Omkareshwar Temple

Once, the Vindhya mountain range grew arrogant about its immense size and began to challenge even Mount Meru, the axis of the universe. Vindhya blocked the sun's path across the sky, demanding worship. The gods and sages prayed to Shiva for help. But Adi Shankaracharya's guru sage Agastya used wisdom instead of force — he asked Vindhya to bow down so he could cross, and then never returned, keeping the mountains forever bowed.

At Omkareshwar, a different legend prevails. The devas (celestial beings) and the asuras (demons) were engaged in eternal warfare. Desperate for victory, both parties separately worshipped Shiva here. Pleased by the sincerity of both, Shiva appeared in two forms — Omkareshwar for the devas and Amaleshwar (Mamaleshwar) for the world. Two Jyotirlingas at one site — the only place in India where this occurs.

The island of Mandhata, where the temple sits, is naturally shaped like the sacred syllable "OM" — visible clearly from an aerial view. The Narmada river splits around this island, creating the natural Om shape. The Narmada herself is considered a goddess — according to the Puranas, she was born from Shiva's sweat during his cosmic meditation. Unlike other rivers where you must bathe to be purified, the Narmada purifies merely by being seen.

Ancient Jyotirlinga site on the sacred island of Mandhata. The island is naturally Om-shaped. One of only two sites with dual Jyotirlingas.

Kartik Purnima, Maha Shivaratri, and Narmada Jayanti. The Narmada Parikrama (walking around the entire river) takes over 3 years.

Traditional Nagara style with an ornate shikhara. Located on the Om-shaped island of Mandhata, accessible by bridge from the mainland.