Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Introduction
The fourth Jyotirlinga of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is world famous as Shri Omkareshwar. This holy shrine is located on the Mandhata Island on the banks of the Narmada River in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. This island is believed to be in the shape of “Om”, hence this place is known as Omkareshwar. In Hinduism, Mother Narmada is worshipped as a holy and living goddess and this Jyotirlinga situated on her banks is considered very divine.
Shri Omkareshwar Tirtha is a symbol of the infinite grace and spiritual power of Lord Shiva. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped in two forms — Omkareshwar and Amaleshwar. It is believed that the pilgrimage is not considered complete without seeing and worshiping both the genders. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reside here at night and play Chausar, due to which Chausar is still placed in the temple premises as a symbol.
The story of the emergence of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
In ancient times, Devarshi Narada once visited the Vindhyachal mountain. Vindhya mountain welcomed him grandly and began to feel proud of its splendor and prosperity. Devarshi Narada recognized the ego in Vindhya's mind and said, "O Vindhya! You may be great, but Meru mountain is higher and more divine than you."
These words of Naradaji aroused intense competition and anguish in the mind of Vindhya mountain. He vowed to perform severe penance to please Lord Shiva. Vindhya mountain built a terrestrial linga of Lord Shiva on the banks of Narmada and performed severe penance and worship for six months continuously.
Pleased with Vindhya's devotion and penance, Lord Shiva appeared and asked him to ask for a boon. Vindhya asked for such intelligence and strength that he could succeed in all his work. Lord Shiva granted him the desired boon.
Hearing the news of Lord Shiva's appearance, the gods and sages also appeared there and requested the Lord to reside in this holy place forever. Pleased with the prayers of the gods, Lord Shiva settled there in the form of a Jyotirlinga.
At that time, the Jyotirlinga in the form of Omkar was divided into two parts. One form became famous as Omkareshwar and the other as Amaleshwar or Parameshwar. Since then, both these forms are considered to fulfill all the wishes of the devotees.
Religious significance of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the holiest Shiva temples in Hinduism. It is believed that seeing Lord Shiva here and taking a bath in the Narmada river gives one freedom from the bonds of birth and death.
Omkareshwar also has special significance for the seekers who perform Narmada Parikrama. Thousands of devotees come here every year to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Description of Omkareshwar Temple
Since Omkareshwar Temple is located on an island in the middle of the Narmada river, its view looks very picturesque. Bridge and boat facilities are available to reach the temple. The ancient Shaivite architecture of the temple makes the devotees feel spiritual peace.
The constant chanting of Shiva mantras in the temple premises and the holy flow of the Narmada river fill the entire area with divine energy.
Main temples and places associated with Omkareshwar
Holy places like Amleshwar Jyotirlinga, Gauri Somnath Temple, Rinmukteshwar Mahadev Temple, Kuber Bhandari Temple and Abhay Ghat are located around the Omkareshwar pilgrimage site.
Omkareshwar Mantra
To seek the blessings of Lord Onkareshwar, devotees chant the following mantra:
“Om Onkareshwaraya Namah”
“Om Namah Shivaya”
Festivals associated with Onkareshwar
Special pujas and religious festivals are held at the Onkareshwar temple during Mahashivratri, Shravan month, Narmada Jayanti and Kartik Purnima. On these occasions, thousands of devotees immerse themselves in devotion and worship on the banks of Narmada.