Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Mandhata Madhya Pradesh

About Omkareshwar Temple

India is full of experiences and surprises, whether in culture, nature, or landscapes, and one of the best examples is the Shree Omkareshwar Temple on Mandhata Island in Madhya Pradesh.

The unique presence of the island will leave you in shock; this is true! The island is naturally shaped like “ॐ” (Om), a holy symbol in Hinduism, giving the site its name “Omkareshwar”, meaning “lord of Omkara” or “lord of Om Sound”.

Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple sits on this sacred island, marking its great significance as the fourth pillar of the divine light, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Shiva in India.

This divine island sits on the sacred river Sangam of Narmada and Kaveri rivers, making it truly an auspicious place. Moreover, the belief that Mahadev rests here every night after traversing the three worlds daily attracts millions of devotees and Shaivites throughout the year

Visiting the Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple is a dream for millions of devotees in India. If you are also one of them, then you must know the temple’s history, legends, timings, location, and more.

So let’s dive into the world of Mahadev together, but first let’s take an overview of the temple.

Quick Information About Omkareshwar Temple

Location/Address	Mandhata Island on the Narmada River in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh in India
State	Madhya Pradesh
City	Khandwa City
District	Khandwa District
Pin Code	450554
Idol/God	Lord Shiva’s Shivling (Omkareshwar lingam)
Significance	Part of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Omkareshwar River Name	Narmada River
Omkareshwar River Sangam	Narmada Kaveri Sangam
Highlights	Mamleshwar Temple, Narmada River, & Omkareshwar ghats
Nearest Airport to Omkareshwar	Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport, Indore (87 km)
Nearest Railway Station to Omkareshwar	Omkareshwar Road Railway Station (OM) (14 km)- limited trains.Khandwa Railway Station (72 km) & Indore Railway Station (81 km) – better connectivity
Best Time to Visit	October to March
Dress Code for Omkareshwar Temple	Simple and modest attire to maintain the sanctity

Where is Omkareshwar Temple?

Shri Omkareshwar Temple is located in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh in India. The Temple is situated on the Narmada River on Mandhata Island, also known as “Shivpuri” or “Omkar Parvat” in Khandwa City, which is uniquely shaped like the Hindu symbol “ॐ” (Om).

What is Omkareshwar Famous For?

Omkareshwar is famous for the Omkareshwar Temple Jyotirlinga, dedicated to one of the highly auspicious pillars of divine light of Shiva in India, the fourth among the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Also, the temple is known for its unique location on the Narmada River in a “ॐ” (Om) shaped island, known as Mandhata Island or Omkar Parvat Hills. The site is also popular for the 7 km Parikrama around the Om-shaped island, believed to cleanse negative Karmas and grant liberation.

Moreover, the speciality of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is that it is split into parts; one is at the Omkareshwar Dham on the northern bank of the Narmada River, and the other is at the Mamleshwar Temple on the southern bank.

Omkareshwar Temple History

The history of Omkareshwar Temple is associated with ancient times, but the actual structure of the temple was built in the 11th Century CE by the Paramara Kings of Malwa. After the Paramara Kings, the temple was administered under the Chauhan Rulers.

In the 13th Century CE, the temple faced several destructions and was looted by the Muslim raider Mahmud Ghazni. Still, the temple remained unimpaired. The temple remained under the Chauhan Kings during the entire rule of the Mughals.

In the 18th Century, the temple was rebuilt by the Holkar rulers, the first Holkar Queen, Gautama Bai Holkar, then completed by her daughter-in-law, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.

During the colonial era, the temple was under the British; after independence in 1947, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took over the responsibility with the consideration of the Khandwa administration.

Now the temple stands as a great symbol of devotion and spirituality and has been gaining popularity over time, due to its great significance and spiritual beliefs.

What is the story behind Omkareshwar Temple?

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga story is linked with multiple legends of Lord Shiva in ancient time, let explore all of them one by one;

Legend of Vindhya Mountains

Once, the Vindhya Mountain deity heard Sage Narada saying that Mount Meru is far greater than the Vindhya Mountain.

After hearing this, to surpass Mount Meru, Vindhya began an intense penance to please Lord Shiva, constructed a geometrical diagram and a clay lingam.

Pleased by his pure devotion, Lord Shiva blessed him, but requested to never obstruct the path of the sun and devotees, as this ultimate mountain power would have been misused. 

Upon the request of all gods, Lord Shiva appeared in compassionate light and split into two forms as Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and Mamaleshwar (Amreshwar).

Penance of King Mandhata

The legend of King Mandhata describes the origin of the island’s name, “Mandhata,” after King Mandhata, a noble King of the Ikshvaku dynasty (ancestors of Lord Ram).

King Mandhata, with his son Ambrish and Muchukunda, performed severe spiritual practices. 

Impressed by their devotion to Lord Shiva, he decided to reside in this sacred place forever, as the divine pillar of light.

War of Demons & Gods

Another legend states that there was once a war happening between the demons and the gods, and the demons were defeating all the gods. Desperate gods prayed to Mahadev; he came and defeated all the demons and emerged in the form of Omkareshwar Shivling as a divine pillar of light.

Hotels Near Omkareshwar Temple 

Omkareshwar accommodation options offer a wide range of hotels near Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and many other places to stay in Omkareshwar, including comfortable hotel rooms, resorts, dharamshalas, and more.

Here are the best hotels, resorts, and dharamshalas in Omkareshwar:

• Narmada Hill Resorts
• Hotel Shri Radhe Krishna
• Shree Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Omkareshwar (Dharamshala)
• Raghuvanshi Samaj Dharamshala
• Hotel ShriNathji

Omkareshwar Temple Timings

The Omkareshwar Mandir timings follow a strict schedule to maintain crowd management and safety. The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple timings are 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with scheduled darshan and aarti timings.

Here are the daily Omkareshwar darshan time and aarti time for devotees:

Activities/Rituals	Timings
Omkareshwar temple opening time	4:30 AM
Kakad/Mangala Aarti (Morning Aarti)	4:30 AM – 5:00 AM
Mangal Darshan (Morning Darshan)	5:00 AM – 12:20 PM
Madhyanha Bhog (Break)	12:20 PM – 1:15 PM
Afternoon Darshan	1:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Shringar (Break)	4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Sayam Kalin Darshan (Evening Darshan)	4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Shringar Darshan	9:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Shayan Aarti (Evening Aarti)	10:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Omkareshwar temple closing time	10:30 PM

Note: Devotees can also watch Omkareshwar live darshan at the official site of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on shriomkareshwar.org.

Omkareshwar VIP Darshan

Omkareshwar VIP Pass booking, also known as Shighra Darshan booking, allows pilgrims to get faster and easier access to the Jyotirlinga, while avoiding the long waiting time of 3-6 hours standing in long queues.

It is an exclusive service for pilgrims seeking a comfortable and convenient way to enter the temple, without waiting in long darshan lines, ideal for senior citizens and families with children.

What is the cost of a VIP ticket in Omkareshwar?

Shighra Darshan / VIP Omkareshwar darshan ticket price is only ₹300 per person. Bookings are available either online on the official site or offline at the counter near the temple.

Various types of Puja and Omkareshwar aarti booking details:

Types of Puja	Booking Price	No. of Person
Abhishek Pujan	₹2,100 to ₹3,00,000	2 (₹300 extra per person)
Partheshwar Pujan	₹2,100 to ₹1,25,000	2 (₹300 extra per person)
Navgrah Shanti Pujan	₹5,000 to ₹11,500	2 (₹300 extra per person)
Kalsarp Dosh Pujan	₹11,000	2 (₹300 extra per person)
Narmada Aarti/Pujan	₹1,500 to ₹2,100	2 (₹300 extra per person)
Maha Mrityunjaya Jap	₹10,500 to ₹65,000	2 (₹300 extra per person)
Somwar Sawari	₹2,100	2 (₹300 extra per person)
E-Aradhana	₹2,100 to ₹7,500

Best Time To Visit Omkareshwar

The best time to visit Omkareshwar Temple Jyotirlinga is from October to March, during the autumn and winter months. During this time, the temperature in Omkareshwar remains comfortable for darshan and Prikrama. 

Also, the Omkareshwar weather stays pleasant and peaceful for darshan, offering an auspicious experience with fewer crowds than the Shravan months (July to August)

Time to Avoid: 

• Avoid the peak summer months, from April to June, as the temperature rises to 40°C.
• Avoid the Shravan months from July to August, experiencing heavier crowds, increasing the darshan waiting hours.

Places To Visit In Omkareshwar 

There are many sacred and tourist places near Omkareshwar, including:

Mamleshwar Temple: Just across the Narmada River on the southern bank, Mamleshwar Temple (Amreshwar) is a highly prominent shrine, holding great significance as the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. Believed that the yatra remains incomplete without visiting here.

Adi Shankaracharya Cave: An ancient cave often famous as the Govinda Bhagvatpada Caves. Believed to be the place where sage Adi Shankaracharya met his Guru Govinda Bhagvatpada, and helped him to find his enlightenment.

Parikrama Path: One of the major highlights of Omkareshwar is the 7 km Parikrama (circumambulation) of Mandhata Island. The trail passes through the beautiful ghats, rivers, and Narmada-Kaveri Confluence.

Beyond these, there are so many more places to visit near Omkareshwar, such as Gauri Somnath Temple, Siddhant Temple, Statue of Oneness (Adi Shankaracharya Statue), and more.

Gomukh Ghat: The Gomukh Ghat is a sacred ghat near the temple; pilgrims take a holy dip here. It offers one of the primary things to do in Omkareshwar, the boat ride. You can easily get one for around ₹700.

How To Reach Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga has great connectivity and is easily accessible by road, train, and air. Reaching Omkareshwar Temple requires a road journey by bus/car or a combined road journey with train or air.

Below is the complete guide on how to go to Omakreshwar Temple by air, train, and road:

By Air + Road: You can take a direct flight to the nearest airport to Omkareshwar, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, from your city for a comfortable and smooth journey. 

From the airport, hire a direct taxi or cab to reach Omkareshwar Dham, around 87 km by road.

By Train + Road: The nearest railway station to Omkareshwar is Omkareshwar Road Railway Station, but it has limited trains. So you can take a train to Khandwa Railway Station (72 km) or Indore Railway Station (81 km), offering great connectivity. 

From there, take a direct taxi or cab to reach the temple.

By Road: Omkareshwar is easily accessible by road, as many direct buses and public vehicles operate daily from nearby places, such as Indore, Ujjain, and more.

Omkareshwar Temple Distance

• Ujjain to Omkareshwar distance: 144 km
• Indore to Omkareshwar distance: 80 km
• Mahakaleshwar Temple to Omkareshwar distance: 148 km
• Bhopal to Omkareshwar distance: 260 km
• Nashik to Omkareshwar Mandir distance: 414 km
• Delhi to Omkareshwar Temple distance: 857 km
• Mumbai to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga distance: 601 km

Source: Google Maps

Conclusion

Visiting Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Mandhata Madhya Pradesh, in India is a divine wish of many pilgrims, and completing this dream feels like a reward for the efforts to stand in the long queues, hours of travel, and waiting in the crowd.

Every effort feels worth the darshan of Shri Omkareshwar Temple. The great significance and spiritual importance are attracting millions of devotees here from across India.

So plan your next sacred journey to the Omkareshwar Dham to feel the divine energy of Lord Shiva and this sacred place.

FAQs

Is Omkareshwar near Ujjain or Indore?

Indore is the nearest to Omkareshwar at a distance of 80 km; it also serves as the nearest airport to Omkareshwar. While Ujjain is located at a distance of 144 km, pilgrims often combine a visit to the Makaleshwar Temple in Ujjain with Omkareshwar.

How can I reach Omkareshwar from Ujjain?

You can reach Omkareshwar from Ujjain by bus or private cab/taxi. A taxi is generally considered a more convenient and faster option to cover the distance of 144 km. While many direct Ujjain to Omkareshwar bus are available from the Harsiddhi or Dewas Bus Stand.

In which city is Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is in Khandwa city of Madhya Pradesh in India, situated on Mandhata Island on the Narmada River.

Why does Omkareshwar have two Jyotirlinga?

According to a legend of Mount Vidhanta, when Lord Shiva blessed him to grow greater than Mount Meru, all the gods got worried and pleased Lord Shiva. Then Mahadev split the cosmic pillar of light into two forms and resided in Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar (near Omkareshwar).

What is not allowed in Omkareshwar Temple?

Omkareshwar Temple follows strict rules and guidelines that every visitor must follow. Things not allowed are:

• Touching the lingam
• Taking Photographs or Videos
• Entering the Garbhgriha
• Leather Items
• Improper Clothes
• Unapproved Offerings
• Disturbing Behaviour
• Large or Heavy Luggage

Are Mamleshwar and Omkareshwar the same?

Mamleshwar and Omkareshwar are not the same; both are two different shrines located nearby on Mandhata Island. Omkareshwar is on the northern bank of the Narmada River, and the Mamleshwar Temple is in the northern area.

How much time does it takes for Omkareshwar Darshan?

Generally, it takes about 3 to 6 hours to receive darshan at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, as the temple remains crowded due to its popularity. For a quicker option, pilgrims can also book VIP or Shighra Darshan passes.