Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is a revered shrine located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country, and it holds a significant place in Hindu history and spirituality. The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple is situated on an island called Mandhata, which is surrounded by the Narmada river, making it a breathtaking sight to behold.
The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is not only a spiritual destination for pilgrims but also a cultural hub that attracts tourists worldwide. The temple’s architecture, intricate carvings, and magnificent aura make it an excellent example of ancient Indian art and craftsmanship.
Throughout this article, we will delve into the historical and cultural importance of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. We will also examine why it is an essential destination for individuals seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural immersion.
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Story of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
The deity controlling the Vindhyachal Mountain worshipped Lord Shiva to free him from his sins. So he created a mud mound and worshipped it as Lord Shiva. God was pleased with this devotion and appeared before him in two forms. Omkareshwar and Amaleshwar. Since the mound took the form of OM during his penance, the temple here is called Omkareshwar.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga History
The Jyotirlingas have a different story according to the Shiv Puran. Once, lord Brahma and lord Vishnu argued over supremacy. They went to Lord Shiva. Shiva said the one finding the ends of his body is supreme.
Saying so, he took the form of infinite light. Lord Vishnu accepted his defeat. Lord Brahma lied to have found his end. So Shiva cursed Brahma. For this reason, there are no temples of Lord Brahma on earth. The Jyothirlingas are the places connecting the infinite form of Lord Shiva. There were 64 Jyotirlinga. Only 12 are known to humans in today’s world.
Omkareshwar Temple Timing
The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple is open 365 days. Omkareshwar darshan starts at 5:00 AM in the morning and extends till 12 noon. The temple closes by 12 noon. Again opens by 5 PM and closes by 8 PM the night. No entry fees are charged. There are three Aartis, and the timings are as follows:
- Gupt Aarti: 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM
- Bhog: 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
No mobile phones or cameras are allowed inside the temple. However, you may carry hand purses.
Poojas to perform for Omkareshwar Mahadev
Maha Rudrabhhihek, Laghu Rudrabhishekham, Narmada Aarthi, Bhagavan Bhog, and Mundan. Narmada Aarti is usually performed in the evenings on the banks of the river Narmada. During Maha Rudrabhishek, the pandits chant Vedas to Omkareshwar Mahadev.
Rudrabhishek is one of the best ways to please Lord Shiva. Pilgrims visiting the temple believe that the lord immediately listens to their pure wishes if they do Rudra Abhishek. Moreover, by doing Laghu Rudrabhishekam, one gets good health and prosperity.
How to Reach Omkareshwar Temple?
- By Air: Indore is the nearest airport and is 77 km away.
- By Train: Mortakka is the nearest railway station, and Khandwa is the nearest railway junction
- By road: There are regular buses from cities like Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore, and Khandwa. However, bus service at night is not frequent.
Significance of Omkareshwar Mandir
Of all the Jyotirlinga shrines, the Omkareshwar has higher significance because of River Narmada. If you observe, nowhere the river splits and rejoins immediately except here in Omkareshwar. Rivers have purifying powers.
Ma Narmada split to bow down to the lord. Thus, worshipping Omkareshwar purifies our minds and soul. Temples located on river islands are extremely powerful for this reason. They purify our souls within seconds.
The OM Island
The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple is on Shivapuri island. The island is in the shape of “OM.” The symbol OM is the essence of the supreme consciousness and is the sonic representation of the divine. By chanting OM, you can easily connect with the supreme divine, the Brahman. While visiting the Omkareshwar temple, sit on the banks of river Narmada and chant “Om” for some time. You will certainly feel energized.
Benefits of visiting Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
The Linga is Swayambhu, meaning self-born. Manusi lingas are man made. Lord manifests himself in a Swayambhu. Swayambhu Shiv Lingas are very powerful. Every Jyotirlinga has a specific benefit. The Omkareshwar Mahadev provides peace, comfort, and prosperity.
The benefits of visiting the other Jyotirlingas are as follows:
- Somnath: Wealth and Peace
- Srisailam Mallikarjuna: Free from all the bad forms
- Ujjain Mahakaleshwar: Free from all fears and sins
- Parali Vaidyanath: free from diseases and curses
- Bhimeshwar: Victory
- Rameshwar: Path toward heaven
- Dwarka Nageshwar: Destroys the sins
- Nasik Triyambakeshwar: Desired wish
- Edareshwar: Mukti
- Grishneshwara: Wealth and pleasure
- Kashi Vishweshwar: Free from all kinds of Karma
Adi Shankara
Adi Shankara met his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada in the Omkareshwar temple. You can find an image of Shri Adi Shankara just below the Shiva temple.
Festivals in Omkareshwar Temple
Maha Shivratri is the most celebrated festival in Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple. Apart from that, Mahar Snkranti, Kartik Poornima, and Narmada Jayanti are also celebrated with great grandeur. Karthik Poornima is celebrated for ten days. It is believed that Lord Shiva took the form of light on Karthik Poornima. And persons worshipping the lord on this day will attain Salvation.
Narmada festival is celebrated in the month of Magh. During the festival, the entire island is illuminated with diyas. There are fireworks displays as well. The festival is celebrated on Narmada Jayanti, which falls on the Shukla Paksha Saptami.
Narmada Aarthi
Every evening, Narmada Ma ki Aarthi is performed in the Kotitirtha ghat. You have to make special donations at the temple office to do the Aarthi. However, you are allowed to participate in the Aarthi.
You should certainly visit all the 12 Jyotirlinga for material contentment and Salvation. Try visiting them at least once in your lifetime. This is a humble request from our team. You can also meditate on all the 12 Jyotirlingas together for spiritual growth. Take help from Google and have Darshan on the images if you are unable to plan the trip any soon. This should ease your meditation process.
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