Omkareshwar Temple, Mandhata
Also known as: ஓம்காரேஸ்வரர் கோயில் · ఓంకారేశ్వర ఆలయం · ओंकारेश्वर मंदिर, मांधाता
Madhya Pradesh Shiva
A Jyotirlinga temple on Mandhata island in the Narmada, an island said to be shaped like the Om sign.
- Deity
- Omkareshwar (Shiva), Parvati (white stone beside the lingam)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Mandhata island, Narmada, Khandwa
- State
- Madhya Pradesh
- Sacred tank / theertham
- The Narmada river
- Era
- Said to be built by the Paramara kings of Malwa in the 11th century, rebuilt by the Holkars in the 18th century.
Sthala Puranam
Vindhya, the deity of the Vindhya range, worshipped Shiva with a lingam of sand and clay. Shiva appeared in two forms, Omkareshwar and Amaleswara.
King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku clan worshipped Shiva here until Shiva appeared as a jyotirlinga.
The Devas lost a war to the Danavas and prayed to Shiva. He came out as Omkareshwar and defeated the Danavas.
Adi Shankara is said to have met his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada in a cave below the temple.
Speciality
- The island of Mandhata, about 4 km long, is said to be shaped like the Om sign (ॐ).
- The main shrine holds a rounded black stone jyotirlinga, with a white stone for Parvati beside it.
- Mamleshwar (Amaleshwar), on the south bank of the Narmada, is the second main Shiva temple.
- Said to be built by the Paramaras in the 11th century. The Holkars rebuilt it in the 18th century.
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- The Narmada is deep and has currents. Bathe only at the ghats and follow the guidance there.
Prayers for this temple
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.