Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple
ಓಂಕಾರೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Shiva (Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga) temple · Omkareshwar, Khandwa (East Nimar), Madhya Pradesh, India
Photo: Ssriram mt at English Wikipedia · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons
The Omkareshwar temple is a temple of Shiva on Mandhata island in the Narmada river at Omkareshwar, in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. It is counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, and the Shri Omkareshwar Mandir Trust, which manages it, lists it as the fourth of them. The trust places the temple on the northern bank of the Narmada, about 77 km from Indore.
The name means 'Lord of Omkara', the sacred sound Om. The temple trust and Madhya Pradesh Tourism both note that the island on which it stands is shaped like the Om symbol. Across the river, on the southern bank, stands the Mamleshwar (Amareshwar) temple, which devotees visit together with Omkareshwar.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple
The temple trust notes that Omkareshwar's importance is described in the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana and Vayu Purana. It quotes a verse attributed to Adi Shankaracharya praising Omkareshwar, who dwells in Mandhata at the meeting of the Kaveri and Narmada. Madhya Pradesh Tourism also links the town with Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have met his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada in caves here.
According to the Puranic account given by the trust, the Vindhya mountain worshipped Shiva here, and Shiva appeared as the Pranava (Om) linga. The linga is said to have divided into two: the Jyotirlinga at Omkareshwar and the physical linga at Mamleshwar. Another tradition holds that Shiva blessed King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku line here, giving the island its name. Devotees also believe that Shiva rests here each night after moving through the three worlds, which is why a special Shayan (bedtime) darshan is offered.
The Khandwa district administration describes the Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar temples as being of equal status and says both lingas are considered Jyotirlingas. Accounts differ on this point (see notes).
Heritage
History of Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple
The temple trust states plainly that there is no authentic record of who built the temple or when. It notes that the sanctum is in an older style and resembles a smaller temple, with a stone-layered dome. This older shrine faces north, while the larger, newer part of the temple faces south, which may explain why the sanctum and image are not aligned with the main door or the top spire.
The temple was declared a public trust in 1959 under the Madhya Pradesh Public Trust Act, 1951, according to the trust. It is run by seven trustees, including nominees of the Registrar of Public Trusts, the Khandwa district panchayat, the Punasa block panchayat and the Omkareshwar nagar panchayat.
Architecture and sacred features
The trust describes the main temple as North Indian in style, with a tall spire. It has a large assembly hall about 14 feet high, supported by 60 massive pillars, and five floors, each with its own deity: Shri Omkareshwar, Shri Mahakaleshwar, Shri Siddhnath, Shri Gupteshwar and, at the top, the flag deity. Madhya Pradesh Tourism gives a similar account, describing a shikhara made of stacked layers of stone.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
As listed by the Shri Omkareshwar Mandir Trust (checked October 2026), normal darshan is free and needs no booking, while optional Shighra Darshan tickets can be booked online. The trust says there is no official dress code but recommends modest clothing. Confirm current arrangements with the Shri Omkareshwar Mandir Trust before travelling.
The trust describes a parikrama path of about 7 km around Mandhata (Omkar) Parvat that passes several temples and archaeological sites, including the Siddhanath remains and the Gauri Somnath temple.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Shri Omkareshwar Mandir Trust (public trust since 1959) (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple
Shravan (Sawan) month
Madhya Pradesh Tourism says Omkareshwar sees its largest number of pilgrims in this month. The trust's weekly Monday palanquin procession is at its grandest during Shravan.
Monday Dola (Palki) procession
A golden palanquin carrying a three-faced image of Omkareshwar is taken in procession from the riverbank through the town, with drums and cymbals, according to the temple trust.
Location
How to Reach Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple
Madhya Pradesh Tourism names Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport at Indore, about 87 km away, as the nearest airport, and Khandwa (77 km) and Indore Junction (78 km) as the nearest broad-gauge railway stations. The Khandwa district administration describes the route from Khandwa as about 70 km along the Indore–Edlabad road. Buses run to Omkareshwar from Indore, Ujjain, Khargone and Khandwa, according to the temple trust.
Location: Omkareshwar, Khandwa (East Nimar), Madhya Pradesh, India
Nearest airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore (about 87 km)
Nearest railway station: Khandwa (77 km) or Indore Junction (78 km)
More in Hindu temples in Madhya Pradesh · Shiva (Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga) temples · Temples in Duhkiya · Temples in Punasa Tehsil
Questions
Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Omkareshwar a Jyotirlinga?
Yes. Omkareshwar is counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, and the temple trust lists it as the fourth. The district administration also describes Mamleshwar, on the opposite bank, as a Jyotirlinga.
Why is the island called Om-shaped?
The Narmada divides around Mandhata (Shivpuri) island, which the temple trust describes as about 4 km long and 2 km wide and shaped like the Om symbol.
Who built the Omkareshwar temple?
The temple trust says there is no authentic record of who built the temple or when.
Is darshan at Omkareshwar free?
The trust says normal darshan is free and needs no booking. Optional Shighra Darshan tickets are sold online. Confirm current arrangements with the trust before travelling.
Who performs the daily rituals?
According to the trust, the morning worship is performed by the trust, the afternoon worship by priests of the Scindia family and the evening worship by priests of the Holkar family.
How far is Omkareshwar from Indore?
The temple trust gives the distance as about 77 km. Madhya Pradesh Tourism puts Indore's airport about 87 km away.
What is the Mamleshwar temple?
Mamleshwar, whose older name is Amreshwar, stands on the southern bank of the Narmada. The trust notes that devotees visit both temples and that Mamleshwar is managed by the Ahilyabai Khasgi Trust.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikidata Q1093334 — structured data (CC0)
- Wikipedia — Omkareshwar Temple — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- Shri Omkareshwar Mandir Trust — Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Official Website (Home, Main Temple, About Trust, How to Reach, FAQ)
- Shri Omkareshwar Mandir Trust — About Trust
- Shri Omkareshwar Mandir Trust — FAQ
- Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board — Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
- District Administration, Khandwa (East Nimar) — Omkareshwar Mandhata
- Wikipedia — Omkareshwar Temple (used as a pointer to sources only)
Further reading: Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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