Last Updated on 07/02/2025
Omkareshwar is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga sites dedicated to Shiva. The Omkareshwar and Amareshwar temples are situated on the island of Mandhata in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district.
- The Omkareshwar Island itself is named after its shape, which resembles the mystic word ‘Om’.
- According to a legend, the two temples on the island house two pieces of a single Shivalinga that Shiva himself split into two following a request by the gods.
- Besides the temples, a number of shrines can also be seen here.
- The island also features a cave believed to have once been used by the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya (788–820).
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Historical
Ranmukteshwar Temple, Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar is known all over the country for its beautiful temples. One of the most acclaimed is the Ranmukteshwar Temple. People from all over the world, as well as various states within India, visit this temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the Lord. As Muki means pardon in Hindi, Ranmukteshwar Temple is known among devotees for holding the power to absolve all the sins of a pilgrim. People come here for a holy darshan and seek blessings from the Lord to absolve their sins. Usually, pilgrims offer raw gram pulses here to the main deity. They believe that by offering this, they can absolve all their unpaid debts and lead a peaceful, stress-free life. They also offer Chana dal for the peace of their departed souls. The shrine is easily accessible, and transportation is available to reach the temple.
Religious
Kedareshwar Temple, Omkareshwar
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When you begin to count the most important shrines in Madhya Preadesh, Kedareshwar Temple surely tops the list. Built in the 11th century, this temple is a great attraction for both international and national tourists. Many people travel all the way to this temple to seek the Lord’s blessings for a better fortune and a prosperous life. The holy aura and divinity of the temple attract so many tourists and pilgrims. When any special event is held, such as a significant festival, pilgrims in large numbers flock to the temple. From flowers to money, they offer a lot, along with their prayers to the main presiding deity of the temple. It is believed that whoever comes to the temple always gets their wish fulfilled. Though the wish may come true a little late, it is always granted, as locals believe.
Mamleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar
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Mamleshwar Temple is a very famous holy shrine that sees many devotees throughout the year. The temple lies in the town of Omkareshwar and is quite popular. The specialty of the temple lies in its attractively carved pillars and stonework. The temple is believed to inspire many devotees with the absolute divinity that it offers. Devoted to Lord Shiva, the temple’s sanctum is decorated with a beautiful Shiva Lingam made of sand. Just like other temples of Lord Shiva, the sacred bull, Nandi, guards the temple sanctum. A very interesting feature of the temple is that it is always full of monkeys that roam around freely in the premises. They are rarely seen attacking devotees, and that too only after thorough provocation. During the Maha Shivratri festival, the temple precincts are overcrowded with devotees who stay here all night to mark the grandeur of the day.
Omkar Mandhata Temple, Omkareshwar
Considered one of the most revered shrines of the town, Omkar Mandhata Temple is the one that houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. Standing majestically at the confluence of the Kaveri and Narmada rivers, this temple showcases the best of Nagara-style architecture. There are lovely carvings and frescoes that attest to this. The beautifully constructed balconies of the temple have engraved columns with distinct shapes, giving the temple a dazzling and elegant appeal. Though the main presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Annapurna are also prominent here. People believe that this temple has special powers, and thus anyone who prays here never leaves empty-handed. Devotees find a special kind of peace here and flock to the temple in large numbers on special occasions. Shivratri is celebrated with much pomp here.
Scenic
Sacred Meeting Point, Omkareshwar
When it comes to sanctity, each place in India is full of it. But when you are in the city of Omkareshwar, the Sacred Meeting Point is a must-visit. The Narmada River is considered the daughter of Lord Shiva, according to mythological beliefs, and holds great religious significance for Hindus. This very sacred river also finds its distinct place in various Puranas, where it is described as a holy dip. It is also believed that the circumvention of the river brings salvation. Though it flows through many regions, when the river reaches Omkareshwar, it merges with the Kaveri River to form one island. The meeting point of the rivers gains significance that cannot be described easily. It is shaped like the symbol ‘Om’, the most respected and revered symbol in Hinduism. Apart from its religious merit, this place is also blessed with breathtaking scenery and a vibrant avian life.