Omkareshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva in India, where the supreme deity manifested himself as a pillar of light. Located on an island shaped like the sacred symbol of Om in the Narmada river, Omkareshwar is a spiritual destination that attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. In this article, we will guide you through the history, mythology, architecture, and rituals of the Omkareshwar temple, as well as the other attractions and activities around it. We will also provide you with the best travel tips and options to plan your trip to Omkareshwar, including the best time to visit, how to reach, where to stay, and what to eat. Whether you are looking for a religious pilgrimage, a cultural exploration, or a natural escapade, Omkareshwar has something for everyone.
Omkareshwar Temple: The Abode of the Om-shaped Linga
The Omkareshwar temple is the main attraction of Omkareshwar, where the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is enshrined. The temple is situated on the southern bank of the island, facing the Narmada river. The temple has a unique architecture that combines the styles of the Nagara and the Dravidian schools. The temple has a tall spire, a circular sanctum, and a large hall with intricately carved pillars and ceilings. The temple also has a statue of Nandi, the bull mount of Lord Shiva, at the entrance.
The most remarkable feature of the temple is the Om-shaped linga, which is believed to be the self-manifested form of Lord Shiva. The linga is made of black stone and has a smooth surface. The linga is also divided into two parts, representing the male and the female aspects of the divine. The male part is called Omkareshwar, while the female part is called Mamleshwar. The devotees worship both the parts with equal reverence and offer flowers, milk, honey, and water to the linga.
The Omkareshwar temple has a rich history and mythology associated with it. According to the legend, once the Vindhya mountain was proud of its height and wanted to surpass the Meru mountain, the abode of the gods. The sage Narada visited the Vindhya mountain and praised the Meru mountain for its greatness. The Vindhya mountain felt jealous and decided to grow higher and higher, blocking the sun and the moon. The gods were worried and asked Lord Shiva to intervene. Lord Shiva agreed and appeared as a Jyotirlinga at Omkareshwar. He asked the Vindhya mountain to stop growing and worship him. The Vindhya mountain agreed and bowed down to the Jyotirlinga. Lord Shiva then blessed the Vindhya mountain and said that he would always reside at Omkareshwar.
The Omkareshwar temple is open from 5 am to 10 pm every day. The temple has various rituals and festivals throughout the year, such as the Maha Shivaratri, the Shravan month, and the Kartik month. The devotees can participate in the rituals and receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. The temple also offers online darshan and booking facilities for the convenience of the devotees.
Around the Omkareshwar Temple: Other Attractions and Activities
Omkareshwar is not only a religious destination, but also a cultural and natural one. There are many other temples and attractions near the Omkareshwar temple that are worth visiting. Some of them are:
Mamleshwar Temple: This is the other part of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, located on the opposite bank of the island. The temple is also known as the Amareshwar temple, and is considered to be the oldest temple in Omkareshwar. The temple has a simple structure, but a powerful energy. The temple is also the place where the sage Agastya meditated and received the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Siddhanath Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his yogic form, located on a hill near the Omkareshwar temple. The temple has a beautiful carving of Lord Shiva with 64 yoginis on the outer wall. The temple also offers a panoramic view of the Narmada river and the island.
Gauri Somnath Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, located on the northern bank of the island. The temple has a huge linga made of sandalwood, which is said to be one of the largest in India. The temple also has a legend that says that the linga was once stolen by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, but it miraculously returned to its original place.
Jhula Phul Bridge: This is a suspension bridge that connects the two banks of the island. The bridge is a popular spot for taking pictures and enjoying the scenic beauty of the river and the island. The bridge also has a small temple of Hanuman, the monkey god, at one end.
One of the most popular activities in Omkareshwar is the Parikrama or circumambulation of the island. The Parikrama is a 7 km long path that goes around the island, covering various temples, ashrams, and ghats. The Parikrama is a way of showing respect and devotion to Lord Shiva and the island. The Parikrama can be done on foot or by boat, depending on the preference and the time of the visitors.
Some of the other activities and experiences that Omkareshwar offers are:
Boating: Boating is a fun and relaxing way to explore the Narmada river and the island. There are various types of boats available, such as motor boats, paddle boats, and row boats. The boating charges vary from Rs. 50 to Rs. 300 per person, depending on the type and the duration of the boat ride.
Trekking: Trekking is a thrilling and adventurous way to discover the natural beauty and the wildlife of Omkareshwar. There are various trekking trails and routes that lead to the hills, caves, and forests around the island. The trekking difficulty level ranges from easy to moderate, and the trekking duration can be from 2 to 4 hours.
Camping: Camping is a wonderful way to experience the night life and the starry sky of Omkareshwar. There are various camping sites and options available, such as tents, cottages, and huts. The camping facilities include food, water, electricity, and security. The camping charges vary from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000 per person, depending on the type and the quality of the accommodation.
Shopping: Shopping is a delightful way to take home some souvenirs and memories of Omkareshwar. There are various shops and stalls that sell handicrafts, religious items, jewellery, and local products. Some of the best things to buy in Omkareshwar are rudraksha beads, shaligram stones, brass idols, and Narmada shankh.
How to Reach Omkareshwar: Travel Tips and Options
Omkareshwar is well-connected by air, rail, and road to the major cities of India. Here are some of the best ways to reach Omkareshwar:
By Air: The nearest airport to Omkareshwar is the Indore airport, which is about 77 km away. The Indore airport has regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other cities. From the airport, one can take a taxi or a bus to Omkareshwar, which will take about 2 to 3 hours. The taxi fare can range from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000, while the bus fare can be around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Omkareshwar is the Omkareshwar Road station, which is about 12 km away. The Omkareshwar Road station has trains from Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, and other cities. From the station, one can take a taxi or an auto to Omkareshwar, which will take about 20 to 30 minutes. The taxi fare can be around Rs. 300 to Rs. 400, while the auto fare can be around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100.
By Road: Omkareshwar is well-connected by road to the nearby towns and cities, such as Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa, and Maheshwar. There are various buses and taxis that ply to and from Omkareshwar, which are comfortable and affordable. The bus fare can range from Rs. 50 to Rs. 300, while the taxi fare can range from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500.
Some of the tips to plan your travel itinerary to Omkareshwar are:
- The best time to visit Omkareshwar is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the festivals are celebrated. The summer months from April to June can be very hot and dry, while the monsoon months from July to September can be very wet and humid.
- The dress code for Omkareshwar is modest and respectful, as it is a religious place. The visitors should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothes. The visitors should also remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the temples.
- The safety precautions for Omkareshwar are to be careful of the crowds, the monkeys, and the beggars. The visitors should also avoid eating street food, drinking tap water, and carrying valuables. The visitors should also respect the local customs, beliefs, and sentiments of the people.
- The food options in Omkareshwar are mostly vegetarian, as it is a holy place. The visitors can find various restaurants and stalls that serve local delicacies, such as dal bafla, poha, jalebi, and lassi. The visitors can also try the prasad or the sacred food offered to the deity at the temples.
Where to Stay in Omkareshwar: Accommodation and Amenities
Omkareshwar has a range of accommodation options for the visitors, from budget to luxury. Some of the best hotels and resorts in Omkareshwar are:
MP Tourism Narmada Resort: This is a government-run resort that offers comfortable and spacious rooms, cottages, and dormitories. The resort has a restaurant, a garden, a playground, and a conference hall. The resort also provides a view of the Narmada river and the island. The room tariff ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 4000 per night.
Hotel Om Shiva: This is a private hotel that offers cozy and clean rooms, with attached bathrooms and balconies. The hotel has a restaurant, a terrace, a parking, and a travel desk. The hotel also provides a view of the Omkareshwar temple and the bridge. The room tariff ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500 per night.
Hotel Shri Radhe Krishna: This is another private hotel that offers decent and affordable rooms, with basic amenities and facilities. The hotel has a restaurant, a lounge, a parking, and a laundry service. The hotel also provides a view of the Narmada river and the island. The room tariff ranges from Rs. 300 to Rs. 800 per night.
The visitors can book the hotels and resorts online or contact them directly. The visitors can also find other options, such as guest houses, ashrams, and homestays, depending on their preference and budget.
Conclusion
Omkareshwar is a divine journey to the sacred island of Lord Shiva, where the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is enshrined. Omkareshwar is a place where the visitors can experience the spirituality, culture, and nature of India. Omkareshwar is a place where the visitors can find peace, bliss, and enlightenment.
We hope this article has helped you with your Omkareshwar trip planning. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and happy travelling. 🙏oon months from July to September can be very wet and humid.
