History and Mythology of Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
King Mandhata’s Penance and Lord Shiva’s Divine Presence
The divine origins of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga are deeply rooted in ancient Hindu mythology. It is believed that King Mandhata, a noble and devout ruler from the 39th generation of Lord Ram’s lineage, undertook intense penance to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. His unwavering devotion moved the Lord, who appeared in the form of a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Linga at this very site.
Pleased with the king’s penance, Lord Shiva granted a divine boon to remain eternally at Omkareshwar, accompanied by Maa Parvati and the 33 Koti Devi-Devtas (330 million celestial beings). This blessing transformed the island into a sacred space of immense spiritual energy and made Omkareshwar one of the most important Jyotirlinga shrines in India.
The Mystical Significance of Sayan Aarti
A unique and sacred tradition continues in Omkareshwar even today — it is believed that Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati visit the temple every night to play the celestial game of Chaupar (Chosar). In devotion to this belief, temple priests arrange a beautifully decorated Chaupar board every evening before the temple doors are closed.
During the Sayan Aarti (Evening Aarti), this symbolic game is offered as part of the divine ritual. When the temple doors reopen the next morning, the board is found scattered — as if it had truly been played upon overnight by the divine couple. This phenomenon is not only a mark of Omkareshwar’s spiritual vitality but also one of the reasons why its Sayan Aarti is revered worldwide.
This deep connection between faith and tradition draws lakhs of devotees to witness and participate in the Sayan Aarti, seeking blessings, inner peace, and a glimpse into the mystical leela of Lord Shiva.
Omkareshwar Mandir architecture
Importance of Omkareshwar in Hindu Pilgrimage
“Om” is the Mool Mantra, the primordial sound of creation, and symbolizes Lord Shiva himself. At Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, this sacred syllable represents Shiva’s eternal and all-pervading presence, making the site a powerful center of cosmic and spiritual energy.
It is believed that having darshan of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga absolves all sins. Performing the parikrama (circumambulation) around the Om-shaped island is said to grant divine blessings and spiritual upliftment.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is a Swayambhu linga, meaning it is self-manifested and originated naturally without human intervention. Devotees hold that the sacred Char Dham and the twelve Jyotirlinga Yatras remain incomplete without visiting Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga.
The Sayan Aarti and Ratri Puja at Omkareshwar hold special significance, symbolizing the divine nightly presence of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. The unique ritual of the scattered “Chosar” (traditional game) board further emphasizes this living divine connection.
The island of Omkareshwar, also known as Mandhata or Shivpuri, is formed where the Narmada River splits into two branches, creating a natural island. When viewed from above, this island resembles the sacred symbol “OM” (“ॐ”), enhancing its spiritual allure and significance.
Omkareshwar Temple location
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated on Mandhata Island (also called Omkar Parvat or Shivpuri) in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh. This naturally formed island lies at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, which split and rejoin to form a sacred boundary.
Uniquely, the island is shaped like the holy symbol “ॐ” (Om) when viewed from above — an awe-inspiring natural miracle that reflects the divine essence of this site.
Devotees reach the temple by crossing the river via boats or walking on one of the two bridges — the Jhula Pul (suspension bridge) or the Purana Pul (ancient bridge).
Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotra
सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम्।
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालं ओंकारं ममलेश्वरम्॥
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम्।
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने॥
वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमीतटे।
हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये॥
एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः।
सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति॥
Chanting this stotra is believed to destroy sins of seven births and bring immense spiritual blessings.
Darshan Timings and Rituals at Omkareshwar Temple
Pratah Kaal (Morning) Aarti: 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM
Madhyanh Kaal (Noon) Aarti: 12:20 PM – 1:20 PM
Shrangar Aarti: 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Ratri Darshan: Till 9:30 PM
Shayan Aarti (Night Aarti): 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Note: Timings may be extended during festivals or when there is a larger crowd.
Pujan Abhishek at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
The Puja and Abhishek rituals at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga hold profound spiritual importance for devotees. These sacred rites are performed on a representative Shivlinga in the puja hall beneath the main temple. Offering holy items like water, milk, and flowers during Abhishek is believed to purify the soul and invite divine blessings.
These rituals help devotees deepen their connection with Lord Shiva, seeking his grace for spiritual growth and fulfillment of wishes. Through heartfelt devotion, devotees honor Lord Omkareshwar, underscoring the temple’s status as a revered spiritual center.
Online and Offline Booking of Puja
You can perform here Pujan Abhishek online or offline, the puja is conducted by learned acharyas from sacred cities.
Book Puja at Omkareshwar 👉 Puja in Omkareshwar
Experience the grace of Lord Omkareshwar through online puja bookings, ideal for devotees unable to visit physically. All pujas are performed by qualified priests, ensuring authenticity and devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
No, there are not two separate Jyotirlingas in Omkareshwar.
The Jyotirlinga here is one, but it is worshipped in two temples:
Omkareshwar Temple (on the island shaped like ॐ)
Mamleshwar Temple (on the southern bank of the Narmada)
These two shrines together represent the single Jyotirlinga of Omkareshwar, and both are equally sacred. Traditionally, devotees perform darshan at both temples to complete the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga yatra.
✅ Yes, VIP Darshan is available at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple — but only on select days.
VIP Darshan Details at Omkareshwar Temple:
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Days Available | Monday to Friday only |
| Not Available On | Saturday & Sunday (due to heavy crowd) |
| Price | ₹300 per person |
| Booking Method | Available easily on the official Omkareshwar Mandir Trust website |
| Entry Gate | Separate entry for VIP pass holders (closer and quicker access) |
No, as of current temple rules, devotees are not allowed to touch the main Jyotirlinga at Omkareshwar.
There is no strict official dress code enforced at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, but devotees are expected to dress modestly and respectfully, in keeping with the sanctity of this holy shrine.
✅ Recommended Dress Code for Omkareshwar Darshan:
Men: Traditional attire like dhoti, kurta, or simple full-length pants and shirts.
Women: Saree, salwar kameez, or other modest Indian clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
🚫 Avoid Wearing:
Sleeveless tops, shorts, skirts above knee length
Tight or revealing western clothes
Torn or distressed clothing
Wearing clean, traditional, and respectful attire not only aligns with temple customs but also enhances the spiritual experience for the devotee.
Yes, Omkareshwar is considered a swayambhu (self-manifested) Jyotirlinga, making it especially sacred.
Yes, online and offline pujas can be booked through platforms like Shivaseva.com, conducted by learned acharyas.
