Shivpuri Sri Omkareshwar Mahadev (Jyotirlinga)Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Shivpuri Sri Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple, Shivpuri, Shajapur, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh 465001

Deity

Omkareshwar

Introduction

• Location: Omkareshwar is located on an island called Mandhata (also known as Shivpuri) in the Narmada River in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh, India. The shape of the island is said to resemble the Devanagari letter ॐ.
• Significance: It is one of the twelve revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. There are two main temples here:
  • Omkareshwar: Located on the island, dedicated to the “Lord of Omkara” or the Lord of the Om sound.
  • Mamleshwar: Located on the south bank of the Narmada River, dedicated to the “Immortal Lord” or “lord of the Immortals.”

Puranic Significance

• Vindya’s Worship: The deity controlling the Vindhya mountain range, Vindya, worshipped Lord Shiva to atone for his sins. He created a sacred diagram and a Lingam made of sand and clay, which pleased Shiva. Lord Shiva then appeared in two forms: Omkareshwar and Amaleswara. The island became known as Omkareshwar due to the sand mound shaped like the syllable “Om.”
• King Mandhata’s Penance: King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku dynasty (ancestor of Lord Rama) is said to have performed severe penance here. Lord Shiva manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga to bless him. The mountain is named Mandhata in honor of the king.
• The War Between Devas and Danavas: In a battle between the gods (Devas) and demons (Danavas), the demons initially triumphed. The Devas prayed to Lord Shiva, who appeared as Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and defeated the demons.
• Philosophy of Omkaar: In Advaita Vedanta, “Omkaar” is composed of two parts: Om (the sound) and Akaar (creation). Both are considered one, symbolizing the oneness of the universe. “Om” is regarded as the primordial sound, the creator of the cosmos.
• Adi Shankara’s Cave: Omkareshwar is also believed to be the place where the great philosopher Adi Shankara met his guru, Govinda Bhagavatpada. A cave, where this meeting took place, still exists below the Shiva temple, and an image of Adi Shankara is installed there.

Special Features

• Jyotirlinga Legend: According to the Shiv Mahapuran, Brahma and Vishnu had a dispute over their supremacy. Shiva pierced the three worlds with a pillar of light, and both Brahma and Vishnu searched for its ends. Brahma lied that he had found the end, while Vishnu accepted defeat. Shiva appeared as the second pillar of light and cursed Brahma, declaring that he would not be worshipped in ceremonies, while Vishnu would be revered forever.
• Sacred River Narmada: Omkareshwar is formed by the sacred Narmada River, adding to its spiritual significance.

Festivals

Maha shivarathiri

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years

Managed By

Shri Omkareshwar Mandir Trust

Nearest Bus Station

Shivpuri

Nearest Railway Station

Madhyapradesh

Nearest Airport

Indore

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