Historical Places in Omkareshwar - photos, details and travel help.
Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the sacred holy symbol, ‘Om’ has drawn hundreds of generations of pilgrims. It has two lofty hills and it’s divided by a valley, creating a shape of ‘Om’ from above.
🔍The temple stands on a one mile long, half mile wide island formed by the fork of the River Narmada which draws millions of pilgrims every year. The temple was constructed on the soft stone which has lent its pliable surface that highlights its’ rare degree of delicate work, of which the frieze figures on the upper portion are most striking.
🔍The 24 Avatars in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, are a remarkable group of ancient Hindu and Jain temples that showcase the grandeur of medieval Indian temple architecture. Each temple reflects a unique style of design, beautifully carved with detailed sculptures, ornate pillars, and intricate motifs that highlight the spiritual and artistic excellence of the time.
🔍These Temples are located 6 km from Omkareshwar. The history of these temples dates back to the 10th century built in the Nagara style of architecture. These group of temples are dedicated to seven Goddesses, Maheshwari, Varahi, Brahmi, Indrani, Narasimhi, Koumari and Chamunda which can be seen here.
🔍Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is the only important shrine on the mainland, and faces the Omkar- Mandhata. This Temple is located near Amreshwar temple opposite to the Omkareshwar Temple. It was constructed in the 10th century and a protected monument which depicts extraordinary architectural style of ancient India. There are verandahs encircling the temple which have columns carved in square, polygon and circles. The stone roof of the temple is also intricately carved.
🔍The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the holiest shrines in India and one of the 12 treasured Jyotirlingas in the country. This is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on the island of Mandhata. Mandhata Island has its shape resembling the sacred symbol of ‘Om’ which makes this island even more divine. This temple features Nagara style of architecture, complete with elaborate frescos and intricate carvings.
🔍From the Omkar-Mandhata Temple, 170 steps cut into the hillside upwards, past the palace of the tribal king and the local settlements lies the ruins of the 13th century Siddhanath Temple. This temple is the most charismatic architectural beauty of the town. The Siddhanath Temple was attacked by Mahmud of Ghazni but still stands tall symbolising strength. The frescos of elephants are the main attraction of this temple, which are carved in stone 1.5m in height.
🔍Gauri Siddhanath Temple or Gauri Somnath Temple is situated on the Mandhata Island in Omkareshwar, just 0.6 km away from the bus stand which can be reached by a long flight of steps cut into the hill-facing west of the bridge. On crossing the bridge, the steps are a little onto the left leading to this Temple. This Temple has a striking resemblance with the Khajuraho Temples in terms of design and artwork. The Gauri Somnath temple has a huge 6-feet linga made of black stone.
🔍Kajal Rani Cave is one of the main attractions in Omkareshwar. Situated 8 kms from the Omkareshwar Temple, the Cave is a scenic spot that flaunts its’ undulating land up to the horizon. This place provides a relief from the many holy sites of the town.
🔍PESHAWAR GHAT: Peshawar Ghat is one of those tourist places in Omkareshwar which offer a blend of beauty and religion. The peaks of the Vindhyachal mountain range, bifurcated by gorges and transparent flow of streams makes Peshawar Ghat one of the most visited places in Omkareshwar, especially during Mahashivratri festival. Devotees mainly visit to take a holy dip in the Narmada River.
🔍Kedareshwar Temple was built in the 11th century dedicated to Lord Kedar, another manifestation of Lord Shiva. This temple is famous for its architecture. It is located at the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri rivers, situated about 4kms away from the Omkareshwar Temple. Kedareshwar Temple has an uncanny resemblance with the Kedarnath temple located in Uttarakhand.
🔍Sri Govinda Bhagavatpada Cave is one where Guru Adi Shankaracharya learned his lessons from Govinda Bhagavatpada Granth. As per local legend, Adi Shankaracharya walked hundreds of miles through forests, valleys, crossing mountains and rivers to finally reaching Omkareshwar to find Govinda Bhagavatpada in a state of ’Nirvikalpa Nishtha’ (Sanskrit, unwavering concentration in deep meditative state) in a cave under a Banyan tree along the banks of Narmada River.
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