Omkareshwar is snuggled in the lap of the hills and situated at the confluence of the River Narmada and River Kaveri. This serene town houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a famous pilgrimage site. This sacred town is located in Madhya Pradesh and is shaped like ‘OM’ - the holiest symbol of Hinduism. This city is famous for Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on the Omkar Mountain which is an island nestled in the middle of River Narmada. Omkareshwar travel guide will help you to get a deep insight into the city. Take a look before planning the Omkareshwar trip.
During the medieval period, Omkareshwar was ruled by the indigenous Bhil chieftains under the suzerainty of the Parmars of Dhar, the sultans of Malwa, the Scindia of Gwalior, who later handed over the Omkareshwar to British in 1824. The last Bhil chieftain Natthu Bhil quarreled with the famous priest of the place and then he visited the king of Jaipur to ask for his help. The king sent his brother Bharat Singh Chauhan with the chieftain. Finally, the tussle ended with the marriage of Bharat Singh Chauhan with the daughter of the chieftain. From the 1165 A.D, the progeny of Bhilals (Bharat Singh’s descendants) ruled Omkareshwar. Bharat Singh’s descendants called Rajputs.
Apart from the Omkareshwar Temple, another famous temple of the city is named Mamaleshwara Temple which is located on the bank of the River Narmada. This temple has historical importance and it is stated as Dwadash Jyotirlinga Strotra ‘Omkar Mamaleshwara’. The ancient name of Mamaleshwara was Amareshwar. Devotees usually consider both the temple as equally sacred Jyotirlinga and pay their homages. It is believed that on the completion of pilgrimage the devotees have to come to Omkareshwar to offer the holy water to Omkareshwar Jyotirlingas and only then the pilgrimage is considered to be completed.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple has a grand Sabha Mandap or a prayer hall which is based on the 60 huge brownstone pillars. These pillars are 14 feet high and have intrinsic carvings with the curious frieze and fillet of satyr-like figures. Many of the figures have broad shoulders and meditating foreheads. The temple if 5 stories and each story have a different deity. Regularly, there are three pujas conducted in the temple. The morning one is done by the temple trust, the middle one by the priest of Scindia state and the evening prayer is done by the priest of the Holkar state. The temple is thrived by a large number of devotees from all over the world.
Omkareshwar has its railway station namely Omkareshwar railway station which is located at a distance of 12 km from the city center. This city does not have its airport and the nearest airport is the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore which is situated at a distance of almost 80 km from the city. The town of Omkareshwar is well-connected by the road network with the major cities of the states. The best time visit here is during the winter season when the weather remains pleasant and comfortable for the sightseeing tour.
Maha Shivaratri festival is celebrated with all the vigor and zeal in Omkareshwar. Lacs of devotees visited the city during this festival and take part in the celebration. This sacred town boasts of several architectural marvels and scenic beauty. The whole area is circumscribed by mountains and it makes for a very beautiful view. A Parikrama around the island is considered to be very religious and the view around the island is also serene and relaxing. The Parikrama is 7 km and there are several temples are situated across the way. The confluence of River Godavari and River Kaveri is also located on the way. Kedareshwar temple is also a must-visit for all tourists here.
Omkareshwar is dotted with several tourist places and Indian Visit holiday packages offer the opportunity to explore the city with the Omkareshwar tour packages. There are several special packages for the pilgrims and devotees who are looking for the Omkareshwar holiday packages.
