Pratham Sangam and Katha
On the eastern side of Omkar Parvat, about a mile before Omkareshwar, the first confluence of the Kaveri River with the Narmada River occurs, a sacred place where the temple of Kubera Ji (Kuber Bhandari) is located. This site is dedicated to Lord Brahma. Previously, a temple of Brahma Ji stood here, housing a beautiful black stone statue of the deity.
It is believed that Kubera Ji performed penance at this spot, receiving the position of overlord of the Yakshas by Brahma’s blessing. At one point, Ravana defeated Kubera in battle and seized all his wealth, including the Navnidhis. Having lost everything, Kubera Ji returned to Omkareshwar and undertook intense penance at this sacred site. Pleased with Kubera Ji’s austerity, Brahma Ji restored him to his positions as Dhanadhipati (Lord of Wealth) and Yakshadhipati (Lord of the Yakshas), along with the Navnidhis.
The Sangam
Approximately one kilometer from the first confluence, the two rivers separate, with the Kaveri flowing north of Omkar Parvat and the Narmada flowing to the south. They flow alongside each other until they reunite at the Narmada-Kaveri Sangam, creating an OM-shaped island, known as Omkar Parvat. This holy confluence, where the rivers rejoin, is revered as the Narmada-Kaveri Sangam.
This site holds great spiritual significance. To fulfill their wishes, travelers often build small stone structures here, believing that the more layers they create, the more blessings they will receive, symbolized by multi-storied buildings in their future lives. An ancient Shiva temple also stands at this sacred spot. Devotees complete the Parikrama, offer worship, and then release water for the Omkar Parikrama and onward blessings.