The appearance of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Mythological texts mention that King Mandhata, an ancestor in the 39th generation of King Ramachandra, performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva, who appeared here in the form of a ‘Linga’ as a result of his austerities. King Mandhata asked Lord Shiva for a boon, requesting that Lord Shiva, along with Goddess Parvati and the 33 Koti Devi Devtas, would reside here for eternity. It is believed that even today, Lord Shiva visits Omkareshwar with Maa Parvati at night to play the game called ‘Chaupar.This tradition is beautifully reflected during the Sayan Aarti (evening puja), when the Chaupar is elaborately decorated, and in the morning, when the temple doors open, the arrangement is found scattered. For this reason, the Sayan Aarti of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is renowned worldwide.
Omkareshwar Mandir architecture
Significance of Omkareshwar Temple
Om” is the Mool Mantra, representing the essence of creation and existence, and is considered Shiva himself, manifest as Lord Omkareshwar. This sacred syllable embodies the cosmic vibration of life and is revered as the very form of Lord Shiva, symbolizing his omnipresence and eternal nature in the universe.
It is believed that Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati themselves visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga for nightly rest, giving special significance to the ‘Sayan Aarti’ and ‘Ratri Puja,’ which are renowned everywhere. At night, it is said that Lord Shiva comes to play ‘Chosar’ (a traditional game) with Maa Parvati; thus, the ‘Chosar’ board is laid daily before the temple doors close. In the morning, when the doors reopen, the board is found scattered, as if it had been played overnight.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is a “Swayambhu” linga, meaning it originated on its own. Consequently, it is believed that the ‘Char Dham Yatra’ pilgrimage remains incomplete unless one receives darshan at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga.
The island of Omkareshwar, also known as Mandhata or Shivpuri, was formed as the Narmada River split into two branches, creating the island in its center. From an aerial view, this island appears in the shape of ‘OM’ (“ॐ”), adding to its spiritual allure.
Omkareshwar Mandir Darshan
Omkareshwar Temple opens daily at 6:00 am, allowing devotees to have darshan until 8:30 pm. The Sandhya Aarti, or evening ritual, is conducted at 8:30 pm, though this timing may be extended if there is a larger crowd.
Significance of Evening (Sandhya ) Aarti of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Dwadash Jyotirlinga Puja Mantra :
सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम्।
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालं ओंकारंममलेश्वरम्॥
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम्।
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने॥
वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमीतटे।
हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये॥
एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः।
सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति॥
Pujan Abhishek at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
The Puja and Abhishek rituals in Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga hold deep spiritual significance for devotees. These sacred rituals are performed on a representative Shivlinga located in the puja hall beneath the main Omkareshwar temple. It is believed that conducting the Abhishek, an offering of holy items like water, milk, and flowers, cleanses one’s soul and brings divine blessings. This practice allows devotees to connect intimately with Lord Shiva, seeking his grace and blessings for fulfillment of wishes and spiritual upliftment. Through these rituals, devotees express their devotion and gratitude to Lord Omkareshwar, reinforcing the temple’s role as a powerful spiritual center.
You can perform here Pujan Abhishek online or offline , the puja is conducted by learned acharyas from sacred cities.
Offline Puja Abhishek
Omkareshwar Temple location
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in Omkareshwar (Mandhata) in Madhya Pradesh, on an island known as Mandhata or Omkar Parvat. This unique island is formed where the rivers Narmada and Kaveri diverge twice and then converge, creating a sacred natural boundary around the island. Omkareshwar Temple stands on this island, also known as ‘Shivpuri,’ encircled by the waters of the Narmada and Kaveri. The temple can only be reached by crossing the river, either via boat or by one of the two bridges—Jhula Pool and Purana Pool.
The island of Mandhata, approximately 4 km in length and 2 km in width, is noted for its distinct shape resembling the sacred symbol ‘OM’ when viewed from above, creating an awe-inspiring image that highlights the divine union of spirituality and nature.
Omkareshwar jyotirlinga location on map
Images of Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
