Omkareshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is located on Mandhata Island in the middle of the sacred Narmada River in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. The island is shaped like the symbol ॐ (Omkar), and the Shivling installed here is known as Omkareshwar for this reason. This place is of immense significance, not only spiritually but also culturally and historically.
Two Shivlings, One Faith: Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar
While the Omkareshwar Shivling is situated in the center of the island, the Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga is located on the southern bank of the Narmada. Mamleshwar is also known as Amareshwar. According to religious beliefs, the darshan (holy viewing) of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is considered complete only when devotees also visit Mamleshwar.
Scriptures describe that Lord Shiva, upon the request of the sages, appeared here in two forms and established permanent residence as Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar. The Shiva Purana refers to it as the Parmeshwar Linga, enshrined in both forms.
The Story of King Mandhata's Penance
A famous legend associated with the origin of this Jyotirlinga is that of King Mandhata. It is said that the king performed intense penance to please Shiva, and eventually, the Lord appeared. Pleased by Mandhata's devotion, Shiva made this place his abode. This story still fills devotees with immense reverence.
The Unmatched Architecture of the Mamleshwar Temple
The Mamleshwar temple is constructed in the ancient Nagara style. The stone carvings on the walls and pillars here are exquisite. The temple complex has five floors, and a Shiva shrine is located on each floor. In addition, there are six other small temples within the complex dedicated to various deities. This place has been declared a protected heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India.
A Site of Liberation from Demons
According to legend, demons once terrorized this region. To protect the sages and hermits, Lord Shiva incarnated in two forms – one as Omkareshwar and the other as Mamleshwar. These two forms were established at different locations so that devotees and seekers could receive blessings.
Significance Recorded in Religious Texts
The Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar temples are mentioned in the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and many other religious texts. These texts describe it as a land of penance, spiritual practice, and liberation (moksha). Sages and ascetics performed penance here for years, attaining enlightenment, which made this place a center of power.
An Ethereal Experience on the Banks of the Narmada
The atmosphere of the Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar temples is very peaceful and spiritual. Sitting by the flowing Narmada and meditating or chanting Shiva stuti gives devotees a special spiritual experience. Participating in the morning and evening aarti here is a unique experience in itself.
Millions of Devotees Visit Every Year
Hearing the glory of Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar, millions of devotees from all over the country come here for darshan every year. During the month of Sawan, on Shivratri, and on special festivals, a large crowd of devotees gathers here. After taking a bath in the Narmada, devotees worship the two Shivlings with a feeling of attaining merit.
Shiva's Abode on Every Floor in Mamleshwar
A unique feature of the Mamleshwar temple is that there is a Shiva shrine on each floor. Devotees climb up the floors one by one and pay their respects to Shiva at each level. This journey is a meditative experience for the devotees.
