Story of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोङ्कारममलेश्वरम्॥

Omkareshwar Town

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is the fourth holy shrine of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The island is shaped like the holy symbol of ॐ. It is situated in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. state in India. It is about 12 km from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. Omkareshwar is formed by the sacred river Narmada. This is one of the most sacred of rivers in India and is now home to one of the world's biggest dam projects. The temple is situated on Mandatha island on the banks of river Narmada and river Kaveri (a tributary of Narmada). The island is 2.6 km² (2,600,000 m²) in the area and can be approached by boats or by foot-over bridges. There is no way a motorised vehicle can enter the Island. The temple is situated on a mountain and one has to climb several stairs to reach the Garbgrih. The crowd is very much on special days like Sundays(being a holiday), Mondays(because it is the day of Lord Shiva) and on other special days in the Hindu calendar.

Story of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga:

             Once upon a time, there was a man named Vindhya. He had the desire to become the tallest human being in the whole world. One day Narad Muni was on an excursion. Seeing Vindhya he stopped to talk to him. Vindhya, after paying respect to him said, “Devrishi Narad! I want to become the tallest of all the humans on this earth. No one should be taller than me.” Hearing this Narad Muni said “If you want this then pray to Lord Shiva. He will grant you this boon for sure.”

Lord Omkareshwar Shringar

          Hearing this Vindhya began to pray to Lord Shiva. After years of Tapasya Lord Shiva appeared before him. Seeing him before his eyes, Vindhya’s happiness knew no bounds. Lord Shiva asked him for his boon. Vindhya replied, “Lord! I want to become the tallest of all in the world. No one should be taller than me.” Hearing this Lord Shiva said, “I will give you this boon but always remember my words, with this boon do not do anything that creates a problem for you or for the world." Vindhya having promised Lord Shiva got the boon and began to increase his size. Soon he became the tallest on the entire earth. But he feared that his rival Meru may also have asked for the same boon. Therefore he began to increase his size even more. At this stage, he became so big that his weight was becoming unbearable for Devi Prithvi(Hindi name of the earth).

View of river Narmada from Mandhata Island

          All the gods along with Goddess Prithvi went to Lord Shiva. Everyone put their problems before him. Lord Chandra(moon) and Lord Surya(sun) said, " Lord! Vindhya is increasing his size without stopping. We are in fear that we may crash with Vindhya." Hearing their pleas, Lord Shiva said," Vindhya will have to grow even more." The gods were in for a shock. Dev Rishi Narad having understood Mahadev's plan instantly went to Vindhya. Vindhya, on seeing him said with arrogance," See! Devrishi I have become the tallest of all." Devrishi Narad muffled a laugh and said," No doubt Vindhya that you have become the tallest of all on the earth. Your Shikhar(Head/peak) is the tallest on earth but since you are now in Aakash(sky) the competition has changed. Look at the Planets and Nakshatras they are Bigger and taller than you and look at Tridev and in tridev especially Mahadev. No one is taller than Mahadev." Hearing his words, Vindhya thundered and declared," I will become the tallest! I will become taller than even Mahadev!" Devrishi Narad hearing this realised that his work has been done and went away from there. 

Mandhata Island

             Meanwhile, Vindhya continued to grow. After some time he began to hear the sound of "OM". Just as he began to realize what was happening around him, he saw Lord Shiva meditating. Vindhya was awestruck at Lord Shiva's size. Compared to him, Vindhya was only a grain of rice. Vindhya realized his folly and pleaded, "Forgive me, Lord! Forgive me! I have realized my grave foolishness. Please take back your boon. I have realized that I became blind because of arrogance." Mahadev smiled and closed his eyes. In a flash, Vindhya became as he was earlier.

Do read 'An introduction to Jyotirlinga' to get yourself familiar with the Jyotirlingas and better understand their legends.

              Mahadev appeared before him and said," Your size can never become your source for happiness. Always remember, if you are small there must be something that is, even more, smaller than you. Similarly, there will be something that will be bigger/taller than you. Comparing yourself with someone and wishing that you were more than him is foolishness. Everyone's size is decided by the work that he has to perform." After this Mahadev explained the significance of OM to Vindhya. [UPDATE] The meaning of Om the article about the significance and meaning of Om. For now, we go back to the legend of Omkareshwar. After explaining the significance of OM to Vindhya, Vindhya requested Lord Shiva to establish a shivling and guide his devotees. Lord Shiva established two shivlings at Omkareshwar. The first one came to be known as Omkareshwar while the second one was known by the name, Mamleshwar. The reason behind this was that the Omkareshwar Shivling was so powerful that no grihsta person could bear its power. The establishment of a second shivling struck a balance between both the Lingas, thereby making it possible for a normal person to bear its power.

DARSHAN AND AARTI TIMINGS:

5:00 AM - Temple Opening Hours & Naivedya Bhog

5:30 AM - Darshan Starts

12:00 Noon to 1:10 PM- Midday Bhog

1:15 PM - Darshan Start

4:00 PM - Shringar Darshan of Lord Omkareshwar(No Jal Abhishek allowed after 4 pm)

8:30 PM to 9:00 PM- Shayan Aarti

9:00 PM to 9:35 PM- Shayan Darshan

10:00 PM- Closing 

Omkareshwar Mandir Gali

HOW TO REACH OMKARESHWAR:

By Flight:
There is no airport in Omkareshwar. However, air passengers can take the flight to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore which is located 77 KM from Omkareshwar. Another closest airport is in Bhopal. Private cabs and radio taxis are easily available from the airports to reach the desired destination.

By Road:
The nearest bus stand is at Mhow which is located 48 KM from Omkareshwar. The next major bus stop is at Khandwa at a distance of 73 KM. Tourists can also board direct buses from Ujjain, Indore, Bhopal and other cities. Seats in Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (MPRTC) buses and private buses can be booked online.

By Train:
Omkareshwar, fortunately, has its own railhead. Many trains ply from different cities to reach Omkareshwar Road. The station is on the Akola-Ratlam railway line.

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