Omkareshwar Temple

About Omkareshwar Temple

Maheshwar is a town of Shiva temples, and this is one of them. The Omkareshwar temple here stands beside the Narmada and is visited as part of the local temple circuit, along with Tilbhandeshwar, Jaleshwar, Kaleshwar and the Ahilyeshwar Mahadev mandir.

One point needs stating clearly, because the names cause constant confusion. The famous Omkareshwar jyotirlinga stands on the island of Mandhata, a separate pilgrimage town some distance downstream on the Narmada, and that is a different place from this temple in Maheshwar. Travellers planning a jyotirlinga darshan should go to Omkareshwar town itself. What you will find here is a working Shiva shrine with the quiet riverside character shared by all the Maheshwar temples.

At the temple

The Shiva shrine

The sanctum holds the shivalinga and is in regular worship. Like the other temples along this stretch of the Narmada, it is small and unhurried rather than monumental, and a visit is short.

The river frontage

The temple's position beside the Narmada is its main setting, and the view out over the water is part of what makes the Maheshwar temple circuit worth walking rather than driving.

Planning your visit

The temple is in Maheshwar town and is covered on foot as part of the riverside circuit. It is a short stop.

• Footwear is removed before entering.
• Walk the circuit of Maheshwar temples together rather than visiting this one alone.
• If you want the Omkareshwar jyotirlinga, plan a separate trip to Omkareshwar town on the Mandhata island.
• Mahashivratri brings larger numbers to every Shiva shrine in the town.

Best time to visit

October to March is the comfortable season for walking the Maheshwar riverside. Early morning is the best hour, when the temples are in use and the river is quiet. Mahashivratri is the most significant day of the year at the Shiva shrines here.