Omkareshwar is located near Indore in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The name was Omkareshwar in nonfictional terms comes from the word ‘ OM ’. Legends hold that Lord Shiva himself manifested them and it is the holiest shrine as the Narmada River flows through Omkareshwar. Being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is considered the most sacred sanctum devoted to Lord Shiva in Hinduism. The Ujjain to Omkareshwar Distance is around 140 Km.

Omkareshwar Temple History

There are many mythology stories associated with the history of Omkareshwar Temple. According to one legend, formerly upon a time, the Devas( elysian beings) and the Asuras( demons) were fighting for the possession of the Amrit( quencher of eternity) that surfaced during the churning of the ocean. Lord Shiva appeared on the scene and consumed the Amrit himself to help it from falling into the hands of the Asuras. By this act, the Devas and Asuras realized the greatness of Lord Shiva and they started worshiping him as the Supreme Lord.

Another legend says that there was once a great king named Mandhata, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva and as a result, the Lord appeared before him and granted him a boon. The king asked the Lord to live on the islet in the Narmada swash, which was shaped like the holy symbol “ Om ”. Lord Shiva granted his want and abided on the islet, which came to be known as Omkareshwar Mandir. 

The Architecture of Omkareshwar Temple

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga consists of two main temples, one is dedicated to Omkareshwar, and the other is dedicated to Amareshwar. It is believed that the Omkareshwar temple was built by the Paramara king Udayaditya. The Amareshwar Temple is comparatively newer and is believed to have been erected in the 18th century by the Maratha sovereign, Ranoji Shinde. 

The Temple complex attracts a large number of addicts from all over India and abroad, especially during the MahaShivratri time. The Temple has experienced several emendations and restorations over time, and it continues to be an important passage point for addicts of Lord Shiva.  The Omkareshwar Temple Timings are 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM every day.

Significance of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

Omkareshwar- Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga has been the center of faith for millions of Addicts for times. This Temple is positioned in the Parikrama route of Mamleshwar. It’s believed that by sharing in Puja then, one gets the blessings of Lord Shiva incontinently. 

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred sanctuaries devoted to Lord Shiva in Hinduism. They are some of the crucial reasons for the significance of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga 

Religious Importance: It is believed that Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple is an incarnation of Lord Shiva himself and as such, it is considered to be a truly holy place. The Temple complex attracts a large number of addicts who come to seek blessings from the Lord. 

Natural beauty: The Temple is located on an island in the Narmada River, which is considered to be a holy river in Hinduism. The island is girdled by hills and timbers, which add to the place’s natural beauty. The islet is shaped like the holy symbol ‘ Om ’, which is considered to be a sacred sound in Hinduism. 

Festivals and Celebrations: The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple complex has been the center of many festivals and celebrations throughout time, the most important of which is the Maha Shivratri festival. During this time, the Temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and a large number of addicts visit the Temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Some of the auspicious days that are being celebrated then are Masik Shivaratri as well as Mahashivatri, Pradosh, and Amavasya, especially Somvati Amavasya and MahaShivaratri. 

How to Reach Omkareshwar Temple

The nearest airport to Omkareshwar is Indore. The nearest railway station is 12 km away and is not connected to the major cities. The Indore to omkareshwar distance is around 80 Km. You can also board a bus or Taxi from Ujjain, Indore.

Conclusion

Obviously, the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is an important passage point for addicts of Lord Shiva, with significant religious and literal significance, natural beauty, and a rich tradition of carnivals and fests.