The 10th century shrine on the mainland bank, facing Omkar Mandhata across the river.
Mamleshwar is the only important shrine on the mainland at Omkareshwar, and it faces Omkar Mandhata directly across the water. It sits close to the Amreshwar temple, opposite the Omkareshwar temple. Built in the 10th century, it is a protected monument and carries the architectural manner of its period: verandahs encircle the temple with columns cut in squares, polygons and circles, and the stone roof above is intricately carved. Like Omkareshwar, it is dedicated to Shiva. By local tradition, 22 Brahmins performed the daily lingarchan rituals here from the reign of Maharani Ahilyabai onward; that number is now down to five, and around a thousand shivlingas are set on a wooden board for the daily rites.
Around a thousand small shivlingas are arranged on a wooden board and used for the daily lingarchan ritual. Watching the rite performed is the most distinctive thing about a visit here, and it is a quieter scene than anything on the island.
The verandahs that run around the temple have columns cut in square, polygonal and circular sections, and the stone roof is worked rather than plain. The vocabulary is close to Omkar Mandhata across the river, which makes the two worth comparing on the same day.
Because Mamleshwar faces the island shrine, the river frontage here gives you the clearest full view of Omkar Mandhata and the ghats below it.
Mamleshwar is on the mainland, so it needs no river crossing and is usually combined with the island temple in a single morning. It is markedly less crowded than Omkar Mandhata.
October to March suits a walking visit on this bank. Early morning is best, both for the ritual and for light on the river facing the island. Shravan and Mahashivratri fill the whole town, and Mamleshwar then becomes an overflow for island crowds, so expect queues on those dates as well.
Everything travellers ask us most often. Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp and a real MP Holidays expert will reply.