Omkareshwar Temple

Significance

Omkareshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It stands on Mandhata, an island in the Narmada river whose shape is said to resemble the Om symbol, which gives the temple its name: the lord of Omkara.

History and legend

There are two main Shiva temples here: Omkareshwar on the island, and Mamleshwar, also called Amaleshwar, on the southern bank of the river. Pilgrims usually visit both. Inside Omkareshwar, the linga is described as a rounded black stone, with a white stone beside it representing Parvati.

The island is about 4 km long and is reached by footbridges and boats.

Before you go

• Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, the other Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh, is about 140 km north; many pilgrims visit both on one trip.
• Visit Mamleshwar on the mainland as well as the island temple.
• The river ghats are busy in the early morning; start early for a calmer darshan.