Omkareswar
Omkareshwar is one of the 12 Holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is on an island called Mandhata or Shivpuri, close to the city Bhopal. It is on the banks of the Narmada river.
There are two temples of Lord Shiva here, one is Omkareshwar located on the island and the other is Mamleshwar situated on the south bank of Narmada.
According to legend Lord Vindya who controlls the Vindyachal mountains wanted to worship Shiva to wash off the sins he had committed. He created a Shivalinga made of sand and clay. Pleased with his devotion Shiva appeared in two forms, namely Omkareshwar and Amaleswara. As the mud Shiva Linga was in the form of Om, the island got the name Omkareswar. The temple complex also has temples for Parvati and Ganesha.
Legend has it that the Vindhya mountain prayed to Shiva – Omkareshwara and was blessed here. Legend also has it that upon the request of the Devas, the Shivalinga split into two, one half being Omkareshwara and the other Amaleshwara or Amareshwar. King Mandhatha of the Ishvaku clan is believed to have worshipped Shiva here.
Govinda Bhagavatpaada, the guru of Sankaracharya, is believed to have lived in a cave here.
The temple can be reached by ferry from the banks of the river Narmada. The Omkareshwar temple built in the Nagara style is characterized by a lofty shikhara. There are also shrines to Annapurna and Ganesha here.
Things to see and do:
The famous Holy Shivalinga known as Narmadeswar Shivaling is founund here.
Narmadalinga or Bana linga
Omkareshwar is said to be the place where Adi Sankara met his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada in a cave. This cave can be found even today just below the Shiva temple where an image of Adi Shankara has been installed.
24 Avatars – A cluster of Hindu and Jain temples, remarkable for their skillful use of varied architectural modes.
Satmatrika Temple – 6 km from Omkareshwar, a group of 10th century temples.
Kajal Rani Cave – 9 km from Omkareshwar a particularly picturesque scenic spot.
Boating in the Narmada river is a great experience.
How to reach:
By Air: Flights could be availed to Indore and Ujjain, 77 Km and 133 Km respectively away from Omkareshwara. Rest of the journey could be done by a hired taxi or rented car.
By Rail: Indore connects Delhi and Mumbai with the holy place by a railway station at Omkareshwara Road, 12 Km away from the town.
By Road: Most of major towns and cities of Madhya Pradesh like Ujjain, Khandwa, Indore, etc, are connected with the holy place by regular bus services.
Accommodation: Budget to 5 star many hotels are available.
