Omkareswar Temple -Jyothirlingam

About Jyotirlinga Temples

Jyotirlinga is a popular term associated with Lord Shiva which has been mentioned many times in Hindu mythology. Shiva manifested as 12 endless beams of light or Jyotirlingas at 12 locations in India, which are the world famous Jyotirlinga temples. The Lingas at these locations are not manmade and it is believed that Lord Shiva had established them by himself. The temples that exist at these places were built around the Lingas or idols.

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

The Omkareshwar temple is one of the 12 famous Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva, which is of tremendous religious significance to all Hindus. Situated upon the Mandhata hills or Shivpuri on the banks of river Narmada, this legendary temple has several fascinating legends associated with it.

Let us look at some interesting facts about the legends associated with the Omakareshwar Jyotirlinga temple –

Legends Of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

1. Hindu mythology mentions a violent war that had broken out between the Devas and their evil counterparts, the Asuras. The Asuras had unfortunately defeated them and the powers of the Devas were weakening considerably.

2. The Devas were quite helpless. Seeing no other option of defeating the Asuras, the Devas offered prayers to Lord Shiva. Pleased with their prayers, Lord Shiva in the form of Omkareshwar manifested on earth and defeated the Asuras.

3. Another legend is the story of the Vindhya mountain, who was once provoked by sage Narada, who teased it that Mount Meru was more important. Vindhya was determined to prove Narada wrong and started observing strict penance with the aim of pleasing Lord Shiva.

4. Lord Shiva was greatly pleased by the devotion of Vindhya and granted him his wish of being greater than Meru. The lingam that was worshipped by Vindhya was split into two on the request of the Gods and sages.

5. One of the lingams is known as Omkareshwar which is located in the Omkareshwar temple on the Shivpuri hills. The other Lingam known as the Mamaleshwar is situated at the opposite bank of the Narmada river.

6. King Mandhata of Ishvaku clan worshipped Lord Shiva here, and the Lord gave him a darshan when he was pleased by his penance. Mandhata’s sons Ambarish and Mucchkund were also great devotees of Lord Shiva and used to perform ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva here.  King Mandhata was also the ancestor of Lord Rama.