There are 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India and the fourth Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, is located on the holy banks of the Narmada River in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh state. This Jyotirlinga is not only an important pilgrimage place for Shiva devotees, but its mythology, spiritual energy and geographical features make it even more unique.
Table of Contents
What is Jyotirlinga?
The word ‘Jyotirlinga’ is made up of two parts – Jyoti i.e. light and Linga i.e. the symbolic form of Lord Shiva. This is a Shivling in which Shiva himself is revered as fire or light. According to the Puranas, when there was a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu about superiority, then Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a huge pillar of fire and made them realize his infinity. Jyotirlingas were established at 12 places as a symbol of that divine pillar.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Location
Omkareshwar is an island situated in the middle of the Narmada River whose shape itself is believed to be in the shape of ‘Om’ (Omkar) and that is why it is called “Omnkareshwar”. This holy place is about 80 km from Indore and can be easily reached by road, rail and air.
Also read more articles about Jyotirlinga of Hargharpuja
Third Jyotirlinga: Mythology of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Second Jyotirlinga: Mallikarjuna – where both Shiva and Shakti reside
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Story
The origin of Omnkareshwar Jyotirlinga is mentioned in the 18th chapter of Koti Rudra Samhita of Shiva Purana.
Once Devarshi Narada, while travelling in the three worlds, reached Vindhyachal mountain on earth. Vindhyachal told Narada Muni proudly, “I have everything.”
Narad Muni smiled, but said, “You have everything, but Mount Sumeru is much higher than you, its peak reaches the world of gods.”
On hearing this, Vindhyachal mountain became very sad. It realized that being tall and great does not mean spiritual prosperity.
Vindhyachal’s Penance
Vindhyachal mountain resolved to worship Lord Shiva with an earthen linga to attain prosperity. It worshipped Shiva continuously for six months.
Lord Shiva appeared pleased with its penance and said –
“I am very pleased with you, ask for a boon.”
Vindhyachal asked for the boon of intelligence and autonomy so that it could solve every situation with its own discretion.
Lord Shiva granted it to it.
Establishment of two lingas: Omnkareshwar and Amaleshwar
At the same time, some sages and saints were also meditating there. They prayed to Lord Shiva to reside on this earth.
Lord Shiva accepted their request and divided his form into two parts:
The first linga was called “Omnkareshwar”.
The second linga was called “Amaleshwar” or “Parameshwarling”.
Thus, Omnkareshwar is the only place where two Jyotirlingas are recognized – Omkareshwar (Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga) and Amaleshwar (Amaleshwar Jyotirlinga).
Shiva-Parvati come here to sleep at night
Like the Bhasma Aarti of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga situated in Ujjain, the Shayan Aarti of Omkareshwar temple is world famous. There is a religious belief about Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga that Baba Bholenath comes here to sleep at night. It is said that this is the only temple on earth where Shiva and Parvati play Chausar dice every day. After the night Shayan Aarti, Chaupar is laid out here every day and the sanctum sanctorum is closed. The next morning these dice are found scattered. It is surprising that in the temple where even a bird cannot fly at night, Chaupar is found scattered every day.
Best time to visit Omkareshwar Temple
October to March is considered the most suitable time to visit Omkareshwar. At this time the weather on the banks of Narmada is pleasant and the crowd is also balanced.
On special occasions, such as: Mahashivratri, Shravan month, Narmada Jayanti
Lakhs of devotees reach here and get the benefit of the wonderful divine darshan of Omkareshwar. If a devotee goes on a pilgrimage to Omkareshwar area, then he should not only visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga but also visit the other 24 incarnations residing there, whose names are as follows;
Mata Ghat (Selani), Sita Vatika, Dhawadi Kund, Markandeya Shila, Markandeya Sanyas Ashram, Annapurna Ashram, Vigyan Shala, Bade Hanuman, Khedaapati Hanuman, Omkar Math, Mata Anandmayi Ashram, Rinmukteshwar Mahadev, Gayatri Mata Temple, Siddhnath Gauri Somnath, Aade Hanuman, Mata Vaishnodevi Temple, Chand-Surya Gate, Veerkhala, Vishnu Temple, Brahmeshwar Temple, Gajanan Maharaj Temple of Segaon, Kashi Vishwanath, Narsingh Tekri, Kubereshwar Mahadev, Chandramouleshwar Mahadev Temple are also worth visiting.
Spiritual Importance
Omkareshwar is the place where the sound of “Om” seems to resonate in the waves of Narmada. This place is not only important for Shiva devotees, but the energy and environment here is also ideal for meditation and sadhana.
We sell Havan Cups at our product website. We use organic and fragrant material to produce these Cups so that they make your temple or divine space full of fragrance and your prayers more powerful. Thousands of people have tried our genuine products. If you also want to buy our puja products, do visit our website by clicking the this link.