Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

श्री ओंकारेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग मंदिर

Location

Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Darshan

05:00 – 21:30

Deity

🪔Lord Shiva (Omkareshwar)

Entry

Free entry

Mangal Darshan 05:00–12:20. Midday break 12:20–13:15. Afternoon 13:15–16:00. Shringar break 16:00–16:15. Shringar Darshan 16:15–20:00. Shayan Aarti 20:30–21:00. Shayan Darshan 21:00–21:30. Weekend closing ~22:00.

Omkareshwar is doubly sacred: the Jyotirlinga tradition recognises both the Omkareshwar shrine (on the Om-shaped island) and the Mamleshwar shrine (mainland) as two forms of one Jyotirlinga. The island of Mandhata in the Narmada River naturally forms the Sanskrit symbol ॐ (Om) when viewed from above. The site is also revered as the place where Adi Shankaracharya received initiation into Advaita Vedanta from his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada (in a cave directly below the temple).

History

Named after King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku (solar) dynasty who performed penance here. The Paramara king Udayaditya installed dated stone inscriptions in 1063 CE (the earliest documentary evidence). Ahilyabai Holkar undertook major reconstruction in the 18th century. The island's Omkareshwar shrine is managed by the Shri Omkareshwar Mandir Trust (chaired by the Rao of Mandhata, hereditary custodian). The mainland Mamleshwar Temple is an ASI protected monument.

Mythology

The Vindhya mountain personified performed penance to Lord Shiva, moulding a clay linga on the Narmada banks. The gods (Devas) simultaneously prayed. Shiva was so pleased he manifested in two forms — Omkareshwar (for Vindhya's devotion) and Mamleshwar (for the Devas). Scripture states: "Both Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar are two forms of one Jyotirlinga." Pilgrimage is incomplete unless both shrines are visited. Adi Shankaracharya (~788–820 CE) received initiation here in the Govindapada Cave; he was taught the non-dual Advaita Vedanta philosophy before composing his major works.