Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, on Mandhata Island in the Narmada, and the island is said to take the shape of the sacred syllable Om when seen from above. The island is about 4 km long and 2 km wide, and it is linked with the legendary King Mandhata, who is said to have asked for a lingam to be established here.
What to see and do
- Have darshan of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
- Visit the Govindeshwar Cave, where Adi Shankara is said to have met his guru Govindapada
- Walk the island or cross by boat for views of the Narmada
- Visit Mamleshwar, on the opposite bank, as pilgrims traditionally do
Ideal for
- Devotees on the Jyotirlinga pilgrimage
- Seekers drawn to the Narmada
- Travellers who like a river-island setting
Good to know
- Darshan is generally listed from about 5 am to 10:30 pm, and timings change on festival days, so confirm locally
- General darshan is by queue, and paid quick darshan slots are for the time booked
- Touching the lingam directly is not permitted
- Shravan Mondays, Mahashivaratri and Narmada festivals are very crowded
Spiritual significance
Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar together share the honour of this Jyotirlinga, and pilgrims traditionally see both. The temple is also linked with the story of Adi Shankara's meeting with his guru.
Why it matters
- A Jyotirlinga on an island of Om: the place takes its name from the shape of the island
- Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar together: a darshan at one is considered incomplete without the other
- Adi Shankara's link: the cave on the island is tied to the great teacher's early life