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Omkareshwar Temple
Shri Omkareshwar · 4th Jyotirlinga · Mandhata Island, Madhya Pradesh
॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
Omkareshwar is the fourth Jyotirlinga, set on a river-island in the Narmada that is shaped like the sacred syllable Om. The island, called Mandhata, lies in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh and holds two ancient shrines — Omkareshwar on the island and Mamleshwar on the south bank — worshipped together as the Jyotirlinga.
The Om-shaped island
The Mandhata island splits the Narmada into two arms that, seen from above, trace the outline of Om. Pilgrims walk a parikrama around the island along its riverside paths, passing dozens of small shrines, ghats and the weathered walls of an old fort.
Two shrines, one Jyotirlinga
Tradition treats Omkareshwar on the island and Mamleshwar (Amareshwar) across the water as two forms of the same Jyotirlinga, and many devotees worship at both. Boats and a footbridge link the banks.
History and Adi Shankara
Omkareshwar is closely tied to Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have met his guru Govindpada in a riverside cave here as a boy. The site now marks this with the Statue of Oneness, a 108-foot image of the young Shankara unveiled in 2023.
Architecture
The island temples are built in the Nagara style, their stone spires and pillared halls dating broadly between the 10th and 14th centuries. The older Siddhanath temple and the carved fort gateways nearby show the same hand.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri, Kartik Purnima and Narmada Jayanti are the main festivals, when the ghats fill with lamps and the river is worshipped alongside the lingam.
Darshan timings and rituals
The temple is generally open from about 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, with morning and evening aartis on the riverbank. Entry is free; special pujas and faster darshan can be arranged at the counters, and traditional dress is appreciated.
How to reach Omkareshwar
- By train: Omkareshwar Road (Mortakka) is the nearest station, ~12 km away.
- By air: Indore airport is ~80 km.
- By road: about 75 km from Indore, with regular buses and taxis.
Tips for your visit
- Do the island parikrama early, before the day heats up.
- Worship at both Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar to complete the Jyotirlinga darshan.
- Visit the Statue of Oneness across the river.
- Carry cash for the boats and small shrines along the parikrama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Omkareshwar island shaped like Om?
The Narmada divides around Mandhata island in a way that, seen from above, traces the outline of the syllable Om — which gives the Jyotirlinga its name.
What are Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar?
They are two shrines — one on the island, one on the south bank — worshipped together as the single Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga.
What is the Statue of Oneness?
A 108-foot statue of the young Adi Shankaracharya, unveiled in 2023, marking the place where he is said to have met his guru.
What are the temple timings?
Generally about 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, with morning and evening aartis on the riverbank.
How do I reach Omkareshwar?
The nearest railhead is Omkareshwar Road / Mortakka (~12 km); the nearest airport is Indore (~80 km), about 75 km by road.
What is the island parikrama?
A circumambulation of Mandhata island along riverside paths, passing many small shrines and ghats; most pilgrims complete it on foot.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Temple Name | Omkareshwar Temple |
| Primary Deity | Lord Shiva (Omkareshwar) |
| Location | Mandhata Island |
| District | Khandwa |
| State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Significance | 4th Jyotirlinga |
| Architecture Style | Nagara |
| Approximate Period | 10th–14th century |
| Key Festival | Maha Shivaratri, Narmada Jayanti |
| River / Body Nearby | Narmada River |
| Special Features | Om-shaped island; island parikrama |
| Darshan | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Nearest Railhead | Omkareshwar Road (~12 km) |
| Coordinates | 22.2450° N, 76.1510° E |
| Entry | Free (paid sevas available) |
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