Omkareshwar, nestled on the banks of the Narmada River, is a revered pilgrimage site in India, attracting devotees year-round. Known for its sacred Jyotirlinga, Omkareshwar holds immense spiritual significance. To ensure a smooth and fulfilling journey, careful planning is essential. This blog post will guide you through the key aspects of preparing for your trip, including the best time to visit, transportation options, accommodation choices, and must-see attractions. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your pilgrimage to Omkareshwar.
Overview of Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar and its Jyotirlinga are situated on an island that divides the river into two parts. This small island is called Shivpuri. The island is approximately 4 kilometers in length and 2 kilometers in width. It is believed that the island’s shape resembles the symbol ‘Om,’ hence the name Omkareshwar.1
According to the Puranas, the Vindhya mountains worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a Parthiv Ling (Shivling made of mud and sand). Impressed by this devotion, Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a Pravan Ling (Cosmic material). Witnessing this, the gods requested Lord Shiva to divide the Ling into two pieces. One piece was kept at the Omkareshwar Temple, while the other was placed in the Mamleshwar Temple. Another legend speaks of King Mandhata of the Ishvaku dynasty, who performed intense penance and was blessed by Lord Shiva with the Jyotirlinga.2
Omkareshwar is a significant center for major philosophical and theological practices. The island and its temples attract numerous pilgrims and scholars, contributing to its status as a hub of spiritual and religious activity. The serene environment and the religious significance make Omkareshwar a place of profound spiritual importance in Hinduism.
Best Routes to Reach Omkareshwar
The nearest airport to Omkareshwar is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore. This airport is well-connected to major cities across India, making it convenient for travelers to reach Omkareshwar.
Travelers can book flights from Delhi, which is approximately 716 kilometers away. The flight duration from Delhi to Indore is around 1.5 hours. Similarly, flights are available from Mumbai, which is about 490 kilometers from Indore, and the journey typically takes around 1.5 hours as well.
For those traveling from the eastern part of the country, flights can be booked from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The distance from Kolkata to Indore is approximately 1,256 kilometers, and the flight duration is usually between 2.5 to 3 hours.
Upon arriving at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, travelers can easily find various modes of transportation, such as taxis, buses, and rental cars, to reach Omkareshwar, which is about 77 kilometers from the airport. This makes the journey to Omkareshwar both accessible and convenient for visitors from different parts of the country.
Reaching Omkareshwar by Train
The nearest railway station to Omkareshwar is Omkareshwar Road Railway Station (OMRD). This small station connects to major railway junctions like Indore Junction and Khandwa Junction. It consists of two platforms and currently operates on a meter gauge line. However, the line is undergoing conversion to broad gauge from Dr. Ambedkar Nagar Railway Station. Once this conversion is complete, it will directly connect Indore to Mumbai, making travel even more convenient for visitors.
Travelers can also reach Omkareshwar via Khandwa Junction. From Khandwa, you can take a connecting train journey to Omkareshwar Road Railway Station. This route provides an alternative for those traveling from different parts of the country.
The temple is approximately 12 kilometers away from the railway station. Visitors can hire taxis, auto-rickshaws, or use local buses to reach the temple from Omkareshwar Road Railway Station.
Another significant route is from Ujjain Junction. Upon reaching Ujjain, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Omkareshwar. This provides yet another option for travelers coming from the northern or western parts of India.
The railway connections to Omkareshwar, combined with road transport options, make it accessible for pilgrims and tourists from various regions, enhancing the overall travel experience to this important religious site.
Reaching Omkareshwar by Road
There are several options if you want to reach Omkareshwar by road.
Indore to Mahakaleshwar to Omkareshwar
Indore to Omkareshwar: The journey from Indore to Omkareshwar takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. You can use a private vehicle or hire a taxi for the trip, making it convenient for family travel. The route is well-maintained, providing a comfortable journey through scenic landscapes.
Ujjain to Omkareshwar: Although Ujjain is farther from Omkareshwar, it is still a viable option for travelers. Ujjain is approximately 140 kilometers from Omkareshwar, and the journey usually takes around 3 to 4 hours by road. Travel agents in Ujjain can assist in arranging transportation to Omkareshwar. Many visitors choose to visit Ujjain to seek blessings at the Mahakaleshwar Temple before heading to Omkareshwar. This route allows pilgrims to experience two significant religious sites in one trip.
Both routes offer different experiences and allow travelers to explore more of the region’s spiritual heritage. Whether you start from Indore or Ujjain, reaching Omkareshwar by road is convenient and offers flexibility in travel planning.3
If you are planning to visit both spiritual spots, the Indore to Mahakaleshwar to Omkareshwar distance is approximately 80 km, making it convenient for a day trip.
Planning Your Darshan & Timings
This is an important part of your pilgrimage to have darshan and receive blessings from Lord Shiva. Here, we provide all the details you need for a complete darshan experience. The darshan time in Omkareshwar temple is divided into two periods each day. The morning darshan is from 5:00 AM to 3:50 PM, and the evening darshan is from 4:15 PM to 9:30 PM. When planning your visit, make sure to keep these darshan times in mind
Upon reaching Omkareshwar, there are three must-visit destinations for your pilgrimage. The first is the Shri Omkareshwar Mandhata Temple, situated on Mandhata Island. The temple houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is a five-storied complex with stairs and columns. An alley leads to the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, flanked by colorful stalls selling fruits, incense sticks, and other items for pooja and rituals. The path descends through a fleet of stairs to the sanctum, where Shri Omkareshwar gives darshan to devotees in the form of a Shiva Lingam. Above the Jyotirlinga, a sacred silver figurine of Goddess Parvati is installed. However, catching a glimpse of the Jyotirlinga can be challenging due to the large crowd of devotees.
There is a saying that your pilgrimage is incomplete without a Parikrama (circumambulation) around the OM-shaped island and a visit to the Mamleshwar Temple on the other side of the riverbank. The Parikrama can be done either on foot or by boat. It is advisable to do it by boat as it is quicker. The Parikrama path is around 6-7 kilometers, and the boat ride takes about 30 minutes.
Other temples worth visiting include small shrines, some ancient and famous, such as Runo Mukteshwar Mandir, Gouri Somnath Mandir, and Siddhnath Mandir. Siddhnath Mandir features medieval architecture with mesmerizing carved elephants. Additionally, you can visit the Mandhata Palace, which is located just behind the Omkareshwar Temple.4
The Mamleshwar Temple, which also houses a Jyotirlinga, is another beautiful ancient temple surrounded by numerous small shrines. The deity worshiped here is Amareshwar, prayed to inside the sanctum of the Mamleshwar Temple.
Finally, a visit to the Omkareshwar Dam is recommended. Constructed between 2003 and 2007 on the Narmada River, the dam facilitates water supply for irrigation and power generation for the districts of Khandwa, Dhar, and Khargone.
Local Attractions and Activities
- Kedareshwar Cave Temple Exploration: Kedareshwar Cave Temple is a lesser-known yet fascinating site. This temple is carved out of a single rock, making it an incredible ancient engineering marvel. At the center of the cave stands a large Shiva Linga, which gets partially submerged when the water level in the Narmada River rises. The path leading to the cave is risky, so it is advisable to be cautious while navigating to the temple. However, once inside, you will feel a profound spiritual ambiance, making the visit a memorable and enriching experience.
- Sidhwarkut Jain Temple: Sidhwarkut Jain Temple is a cluster of 24 shrines located on Mandhata Island, showcasing the region’s spiritual diversity by including other theological doctrines. Each of the 24 shrines is dedicated to a specific Tirthankara of Jainism. Visitors will find themselves in a serene atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the main temples. Note that on some occasions, photography is allowed, enabling visitors to capture the elegance and beauty of the temple complex.
- Trek to Gauri Somnath Temple: If you are an adventurer, you will love the trek to Gauri Somnath Temple. This journey blends adventure with spirituality as you traverse the rugged terrain to reach the temple. The path offers a beautiful and immersive experience. The temple itself houses a 6-foot-tall Shiva Linga and features carvings depicting tales from Hindu mythology. For a safe and enjoyable trek, it is recommended to wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry a bottle of water, as the journey can be challenging. Despite the difficulty, the trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, rewarding you with a peaceful and spiritually enriching environment upon reaching the temple.5
Omkareshwar Parikrama Route Map
As you can see from the map, the island of Mandhata lies in the middle of the Narmada River’s flow. The Narmada flows from east to west. Therefore, your parikrama can begin on Mandhata Island, following the river’s flow in a clockwise direction around the island. This will complete your parikrama with the help of a route map. You can view the map on your phone and see detailed information about the parikrama route.
Conclusion
In summary, Omkareshwar offers a rich spiritual and cultural experience. Key sites include the Omkareshwar Mandhata Temple, Mamleshwar Temple, and Kedareshwar Cave Temple. For an enriching journey, remember to explore the serene Sidhwarkut Jain Temple and embark on the adventurous trek to Gauri Somnath Temple. When planning your trip, ensure to pack appropriately and consider travel safety tips. For a comfortable stay, you can find excellent accommodations. Embrace the spiritual ambiance and cultural diversity of Omkareshwar, making your visit both memorable and fulfilling.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omkareshwar_Temple ↩︎
- https://shriomkareshwar.org/HMainTemple.aspx ↩︎
- https://www.pilgrimagetour.in/blog/how-to-reach-omkareshwar-temple/ ↩︎
- https://polkajunction.com/omkareshwar-temple-omkareshwar-jyotirlinga-madhya-pradesh/ ↩︎
- https://travelsetu.com/guide/omkareshwar-tourism/things-to-do-in-omkareshwar ↩︎