. You can travel to the nearest cities of Indore and Ujjain and book a cab or bus ride to the town.
In the heart of India, within the sacred land of Omkareshwar, a profound spiritual and cult
Mahashivratri is celebrated with utmost zeal and al
Situated at the Sangam of the consecrated rivers Na
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Located in Omkareshwar, 24 Avatars is a Vishnu temple at Annapurna ashram.
This site has the remains of columns of an ancient temples that existed here
Located at a distance of 9 km from Omkareshwar, Kajal Rani Cave offers a view of long and broad stretches of the surrounding scenary
Situated at the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri, Shri Omkar Mandhata Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Siddhanath Temple is nearly at the end of Omkareshwar Parikrama. A fine example of early medieval Hindu architecture, the temple is built on a plinth, the sides of which are embellished with an exquisite frieze depicting elephants in various postures.
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Located on the top of a small hill, MPT Temple View offers the grand view of the holy Narmada and the jyotirlings temple. A 15 min walk from this hotel leads you to the temple premises. This hotel is known for its guest service, quality vegetarian food and clean ambience.
A trading hub between the Deccan and Delhi in the 16th century, the city of Indore was discovered by Rao Nandlal Chaudhary in mid-1710. Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, with her keen interest in education and
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Situated on the banks of river Narmada, Maheshwar appeals to both, the pilgrim as well as the tourist in you. The town possesses a treasure trove of beautiful temples that calm the soul, alongside