Omkareshwar Temple

Omkareshwar temple stands as a symbol of divine energy and spiritual significance. As one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, Omkareshwar attracts pilgrims and seekers from across the country, drawing them into its mystical aura and profound religious history.

Omkareshwar, which translates to “the Lord of Omkara,” is situated on the Mandhata Island in the Narmada River. The island is shaped like the symbol “OM,” adding an extra layer of spiritual significance to the site. Pilgrims can reach the temple by crossing a suspension bridge or taking a boat across the river, creating a sense of anticipation and reverence as they approach the sacred destination.

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

The temple architecture reflects the rich cultural heritage of India, with intricately carved spires, pillars, and sculptures. The sanctum sanctorum houses the Jyotirlinga, and the ambiance within the temple resonates with the sound of devotional hymns and ringing bells. Pilgrims often circumambulate the sanctum, offering prayers and seeking blessings from Lord Omkareshwar.

Omkareshwar is not just a pilgrimage site; it is a center for spiritual practices and religious celebrations. Pilgrims engage in rituals like Rudrabhishek, where they pour holy water, milk, and other sacred substances on the Jyotirlinga while chanting Vedic mantras. The atmosphere during such ceremonies is charged with spiritual energy, creating a profound connection between the devotee and the divine.

The Maha Shivaratri festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated with great fervor at Omkareshwar. Devotees from different parts of the country converge on the temple to participate in night-long prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and religious processions. The festival serves as a reminder of the significance of Lord Shiva in the cosmic cycle and provides an opportunity for devotees to deepen their spiritual practice.

Omkareshwar is not the only sacred site in the vicinity; the region is dotted with other temples that add to the spiritual experience. The Mamleshwar Temple, located on the opposite bank of the Narmada, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and complements the energy of Omkareshwar. The Siddhanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Siddhanath form, is another significant pilgrimage site nearby.

Apart from temples, the Omkareshwar region also boasts natural wonders like the Ahilya Ghat, named after the legendary Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. Pilgrims often take a dip in the holy Narmada at this ghat, considering it purifying and spiritually uplifting.

History of Omkareshwar temple

One of the legends says that two sons of emperor Mandhata of the Ikshvaku dynasty performed severe austerities and pleased Lord Shiva because of which the mountain is called Mandhata Mountain, and Lord Shiva displayed himself as a Jyotirlinga.

Another legend says that Vindhya Parvat prayed to Lord Shiva performing severe self-punishment to make the Vindhyas, his home. Some say it was to become taller than Meru Mountain. Lord Shiva was pleased with that punishment and granted his wish by appearing as a jyotirlinga there.

At the desire of the gods and sages, Lord Shiva split the linga into two parts one is at Omkareshwar and another at Amareshwar or Mamleshwar. Therefore, devotees and pilgrims visit both these temples when they visit Mandhata.

It is said that Lord Shiva also allowed the Vindhyas to grow but only as long as he did not trouble the devotees and pilgrims. However, over time, Vindhya Parvat’s extensiveness did cause problems for the devotees and so they sought sage Agastya’s help. The sage ordered the mountain to stop growing until he returned to it, which he never did, and hence he solved the problem of devotees and people who visited the temple. The sacred Jyotirlinga at Omkareshwar is believed to be the self-manifested form of Lord Shiva, and its presence is said to bless devotees with divine elegance and spiritual upliftment.

Omkareshwar temple is said to be the place where Adi Sankara met his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada in a cave. This cave is found even today just below the Shiva temple where an image of Adi Shankara has been installed.

Omkareshwar Temple Timings

 The temple opens at 5 AM and closes at 9:30 PM. The temple also performed various rituals during this time. The devotees and pilgrims can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening aarti.

• Morning Darshan starts from 5:00 AM to 3:50 PM
• Evening Darshan Starts from 4:15 PM to 9:30 PM

Omkareshwar temple darshan booking

During special festivals and holidays dedicated to the darshan (sacred viewing) of Lord Bholenath, a large number of devotees visit, making the darshan process time-consuming. To save time and provide convenience, a special entrance for darshan has been arranged in the temple, for which a nominal fee is charged. The fee can be paid at the counter located in the temple premises. Additionally, there is an option for online booking for special darshan.

VIP Darshan Can be Booked by Paying Rs 300 on official website of Omkareshwar Mandir.

Book VIP Darshan Now.

Omkareshwar temple aarti timings

• Mangal Arti – 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM
• Jalabhishek – 5:30 AM to 12:25 PM
• Madhyanha Bhog – 12:25 PM to 1:15 PM
• Jalabhishek – 1:15 PM to 3:50 PM
• Shayan Arti – 8:20 PM to 9:05 PM
• Shayan Darshan – 9:05 PM to 9:35 PM

How to Reach Omkareshwar Temple

Omkareshwar temple is located in Khandwa City, Khandwa District, Madhya Pradesh. Khandwa city attracts many pilgrimage after Ujjain, Khandwa is well connected with all transport system- Rail, Road and Air. NH 347B connects Khandwa with other cities, and its part of NH 47. Nearest Airport is Indore, Nearest railway station is Khandwa Junction Railway Station, which comes under central Railways.

Ujjain to Omkareshwar distance

Its a 4 hours drive by road and distance between Ujjain to Omkareshwar is 138.2 km. By Bus it will take 4-5 hours from Ujjain. The Buses service starts from morning, First bus in morning starts 6:50am and last bus is at 3:30Pm.

Indore to Omkareshwar distance

The Road distance is 78 km from Indore to Omkareshwar, which can be covered in 2 hours 30 minutes. There are many buses which run between Indore and Ujjain – The Morning bus starts at 9:30am and Last bus from Indore leaves at 10:30Pm. Time requires by Bus is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Omkareshwar temple distance from Indore

The distance Between Indore to Omkareshwar Is 77 km, and It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the temple.

Omkareshwar to Ujjain Distance

The distance from Ujjain to Omkareshwar is approximately 140 km, and it takes around 3-4 hours to cover the distance by road. The route passes through scenic countryside and small towns, making the journey enjoyable.

Mahakaleshwar to Omkareshwar Distance

The distance between Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar is approximately 140 kilometers, and it takes around 3-4 hours to cover the distance by road.

How to Reach Omkareshwar from Ujjain by Train

Reaching Omkareshwar from Ujjain by train is convenient. You can book tickets online through the official Indian Railways website. You can start checking the train schedule from Ujjain Junction to Omkareshwar Road Railway Station. You can use official railway websites or apps to find information on train timings, availability, and ticket prices.

Indore to Omkareshwar From Bus

Research and identify bus operators that run services between Indore and Omkareshwar. You can check online bus booking platforms, visit bus terminals, or contact the bus operators directly to get information on schedules and availability. Online platforms such as RedBus, MakeMyTrip, or the official website of state transport corporations allow you to book tickets conveniently. Some of the buses are:-

• Amar Jyoti Travels:- You can take this bus from the Sarwate bus Stand. Departture time:- 14:30, Arrival Time:- 16:55Price:-  INR 170.
• Om Maa Mahashakti Travel:- You can take this bus from the Sarwate bus Stand. Departture time:- 13:00, Arrival Time:- 15:35 Price:-  INR 143.
• RT Sukhamani Travel:- You can take this bus from the Sarwate bus Stand.Departture time:- 16:15, Arrival Time:- 19:30, Price:-  INR 130

Frequently Asked Question

1. Where is Omkareshwar?

Ans:- It is situated in Mandhata city (also known as Omkareshwar) in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh state in India.

2. How to reach Omkareshwar from Ujjain?

Ans:- You can reach Omkareshwar from Ujjain by Car or train. Bus and Taxi

By Bus:- There are regular bus services between Ujjain and Omkareshwar. You can check with the local bus stand or online bus booking platforms for schedules and availability.

By Car/Taxi:- If you prefer a more comfortable and direct journey, you can hire a taxi or drive to Omkareshwar from Ujjain.

By Train:- Although there is no direct train to Omkareshwar, you can take a train from Ujjain to Indore or Khandwa, and then continue the journey to Omkareshwar by bus or taxi.

3. Omkareshwar in which district?

Ans:- It is located in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh state in India.

4. how to reach Omkareshwar?

Ans:- By Air:- Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore is the closest airport to Omkareshwar, located approximately 77 kilometers away.

By Train:- The nearest railway station to Omkareshwar temple is Omkareshwar Road Railway Station. Alternatively, you can reach Ujjain Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities, and then take a bus or taxi to Omkareshwar.

By Bus:- Regular bus services connect Omkareshwar to nearby cities. You can check with local bus stands or use online bus booking platforms for schedules and availability.

5. How to reach Omkareshwar from Delhi?

Ans:- By Air:- Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore is the closest airport to Omkareshwar, located approximately 77 kilometers away. From Delhi, you can take a direct flight to Indore and then you can take a bus or train or hire a taxi.

By Train:- Delhi is well-connected to major railway stations in Madhya Pradesh. You can take a train to Ujjain Railway Station, which is relatively close to Omkareshwar.

By Road:- Several private and state-run buses operate from Delhi to Indore. From Indore, you can take a bus to Omkareshwar. If you prefer a road trip, you can drive from Delhi to Omkareshwar. The journey takes approximately 15-16 hours, and the distance is around 900 kilometers.