Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh | Pilgrimage Destination India

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh 

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on an island called Mandhata in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. It is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, and its significance is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures. The temple has two main shrines, namely Omkareshwar and Amareshwar, which together represent the unity of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. 

History and Significance of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga 

According to Hindu mythology, the story behind the creation of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga goes back to the time when demon king Vindhya was troubling the sages and holy men who lived in the area. Lord Shiva then appeared and took up residence on the island, which is believed to be in the shape of the Om symbol. This is where the name Omkareshwar comes from. 

The temple has been mentioned in various ancient Hindu texts like the Skanda Purana, Linga Purana, and Shiva Purana. The significance of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga lies in the belief that Lord Shiva is present in the form of the Jyotirlinga, which is a representation of the infinite and omnipresent nature of Lord Shiva. 

Architecture and Design of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga 

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple has a unique and intricate architecture that blends the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. The temple has a Mandapam or a large hall with intricately carved pillars that lead to the Garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum houses the Jyotirlinga, which is a black stone lingam, representing Lord Shiva. The Amareshwar temple has a similar design and houses a Jyotirlinga made of white marble. 

The temple complex also has other smaller temples dedicated to various deities like Ganesha, Parvati, and Kartikeya. The entire temple complex is surrounded by a high wall and has four main entrances. 

Festivals and Celebrations at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga 

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple is a hub of religious activities and festivities throughout the year. The most significant festival celebrated at the temple is the Mahashivratri, which falls in the month of February or March. Thousands of devotees visit the temple during this festival to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. 

Other important festivals celebrated at the temple include Navratri, Diwali, and Holi. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and devotees come from far and wide to be a part of the celebrations. 

Best Time to Visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga 

The best time to visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. During this time, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 30°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the temple complex. The monsoon season from June to September should be avoided as the area receives heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides and flooding. 

Accommodation Options Near Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga 

There are several accommodation options available near Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, ranging from budget hotels to luxurious resorts. Some of the popular options include the Omkareshwar Jungle Resort, Hotel Shri Radhekrishna, and Hotel Om Shiva. Most of these hotels offer comfortable rooms, excellent hospitality, and easy access to the temple. 

Hidden Fact about Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, and there are several interesting hidden facts about this ancient town that are worth exploring. One such hidden fact about Omkareshwar is:

The island of Omkareshwar is shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol 'OM'

Omkareshwar is situated on an island formed by the Narmada River and is considered one of the holiest places in India. It is believed that the island has a unique shape resembling the sacred Hindu symbol 'OM' when viewed from above. The two hills on the island, which are believed to represent the two syllables of 'OM,' are connected by a strip of land that looks like the horizontal curve of the symbol. This hidden fact is a testament to the spiritual significance of the island and the devotion of the people who built the town around it. It is also a fascinating aspect of Omkareshwar that is often overlooked by visitors, making it a unique and memorable aspect of any trip to the holy town.

How to travel by road to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh, and the nearest bus stand  

If you're planning to travel to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh by road, there are several options available. The town is well-connected to the major cities in Madhya Pradesh and other nearby states by road. Here are some ways to reach Omkareshwar by road:  

By bus: Omkareshwar has its own bus stand, which is well-connected to major cities in Madhya Pradesh like Indore, Bhopal, and Ujjain. There are also regular bus services to Omkareshwar from other nearby cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. You can book bus tickets online or at the bus stand itself.  

By taxi: You can also hire a taxi or cab from nearby cities like Indore or Bhopal to reach Omkareshwar. This is a more convenient option if you're traveling in a group or with family.  

By car: If you're driving your own car, you can take the NH-52 or NH-47 to reach Omkareshwar. The roads are well-maintained, and the journey is scenic.  
Once you reach Omkareshwar, you can hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to get around the town. The nearest bus stand to Omkareshwar is the Omkareshwar Bus Stand, which is located within the town. From here, you can easily reach the various temples and other attractions in Omkareshwar.  

How to travel by train to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh, and the nearest railway station  

If you are planning to travel by train to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh, then you will be pleased to know that there is a railway station located in the town itself. The Omkareshwar Road Railway Station is located at a distance of around 12 km from Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and is the nearest railway station to the town.  
The Omkareshwar Road Railway Station is well-connected to major cities across India and is serviced by several trains. Some of the major cities that are connected to the Omkareshwar Road Railway Station include Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, among others.  
If you are traveling from Mumbai, then you can take the Panchavati Express, which runs daily between Mumbai and Manmad. From Manmad, you can take the Manduadih Express, which stops at the Omkareshwar Road Railway Station.  
If you are traveling from Delhi, then you can take the Gondwana Express, which runs daily between Delhi and Jabalpur. From Jabalpur, you can take the Narmada Express, which stops at the Omkareshwar Road Railway Station.  
If you are traveling from Pune, then you can take the Azad Hind Express, which runs daily between Pune and Howrah. From Howrah, you can take the Manduadih Express, which stops at the Omkareshwar Road Railway Station.  

How to travel by air to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh, and the nearest airport  

If you are planning to travel by air to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh, then the nearest airport to the town is the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, which is located at a distance of around 80 km from Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga.  
The Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport is well connected to major cities across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore, among others. Some of the major airlines that operate flights to and from the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir, among others.  
Once you arrive at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. There are several taxi services available at the airport, and you can also book a taxi online in advance.  
Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Indore to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. There are several buses that operate between Indore and Omkareshwar, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic.  
Overall, traveling by air is a convenient and time-saving option if you are planning to visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh.  

FAQs  

Q.1 What is the best time to visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?  

Ans: The best time to visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is from October to March.  

Q.2 How can I reach Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?  

Ans: The nearest airport and railway station are located in Indore, which is around 77 kilometers from Omkareshwar.  

Q.3 Is there any accommodation available in Omkareshwar?  

Ans: Yes, there are various accommodation options available in Omkareshwar, including budget hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas.  

Q.4 Can I take a dip in the Narmada river?  

Ans: Yes, you can take a dip in the Narmada river at the various ghats in Omkareshwar.  

Q.5 Is photography allowed inside the temples?  

Ans: No, photography is generally not allowed inside the temples in Omkareshwar. However, you can take pictures of the temple's exteriors and the surrounding areas.  

Q.6 What is the significance of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?  

Ans: Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and is believed to be a place of great spiritual significance. It is believed that a visit to the Jyotirlinga can help one attain moksha (liberation).