Omkareshwar Dham, located in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, considered among the most special forms of Lord Shiva. This temple is situated on Mandhata Island, in the middle of the Narmada River, also known as Shivpuri. On both banks of the Narmada River are two temples, Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar, which together are known as "Omkar-Mamleshwar." This entire area, comprising these two places, has become a major pilgrimage site for devotees of Shiva.
The Tradition of Chaupar Still Lives On
At this sacred resting place of Shiva and Parvati, chaupar (a board game) is laid out in the sanctum sanctorum every night. It is believed that Shiva and Parvati play chaupar and rest here at night. This is why no one is present in the temple at this time, and after performing a silent aarti (prayer), the doors are closed. For the devotees, this is a divine mystery that gives them a special connection to Omkareshwar.
The Secret of Shayan Aarti: Where Worship Happens in Solitude
One of the most unique traditions of the Omkareshwar temple is the nightly "Shayan Aarti." During this aarti, the temple doors are completely closed, and only one priest enters the sanctum sanctorum. Neither the devotees nor any other temple employees are allowed to witness this aarti. It is believed that during this time, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati rest in the temple, and chaupar is laid out for them. By morning, the game pieces are found to have moved from their places, which the devotees consider to be the play of the Lord.
Narmada: The River That Bestows Merit Just by Seeing
The holy Narmada River, which flows around the Omkareshwar temple, is counted among the most sacred rivers in the Skanda Purana. It is called the giver of life and salvation. The special thing is that the Narmada is the only river in the world that flows from west to east, instead of east to west. It is also called the 'Virgin River'. According to the Puranas, the Narmada originated from the locks of Lord Shiva and is also known as the daughter of Shiva.
Narmadeshwar Shivlingas: Those That Do Not Need Consecration
The Shivlingas made of black stone found on the banks of the Narmada River are called 'Narmadeshwar' or 'Baanling'. It is believed that these Shivlingas are self-manifested and do not require प्राण प्रतिष्ठा (consecration). They can be installed and worshiped anywhere. For this reason, every pebble found on the banks of the Narmada is considered a form of 'Shankar'.
Govinda Bhagavadpada Caves: Where the Light of Knowledge Arose
Near Omkareshwar are the Govinda Bhagavadpada Caves, which hold special significance from a religious and philosophical perspective. It was in these caves that Adi Shankaracharya received initiation in Advaita Vedanta from his guru Govinda Bhagavadpada. This is the place where Shankaracharya experienced self-realization and later adopted the path of renunciation, propagating Vedanta throughout India.
Gauri Somnath Temple: A Wonderful Example of a Massive Shivlinga
The Gauri Somnath Temple, located near Omkareshwar, is an excellent example of ancient architecture. This temple is three stories high and its structure resembles the Khajuraho temples. The six-foot-tall Shivlinga made of black stone in the sanctum sanctorum is the main identity of this place. It was built in the Bhumija style by the Paramara dynasty in the 11th century.
Siddhanath and Kedareshwar Temples: Glimpses of Spiritual and Architectural Brilliance
The Siddhanath temple here is an amazing example of Brahminical architecture, with intricate carvings on its walls and pillars. The Kedareshwar Temple, located at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers, provides an aura similar to that of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.
Shiva Resides in Every Stone Here
Around Omkareshwar, numerous Shiva temples like Andhakeshwar, Jhumeshwar, Navgraheshwar, Avimukteshwar, and Batuk Bhairav are also situated. Moreover, there is also the famous Siddhavarkoot Tirth of Jainism, where many ancient Jain temples exist. It would not be wrong to say that this entire area is a center of Shiva devotion and faith.
