What are the darshan timings of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Omkareshwar is open for darshan 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. The temple is located at on Mandhata island, Narmada.
Timings can change on festivals, eclipses and special occasions. Please confirm with the temple before you travel.
What is Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga known for?
Omkareshwar stands on Mandhata, an island in the Narmada shaped — as the name says — like the syllable Om. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and the only one set on a river island, which gives the darshan its particular character: the approach is across water, by bridge or by boat, with the Narmada running on both sides. The temple is built in the Nagara style over several storeys, and the sanctum sits at the lowest level, close to the rock of the island itself. Across the river on the south bank stands Mamleshwar, worshipped together with it.
Why is Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga significant?
The Shiva Purana records Omkareshwar among the twelve Jyotirlingas and tells the account of the Vindhya mountain's penance to Shiva, and of the linga that appeared and then took two forms. The Narmada itself is central to the site's standing: it is among the rivers whose parikrama is undertaken as a vow, and the circuit passes through Omkareshwar. The island also carries the name of King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku line, whose penance here is recorded in the Puranic accounts.
Which rituals and festivals are held at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?
Abhishek with Narmada water is the principal offering, with bel patra, dhatura, bhasma and flowers. The temple keeps a full aarti cycle through the day, from the early morning opening to the evening shayan aarti. Monday is the customary day for Shiva worship and Shravan the customary month.
Mahashivratri is the principal festival. Kartik Purnima and Narmada Jayanti are also kept, and the island sees pilgrims on the Narmada parikrama throughout the year. Many complete the Jyotirlinga by crossing to Mamleshwar on the south bank.
How do you reach Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?
Omkareshwar is about 77 kilometres from Indore and roughly 140 kilometres from Ujjain, both comfortable road journeys. The nearest railway station is Omkareshwar Road (Mortakka), about twelve kilometres away; Indore is the nearest airport. The island is reached by footbridge from the mainland, and boats also cross the Narmada.
The climb inside the temple involves several flights of steps, and footwear is left at the stands before the bridge. Early morning is the easiest time in summer, when the stone gets hot. Most visitors combine Omkareshwar with Mamleshwar and, over two days, with Mahakaleshwar at Ujjain.