🔱 One of the Oldest Shiva Temples in Omkareshwar
This temple is believed to be built during the 11th century under regional dynasties, making it one of the oldest functioning Shiva temples in Omkareshwar. While time has aged its walls, its aura remains ever powerful.
It is one of several Shiva shrines on Omkar Parvat, but it stands out due to its massive Shivling, unique architectural elements, and captivating legends that surround it.
🗿 The Massive Granite Shivling – A Test of Distance and Destiny
At the heart of Gauri Somnath Mandir is an awe-inspiring black granite Shivling, over 5 feet tall and approximately 11 feet in circumference — a rare and ancient monolith believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested).
This lingam has a fascinating local belief:
“Only an uncle and nephew pair can touch each other’s hands while embracing the Shivling from opposite ends.”
This unique belief adds a magical realism to the visit and symbolizes bonded purity and karma in the eyes of Lord Shiva.
🐂 The Gigantic Nandi – Guardian of the Shrine
Facing the temple entrance is a 5-feet tall, 11-feet long granite statue of Nandi, Shiva’s divine bull, carved from a single rock. Its sheer size and raw craftsmanship make it one of the most impressive Nandi idols in the region.
🔥 Aurangzeb’s Curse – A Tale of Karma and Fire
Local legend says the Shivling once sparkled like a diamond and had the ability to show a devotee’s past and future lives in its reflection. When Mughal emperor Aurangzeb saw his karmic vision in the lingam, he became enraged and ordered the temple to be set on fire.
The burn marks from this historical attack are still visible inside the sanctum (garbhagriha), offering a chilling yet sacred testimony to its survival.
🏛️ A Living Museum of Spiritual Heritage
Beside the temple lies a small Archaeological Survey of India museum, which displays ancient stone sculptures, idols, and fragments excavated from Omkareshwar. This collection helps visitors understand the region’s rich Shaivite legacy.
🌄 Located on the Omkar Parikrama Path
Gauri Somnath Temple lies along the famous Omkar Parikrama Path, the 6–8 km sacred walk around the Om-shaped island. Pilgrims walking the path often stop here for a moment of focused meditation and reverence.
Being a part of this parikrama makes the visit even more spiritually charged and serene.
✨ Why You Should Visit Gauri Somnath Mandir
To see the ancient 11th-century temple with a legendary past
To witness the huge black granite Shivling and Nandi idol
To experience a peaceful, energy-rich Shiva shrine
To explore mysteries, myths, and history — from Pandavas to Aurangzeb
To complete the Om Parikrama Yatra with a rare spiritual pause
🪔 Final Thoughts
Gauri Somnath Temple is more than just a Shiva mandir — it’s a spiritual mystery carved in stone, wrapped in mythology, and blessed by centuries of devotion. If you’re visiting Omkareshwar, this ancient mandir is an essential stop for both the pilgrim and the curious soul.
