One of the holiest shrines in the entire subcontinent itself, Shri Omkar Mandhata Temple houses one among the twelve jyothirlingas in India. Prettily situated in the confluence of NAPLACES OF INTERESTS
One of the holiest shrines in the entire subcontinent itself, Shri Omkar Mandhata Temple houses one among the twelve jyothirlingas in India. Prettily situated in the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri rivers this temple enshrines nagara style architecture with lovely frescos and carvings. Flanked by beautiful balconies with engraved columns of distinct shapes this temple presents an elegant and dazzling appeal. A sacred shrine that found its place in the puranas carries spectacular legends that entice the devotees of Lord Shiva. Shivalinga in the temple is believed to be swayambhoo and so powerful. Shivalingam in the temple is not affixed to the cupola and it is always encircled by water. Devotees who circumambulate the holy shrine is supposed get divine blessings. Apart from Lord Shiva, the temple premises hold shrines of Annapoorna and Lord Ganesha.
A holy shrine where large number of devotees often frequents, Mamaleshwar temple in Omkareshwar needs special rendering. A lovely temple with attractive stone works and carved pillars, Mamaleshwar temple inspires the devotees with its absolute serenity. Dedicated to lord Shiva, the sanctum of the temple is adorned with a pretty Shiva Lingam made up of sand. Like all other Mahadev temples, the Nandi Bull guards the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Greatness of Mamaleshwar temple is described in the Shiva Purana and it is believed that the deity in this temple and one that found in the Mandhata temple is one and same. This temple holds the equal importance similar to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Devoutness and holiness of the temple is attributed much by the presence of the river that surrounds it. Before entering in the temple the devotees have to take a dip in the river. Another interesting allure in the temple is that the temple premises is full of monkeys, which seldom attack the devotees. During the Maha Shivaratri celebrations, the precincts of the temple are filled with Shiva devotees who celebrate the night with much frolic and fervor.
One of the most important holy shrines situated in the Madhya Pradesh is the Kedareshwar Temple. This temple was built some long years back in the last 11th century. This long familiar temple is one of the striking attractions that are being visited by large tourists groups. Most people travel to this temple to worship the deity god to bestow good fortune and good luck. The holiness and divinity of this temple grabs the attention of the tourists. Large groups of tourists all around the world travel here to visit the temple.
As per Hindu mythology, walking around any sources of positive energy would proffer one with the same positive energy. So from time immemorial, walking around in a clockwise direction of something, which has positive energy, is a well-acclaimed practice. The popular belief is that circumambulating the sacred temple of Omkareswar would fetch boons and wipe out all the sins of those who had undertaken such parikrama. Apart from the jyothirlinga, the presence of holy river Narmada adds the parikrama a worthy affair. Narmada is believed to be the daughter of Lord Shiva and regarded as the purest of all other rivers. Since it is a customary practice of a Shiva devotee to take a parikrama of Narmada.
Omkareshwar is situated on the holy banks of this sacred river and hence walking around the shrine would proffer dual benefits to the devotee. It is rather a testamentary custom than an alluring attraction. Most of the people who prefer a parikrama here at Omkareshwar would definitely give preference to its religious aspect than the scenic ambiance through which they walks around. Apart from its spiritual facets, Omkareshwar parikrama would provide an enthralling experience with its picturesque settings.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Gauri Somanth temple is one of the biggest and oldest shrines in Omkareswar. This temple in the Khandwa District grabs large number of pilgrims each year. Gauri Somnath Temple is constructed in the shape of a star which itself is marvelous in architecture. A gigantic Shivlinga adorns sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which is almost six feet height. Shivalinga is made up of smooth black stone that makes the idol dazzlingly superb. Another interesting attraction is the idol of Nandi bull, which situates outside the sanctum facing its master. This too is made up of the same black stone like the main deity.
Muki in Hindi language means pardon. Ranmukteshwar temple in the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri upholds the belief that a holy darshan in the sacred shrine would absolve one from his sinful life. A popular devout center in the temple town, this temple is frequented by quite number of people from around the globe. Most of the pilgrims offer gram pulses to the deity with the strong belief that it would absolve the unpaid debts of their beloved ones who are no more. Usually pilgrims offer channa dal to the departed souls. Easy accessibility and good transportation facility makes this shrine one of the favourite sacred spot of the visitors.
One of the holiest shrines in the entire subcontinent itself, Shri Omkar Mandhata Temple houses one among the twelve jyothirlingas in India. Prettily situated in the confluence of NaPLACES OF INTERESTS
River Narmada is believed to be the daughter of lord Shiva and holds much religious significance in the life of a pious Hindu. This sacred river found its place in various Puranas where it is narrated that a holy dip and circumvention of this river would fetch salvation. Though this river flows through various regions, when it reach Omkareswar it merges with Kaveri to form an island. This meeting point gains much significance since it is shaped like a holiest symbol Om, which happens to be the most revered of all other symbolic representations. Besides its religious merits, this place is bestowed with mesmerizing sceneries and avid avian life. The island is sandwiched between two lofty mountain peaks, which divide it by a deep gorge. The tranquil waters, geographical location and the gigantic mountains make this place so awesome that one would not mind spending hours in these serene surroundings. armony till the horizon. Siddhanath Temple
An architectural marvel that reflects the artistic talents of the medieval people Siddhanath temple is a classic example of Brahminic architecture. Like all other famous temple in Omkareswar this temple also is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Prettily situated on a plateau, this temple gets its support from a highly embellished huge podium with lovely carvings and frescos. All the carvings and frescos portray elephants in various postures. The main shrine is in the center and it has facades on all four sides with splendid decks and spectacularly stamped figures.
Description of the Siddhanath Temple cannot be complete without the mention of its most noticeable feature, the frescos of elephants. These are engraved over a stony block of 1.5 meters height at its external precincts. Elaborately carved roofs and displays outstanding caliber of the artists and it is definite that this architectural splendor would provide you some precious moments in your life.
As a legendary place Govinda Bhagavatpaada Cave is closely associated with Sankaracharya. It was here at this cave he had met the great sage Govind Bhagwatpad. It is believed that Sankaracharya took his diksha and spiritual education under this great guru. One of the alluring attractions in Omkareshwar, this cave consists of a main hall and a small sanctum. Carved pillars embellish the hall while the sanctum holds the Shivlinga.
An acclaimed pilgrim centre, this cave witness large number of pious people each year. It is believed that it was here in this cave that Sankaracharya subsided a great flood in Narmada by forcing the river water to withdraw in to a small bowl, which he had placed in the mouth of the cave.
24 Avatars A cluster of Hindu and Jain temples, remarkable for their skillful use of varied architectural modes.
6 km from Omkareshwar, a group of 10th century temples.
9 km from Omkareshwar a particularly picturesque scenic spot, with a panoramic view of broad acres and gently undulating landscape that stretches in unbroken harmony till the horizon.