The quiet town of Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh is a spiritual hub, especially for Shiva devotees across the country. It is a gorgeous riverside pilgrim destination in Madhya Pradesh. 'Omkareshwar' means 'Lord of Omkara' – one among the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga shrines or the 12 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva within the sort of a Jyotirlinga are present in theSatmatrika Temples, Omkareshwar. Many pilgrims visit this village for the sacred Jyotirlinga at the Omkareshwar temple. Besides its popularity as a pilgrimage center for Hindus, the town is additionally known for a dangling bridge over the Narmada river called 'Jhula Phul' – a splendid sight that is a pathway to the Mandhata Temple.
Omkareshwar has many beautiful sights that will soothe the soul of both Shiva devotees and curious travelers. There is an unmistakable serenity in its landscape and an upscale cultural heritage that will speak to travelers of all types. Here is a guide for you to make your way to the Satmatrika Temples, Omkareshwar.
Satmatrika Temple or the Omkareshwar Temple
The star of all tourist attractions within the town is undoubtedly the Satmatrika Temple or Omkareshwar Temple. It is considered to be one among the holiest shrines in India and one among the revered 12 Jyotirlingas within the country. This beautiful structure stands atop an island called Mandhata in Madhya Pradesh. Surrounding it is the confluence of the mighty Kaveri and Narmada rivers. Further adding to the mystique of the world is that the island's shape, which resembles the sacred Hindu symbol of 'Om'.
Pilgrims in inconceivable numbers visit the shrine annually to hunt the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is a shrine not just for the faithful except for history and archaeology buffs also. Scattered around the vicinity are 20 shrines dedicated to deities like Ganesh, Narmada, Shani, and Krishna. Therefore you will be pleased to visit the Satmatrika Temples, Omkareshwar and experience holiness and beauty of the place.
Best Time to visit
The best season to go to Omkareshwar Temple is winter. Temperatures are comfortable and conducive to visiting places of interest in and around the Omkareshwar temple. Ideal month’s visit this place are September to March.
How to get there?
There are several different ways to reach this destination. You can choose airways, railways or even come by road. Following are the details which you may need:
• By Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (Indore) is the nearest airport from Omkareshwar at a distance of 83 km.
• By Train: Omkareshwar has its own railroad station, referred to as the Omkareshwar Road (Mortakka) railroad station.
• By Road: There are frequent bus services that connect Omkareshwar with other parts of the state and country.
Some Interesting facts Trivia on Omkareshwar
According to mythology, Omkareshwar is where Lord Shiva chose to rest and sleep each night – also mentioned as ‘Shayan.’ The ‘Shayan Arti’ is, therefore, a practice observed religiously at the temple. The temple is taken into account so sacred that one visit to Satmatrika Temple; Omkareshwar is synonymous with a pilgrimage to the famed Kedarnath and worshipping the Panch Kedars.
Archaeological findings estimate that the Omkareshwar temple’s Jyotirlinga was initially located during a small ancient temple, around which the prevailing holy shrine was built.
The temple survived the onslaught of Mughal invasions within the 11th century. Omkareshwar Temple stood its ground and later raised sort of a phoenix to become one among the holiest pilgrimage destinations within the country.
Around The Omkareshwar Temple
One can cross the ‘Jhula Phul’ to enter the Omkareshwar Temple or take a soothing boat ride across the Narmada towards one among the temple gates. The perfect combination maybe a boat rides a method and a walk on the way back. A flight of steps from the ghats will help you reach the temple. Several flower stalls will greet you before reaching the bottom of the temple. With intricate carvings within the Nagara sort of architecture and artistically-crafted balconies and column carvings, the temple may be a lovely sight to behold. Walks around the temple end up to be beautiful revelations at each of its corners.
The temple consists of a Sabha Mandap which means a meeting or a prayer hall that stands on 60 towering brownstone pillars that are 14 ft. high. These pillars contain elaborate carvings of frieze, also as a gaggle of figures resembling Satyrs with broad shoulders and meditating foreheads.
With five stories dedicated to different deities, the temple emanates a sacredness and purity seemingly multiplied five times over. There are three regular Pujas performed within the temple. The temple trust conducts the primary one within the morning. The second Puja is performed by the priest of Scindia state, while the priest of the Holkar state performs the third Puja within the evening. The temple is visited regularly by an ocean of pilgrims, especially during major festivals like Mahashivaratri. One can find devotees bathing within the Narmada or carrying pots filled with Narmada water, coconuts, and other items of worship to Satmatrika Temples, Omkareshwar.
Guidelines and Suggestions for the Journey to Omkareshwar
Photography isn't allowed inside the premises of the most Omkareshwar temple. Shutterbugs can shoot to their heart’s content everywhere else on the island. While it's possible to form each day trip, it is recommended an evening stay to witness the Shayan Arti and morning divinity. Pilgrims looking to finish the Parikrama should spend two nights to form the foremost out of the experience. Omkareshwar may be a deeply revered pilgrimage site. Always dress appropriately, don’t speak in loud tones, and respect the temple premises.
Places of Interest around Omkareshwar
If you have ample time, visit fascinating sites nearby like the Kedareshwar Temple, Fanase Ghat, Siddhanath Temple, Gauri Somnath Temple, Kajal Rani Caves, and Sri Govinda Bhagavatpada Cave. Along with the Satmatrika Temples, Omkareshwar, these sites will win your heart for sure.
Go visit Satmatrika Temples, Omkareshwarin your holidays and experience some divinity. You will be amazed to see the blend of culture and religiosity here in Omkareshwar.