Spritual Abode-Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar

Omkareshwar is a famous pilgrimage centre that that includes one of the 12 idolized Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The name Omkareshwar means 'Lord of Omkaara', which is one of the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to lord Shiva in the form of a Jyotirlingam. It's a sacred island which is shaped like the Hindu symbols 'OM', drawing millions of travelers from all across the globe. It has two ancient shrines including Omkareshwar and Amarkareshwar. 

 

This holy place is located on the meeting point of Narmada and Kaveri River, making a must-visit pilgrimage destination for Lord Shiva devotees and leisure travellers alike. Set in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar is forged by the sacred Narmada River. Built in the Nagara style.

 

Omkareshwar is adorned with lofty hills, between which the river Narmada forms a serene pool. Above this pool runs a cantilever type bridge which further enhances the scenic beauty of this island.

 

 Here the river passes through a narrow and deep gorge and in the process creates an island in the shape of the holy symbol ‘OM’. So technically it’s the island that’s called Omkareshwar, but just like the town, even its name has spilled over to both the banks.

 

The sacred and purifying Narmada meets the fast flowing Kaveri at the sangam, or confluence, of these two rivers. Located on the westernmost part of the island of Omkareshwar, this narrow projection of land at the meeting point of the streams is covered with stones of all sizes shaped like shivalingas. The Kaveri, actually is not another river, but a part of the Narmada itself that encircles the island on the north.

 

There are two bridges connecting the mainland part of the town with the island, but many tourists and pilgrims prefer to cross over by boats from Gomukh ghat. The boats moored on the Ghats carry a maximum of eight passengers and charge Rs 150 per head. You could also hire a boat to take you on a joyride on the Narmada. Do be careful. The steps of the ghat are extremely slippery and as the Narmada flows through a gorge here, it is extremely deep. Also, crocodiles are known to stray here from time to time.

Gomukh Ghat:

Our boat was moored at Gomukh ghat and almost near the steps leading to the temple. But the steps are very steep and the path is also very rough and uneven.Legend has it that, long ago, a demon went on a rampage killing sages and sadhus. The sadhus assembled at Omkareshwar and prayed to Shiva for protection. Moved by their prayers, Shiva fought the demon and killed him with his trishul (trident).

To purify the trishul stained with the blood of the demon, Shiva flung it towards the Narmada at Omkareshwar. The trishul landed a fair distance from the river and its impact gave rise to an underground stream that resurfaces to meet the Narmada at the Gomukh. The stream is referred to as Kapildhara and the ghat built around it called the Gomukh Ghat.

Luckily there is no rush while we visiting Gomukh to have a quick glimpse of a small Shiva Lingam. Which was very much worn out and seen at a low level over which water is falling from a pipe incessantly. There is a natural water spring near the shrine. Just behind Shiva Lingam there is a small idol of Parvati. We sprinkled holywater in our head and had Dharshan.There are shrines for five-faced Ganapati and Annapoorna.

 

Climbing up a series of stairs from Gomukh Ghat, and some more from the temple entrance again lined with small colourful shops. A series of steps from the ghats leads up to the mandapa of the temple, marking the entrance of the enclosure. The mandapa is decorated with heavily carved soapstone pillars with elaborate capitals in the form of yakshis, while niches on either side are occupied by images of Ganesh, Ram, Sita, and other deities. As one crosses the mandapa, one encounters Nandi, Shiva’s divine vehicle. From the first mandapa, one ascends to the recently built sabha mandapa or prayer hall.

 

A vast terrace above the sabha mandapa leads to a small door through which one can enter the upper levels of the shikhara. Inside are three shrines, one above the other, enshrining more manifestations of Shiva – Siddhanath, Kedareshwar and Guptanath. The front hall has many high pillars with Yaksha and Yakshini figures caved on. This temple was first built by Mandhata who did severe penance and Shiva appeared before him in the form of Jyothirlinga. In 11th century the Paramara kings re-built the temple and later the Holkar kings renovated it in Nagara style with five storeys depicting different gods at every level. At the base of the temple there is a cave called Govindapada Gufa where Sri Shankaracharya met his guru Sri Govindha Vallabha . As it was very crowded we had very little time to see the temple. 

 

To view the numerous surrounding temples and to have a holy dip at the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri Rivers, many pilgrims go around the island called Narmada Parikrama covering a distance of nearly 7 k.m.

 

 From the outside, the entire palace looks like a single structure, but upon entering it, one can see that it is actually a series of three large courtyards surrounded by rooms on two levels. We learnt this Mandhata Palace was built by Holkars and inside one can see the paintings and the painted Durbar Hall with three beautiful balconies from where one can have a fascinating view of Narmada with surrounding hills and temples on the slopes.

 

In addition to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Annapurna are also worshipped here in Omkareshwar.

 

The divine pebbles found here in Omkareshwar are called "Bana Lingams". Bana Lingam also called as the Svayambhu Linga is a smooth elliptical pebble found in the bed of the sacred Narmada River. These Lingams are self-manifest in nature and are not crafted or made by human hands.

This is why the Bana Lingams are also known as the Narmada Banalingas or Narmadeshwar Shiva Lingas

 

After Darshan of Lord,We came back by steps towards Omkar Ghat and the boatman ferried us to see Mamaleshwara Temple located on the south side of the Narmada River on mainland. Both Omkareshwar and Mamaleshswar are treat as two halves of one and same Jyothirlinga.  

 Mamleshwar Temple:

Built in the 10th century, the Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, also known as Amareshwar, is best known for its glorious history and rich architecture. A trip to Omkareshwar is incomplete without visiting this temple. You can visit the Mamleshwar temple by boat or on foot.

 

The temple is present on the opposite bank of the sacred Narmada River facing the Omkareshwar temple. You can touch Lord Shiva and perform Abhisekham by yourself in the Mamleshwar Jyotirling temple.

 

 Parthiva Linga Puja is very famous here in this temple. Mamaleshwar temple is not a big one. There is a hall and a sanctum. Lord Shiva is present in the center of sanctum. We can touch Mamaleshwar jyotirling and do Abhishekam to Shiva by ourselves. Idol of Parvati mata is present on the backside of Shivaling in the wall. There are many small temples of Lord Shiva around main temple of Mamaleswar.

 

A lovely old temple surrounded by some small old shrines devoted to different deities. Many devotees come here to do Parthiva Shiva Linga Pooja and Abhishekam. The verses of Shiva Mahimna are seen inscribed on the temple walls dating back to 1063 A.D.

 

Narmada glistening with two brightly illuminated suspension bridges spanning across it. One finds tranquility and serene beauty here with cool refreshing breezes here along with ancient temples.Really one loves to come here again and again and find true peace of mind and devotion.

Then in evening we proceed to Maheshwar.

"Tobe cont"

JaishreeIyer