Omkar Mandhata Shiva Temple

Overview

Omkareshwar situated in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India is committed to God Shiva. The Temple is one of the 12 adored Jyotirlinga's of God Shiva. The Temple is situated on an island in the Narmada River and the state of this specific island symbolizes the Hindu Symbol of OM. God Shiva offers darshan to aficionados as Omakareshwar,the God of the OM sound.

About the Deity

In the Omkareshwar temple God Shiva offers darshan to his aficionados as Omkareshwar Linga or the sound's God OM. The Omkareshwar linga is a Swyambhu linga (Self Manifested). An uncommon element of the area of Omkareshwar Temple is that the stream Narmada branches into two and structures an island Mandhata or Shivapuri in the middle. The island's state takes after that of the visual representation of the Omkara sound, Om.

About the Temple

Omkareshwara Temple is thought to be one of the holiest Hindu destinations in the country. This is because of the vicinity of the Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve in India. Lingam is the image of God Shiva yet the Jyotirlingam is exceptional. Jyotirlingam is known as the lingam of light. It is said to get power from inside of itself. The Jyotirlingam is cherished in the Temple of Sri Omkareshwar Mahadeo, otherwise called the Temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata. The Temple is comprised of by regional standards accessible delicate stone; therefore, there is point by point cutting in the front chamber and entrancing divider artworks on the upper parts of the structure. The most appealing component of the temple is the divider artistic creations of elephants, more than 1.5 m high, cut on a stone chunk at its external limit. The Omkareshwar Temple is inherent the Nagara style and is portrayed by an elevated shikhara. There are likewise hallowed places to Annapurna and Ganesha here. Before entering the temple one needs to go through two rooms. The Omkareshwar is not appended to the ground but rather is actually introduced there. There is dependably water around it. The criticalness of this linga is that the linga is not arranged underneath the dome. The icon of God Shiva is arranged on the highest point of the temple. The temple can be come to by ship from the waterway's banks. The Sanctum Sanctorum containing the Jyotirlinga was initially a little old hallowed place. The fundamental's Dome place of worship is made of layers of stone chunks.

Legend and Stories

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga likewise has its own history and stories. There are three distinct stories that are connected with the cause of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. The main story speaks the truth the Mountain Vindhya Parvat. Long prior, Sage Narada (child of God Brahma) once went to the Vindhya parvat. Sage Narad amid the visit informed Vindhya Parvat regarding the significance of Mount Meru. Listening to the significance of Mount Meru, Vindhya got envious. Vindhya attempted a serious repentance to conjure God Shiva and venerated Parthivlinga (A linga produced using physical material). Satisfied with the commitment of Mount Vindhya God Shiva favored him with his craved shelter. In any case, took a guarantee that Vindhya will never be an issue to Shiva's enthusiasts. Vindhya began to develop, however did not stay faithful to his commitment he began to develop so enormous that even the sun and moon were blocked. All gods drew closer sage Agastya for help. Agastya alongside his wife came to Vindhya, and persuaded him that he would not develop until the sage and his wife returned. They stayed away forever and Vindhya arrives as it was the point at which they cleared out.

The second story identifies with Mandhata and his child's retribution. Ruler Mandhata of Ishvaku group (a precursor of God Ram) revered God Shiva here till the God showed himself as a Jyotirlinga. A few researchers likewise portray the tale about Mandhata's children Ambarish and Mucchkund, who had honed serious atonement and severities here and satisfied God Shiva. On account of this the mountain is named Mandhata.

The third story from Hindu sacred texts says that some time ago there was an awesome war in the middle of Devas and Danavas(demon), in which Danavas won. Indra, the Gods' ruler was concerned in light of the fact that the Danavas or Demons were making a ruin in all the three universes, i.e., Trilokas. Keeping in mind the end goal to enable the Devas by and by, God Shiva expected the type of Jyotirmaya Omkararoop. He left the underworld or Patala. as a Linga on the waterway's banks Narmada. The divine beings or Devas adored the Linga which made them intense by and by. In the wake of recapturing their forces the Devas battled another war with evil presences and won over them.

Festivals and Pujas

The main festival Mahashivratri and Kartik Poornima are celebrated with great spirits and harmony. The temple is specially decorated with flowers and beautifully lit up during the festival season. Millions of devotees from around the world visit during these festivals. Apart from Lord Shiva, the temple premises also comprise other small temples of Goddess Annapoorneshwari and Lord Panchmuga Ganesha located on the first floor of the main temple. Panchmuga Ganesha Temple also forms one of the most important spiritual attractions of Omkareshwar. Motorboats are used to establish connectivity with the mainland and to reach Koti Tirth Ghat below the temple. The usual temple timing is 5 am to 10 pm. The temple may, however, be closed at various times during the day for various activities like Gupt Aarti (5.30-6 am), Bhog (12.30- 1 pm), Cleaning (5.45-6.15 pm) etc. The temple remains open 24 hrs during Shivaratri.

Best Time To Visit Omkareshwar Jyotirling Temple

The best time to visit the temple is during the major festivals dedicated Lord Shiva. Shivratri, believed to be the birthday of Lord Shiva, is the main day when one should visit this temple. Shivratri falls between March to April so the Best Time To Visit Omkareshwar Jyotirling Temple is March to April.

Accommodation

Don’t expect any plush hotels, the accommodation available is pretty basic. Dharamshalas are aplenty but they are primarily for Hindus. Check out the Yatrika Guest House at Omkareshwar Mandir. Another good bet is the Holkar Guest House run by the Ahilyabai Charity Trust.

Significance

one of the foremost of the 12 Joytirlingas

Accessibility

Madhya Pradesh is centrally located in the heart of India and can be reached by any and all modes of transportation such as Rail, Air and Road. To travel to Madhya Pradesh, one should plan a trip in advance and consider the distance one would be travelling.

Airport

Madhya Pradesh is well connected by most of the major cities of India and has a good network of flights every day. There are a couple of flights by major air carriers in and out of Madhya Pradesh on a weekly basis. The major airports of Madhya Pradesh are located in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur. Bhopal is also an international airport and has a number of international flights weekly.

Railways

The extensive train network within Madhya Pradesh enables one to reach their desired destination from almost all the cities of India. For long distance travelling, train travel is suggested as it is more comfortable and less stressful. Booking train travel in advance also helps in getting confirmed tickets so that one can plan their itinerary. There are plenty of bus stations across Madhya Pradesh and there are a lot of private and government buses running in and out of Madhya Pradesh.

Road

For road buffs, a road trip in a car or a bus is good option however for those who do not enjoy the driving or being driven a flight or train seems to be the most viable option.

Temple Address

Omkareshwar Temple ,Mandhata Island,
Khandwa District, Madhya Pradesh,
India, Pincode - 450554.