Omkareshwar – A Shapeless Manifestation of the Non-Manifest

Introduction - Omkareshwar is about 87 km from Indore and takes about 3 hours via bus. Omkareshwar is one of the joytir-lingas among the twelve hence considered very sacred for Hindus. On above of this, it is located on the banks of Narmada river, which is also considered very sacred for Hindus. The infamous Sardar Sarovar Pariyojna on Narmada river is constructing a dam near Omkareshwar only. This small temple town is situated on both the sides of Narmada banks, making Narmada like a lifeline of the town. However, the main island is sprawled along the southern bank of the Narmada. Barely four km by two km, the island is composed of two hills divided by a shallow valley; the contours thus formed give it the shape of Om, the holiest among Hindu symbols. The town is named on this symbol formation. The island, also called Mandhata, can be reached from the town across the river by a cantilevered bridge or by a ferry. This island is oriented around the main shrine of Omkareshwar, religiously and commercially as well.

Monuments – There are not many monuments of interest in Omkareshwar, in architectural sense, however you will find many modern religious shrines in the town.

1. Omkareshwar Temple - This shrine can be seen from long distance attributed to its white high rising spire. It is built on the edge of a cliff overlooking river Narmada. The core of the existing temple is perhaps built by Paramaras in 11th century as seen by its Bhumija style of spire. The most of the present shrine is built quite later, in the 19th century by Holkars. This is a three tiered temple, where Shiva linga is placed on the lowest level. There is a Panchamukhi Ganesha shrine on the next level. The uppermost level has Annapurana shrine. The pillars of the mandapa are carved with sculptures and yaksha capitals. This is the only jyotirlinga where the linga is not of proper shape or better say shapeless. You can take photographs inside the mandapa but not of the sanctum.

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