Omkareshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh – Famous Shiv Jyotirlinga Spirituality

Omkareshwar Temple is a famous Hindu Temple in Madhya Pradesh, around 80 kilometers and 2.5 hours drive from Indore. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas dedicated to God Shiva. Situated on an island called Mandhata in the Narmada River, temple can be reached through a hanging bridge – Jhula Pul.

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Bike Drive from Indore to Omkareshwar Temple

During my visit to Indore, I decided to rent a bike from Indore for my trip across a circle – Omkareshwar – Maheshwar – Maandu. It was a daunting ride from Indore to Omkareshwar Temple as I drove cautiously across sharp turns of multiple Ghaats (Plateaus) – Bheru Ghat, Choral Ghaat. Bad road conditions and reckless driving from local bus operators make it even more difficult. Honestly, I did not enjoy my ride so much till I reached Khandwa ( town next to the temple). As soon as you enter Khandwa, you see a sign-board indicating road that goes to Omkareshwar Temple.

Once I took detour from Khadwa, it turned out to be a pleasant ride as I drove through villages along-side bullock-carts and buffaloes. Omkareshwar is a chilled out spiritual place but it also has become overly commercialized and dirty with large number of devotees heading here for worship.

Omkareshwar Temples

There are two main Jyotirlingam temples in Omkareshwar dedicated to Lord Shiva. Jyotirlingam is a devotional representation of the Supreme God Shiva.  Most of the visitors consider both the temples as equally sacred jyotirlinga and visit both of them situated on either side of Narmada River and connected by a hanging bridge (Jhula Pul).

1. Shri Omkareshwar Shiv Jyotirlingam

This is the main Omkareshwar temple situated on an island inside Narmada River. Omkareshwar means “Lord of Omkara or the Lord of the Om Sound”. This cave-shaped temple houses the only shapeless Jyotirlingram (out of all 12 Jyotirlingams)

Omkareshwar Temple has a grand Sabha Mandap (meeting or prayer hall) with elaborate carvings on temple pillars. Temple remains crowded as devotees line up inside this five story temple with flowers, coconut and Narmada water. Mahakaleshwar temple at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is on the first floor with panoramic views of Maa Narmada river. Siddnath, Gupteshwar and Dhwajeshwar temples are located on 3rd, 4th and 5th floors of Omkareshwar Temple.

2. Shri Mamleshwar Shiv Jyotirlingam

Mamleshwar Temple, also known as Amareshwar Temple ( meaning “Immortal lord” ) is located on the south bank of Narmada River on mainland. There are many small temples in the compound with Jyotirlinga in the center of the temple. Old Shlokas inscribed on the walls of temple tell stories from the past.

Jhula Pul – Hanging Bridge at Omkareshwar Temple

Jhula Pul, a hanging bridge at Omkareshwar is an attaraction in itself. It connects the main land to the island on which Omkareshwar Temple is situated. Narmada River views from top of the bridge are breadth-taking.

Narmada River and Omkareshwar Ghats

What brings the serenity to Omkareshwar is river Narmada flowing right through the middle and its ghats – Gomukh Ghat, Nagar Ghat, Abhay Ghat and more. While Ghats are not so clean as I expected still it was fun seeing people enjoying boating in Narmada river and worshiping on Ghats. On cleanliness part, certainly a significant improvement is required by local administration, considering the importance of Omkareshwar Temple.

There are more attractions around in Omkareshwar – Kajal Rani Caves and 24 Avataras Vishnu Temple being the most prominent ones. In case, you have ample time on hand, please do plan to visit these too.

Omkareshwar Temple Timings

Temple remains open from 5 AM to 10 PM.

Indore to Omkareshwar – How to reach Omkareshwar Temple

Omkareshwar is around 80 kilometers from Indore and is an easy car drive. In case, you are back-packing, you can board a bus to Khandwa and from there take a local auto-rickshaw/local bus for Omkareshwar. I rented a bike from Indore and drove it all the way to Omkareshwar. However road is pretty treacherous, so please drive safe.

Hope this helps you plan your Omkareshwar Trip. Please drop us a comment in case you need any additional inputs to plan your trip.

Happy Exploration !!