Parikrama also referred to as Pradakshina which is the ritual or the action of walking around a statue, structure or idols to gather the positive energy and offer prayers. From ancient times it is believed that a Parikrama around any sacred place like a temple or an object of devotion helps the prayers of a devotee to reach the gods and brings the gods and the devotees closer.
Parikrama on the island of Omkareshwar is one such ritual believed to bring the devotees visiting the temple and the gods closer and brings a soothing feeling to the devotees. The Parikrama on the island is around a distance of 8 km of the walkable path and takes around 3 hours to complete. As it takes time to complete the ritual, the path along the Parikrama isn’t boring at all and the view along the path is picturesque as the Parikrama is along the island.
Along the way
As the stretch of 8 km covers the whole island it also passes through many spiritual structures on the island having a history from the old times. The devotees can offer their prayers to the gods of the temples through which the path of their Parikrama passes and adore the huge artistic and stunning idols of gods. A few of those temples along the way are Gauri Somnath Mandir, Omkar Math, Patali Hanuman Mandir, Rin Mukteshwar Mahadev, Shiv Pratima Mandir, and Ramakrishna Mission Sadhana Kutir. Along the path, visitors can come across the breathtaking view of two rivers also referred to as Sangam of two rivers which doesn’t allow the viewers to get bored on the journey of around 3 hours.
How to Reach
The Parikarma starts from the Ghat below the Shri Omkar Mandhata Temple. For offering their prayers and performing the ritual of Parikrama on the island and for a stunning awe-inspiring view the visitors can reach the place through various modes and different available transports.
Reaching the place via road:
Well connected to other cities and places through roads the visitors can take local transport such as the buses from their places to reach the island and offer their prayers while soothing their minds and eyes by the stunning view along the path of Parikrama.
Reaching the place via rail:
The major Railway station near the Island is in Indore which is well connected to the other major cities of the country via Railway Lines. The Indore Railway station is at a distance which is not more than 77 km and to covers that 77 km the visitors can opt for the local transport or can book a cab according to their convenience.
Reaching the place via airline:
The nearest airport to the Island is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport which is in the capital city Indore of the state Madhya Pradesh. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport is an international airport which is well connected to other major international Airport throughout the country as well to the airports of other countries. The remaining distance of about 63 km between the Airport and the Island can be covered by riding local transport or by booking a cab.
Best time to visit for Parikarma on the Island
The best time to visit for the Parikarma on the Island is during the winter season when the weather remains comfortable for the circumventing. During the months of October to February, the climatic conditions remain favorable. The summer season brings the scorching heat which makes the Parikarma difficult.
Places to visit near the Parikarma
Omkareshwar is dotted with several famous temples and tourist places. The popular places to visit near the Parikarma are the Omkareshwar Temple, Kedareshwar Temple, Siddhanath Temple, and many more.
Parikrama on the Island Timings: 5:00 A.M. to 9:30 P.M
Parikrama on the Island Entry Fees: Nil
