Jyotirlinga
Sthalams
Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar
is situated on the Mandhata hills in Madhya Pradesh, known in ancient times
as Shivpuri. The temple dates back to the Krita Yuga. River
Narmada flows here around the Mandhata hill in the form of an Om (Omkaram).
The Jyotir
Lingam split into two, and there are two Siva lingams, Omkareswarar &
Amaleshwarar (Amareshwarar).
Mandhata was
a great Emperor of the Ishvaku clan who ruled this land. He
did great penance in this land & there is an ashram called Mandhata
ashram here.
It is said that
once, sage Naradar during his visit to the Vindyas, sang the praise of
mount Meru to Mount Vindhya. On hearing this, Mount Vindhya prayed
to Lord Siva to gain in importance. Lord Siva blessed him & appeared
here as Omkareshwarar & Amaleshwarar and gave the boon of grwoing,
but without hindering Siva devotees.. But the Vindhyas did not stop
growing, and even obstructed the sun and the moon. Sage Agasthyar
subdued its growth by saying it should not grow till he gets back there.
He never went back & hence the growth was arrested.
The Omkareshawar
temple is built in the North Inidan style of architecture, with high
spires. Devotees consider worship to Panchamuga Ganesha, to be very
auspicious. There is a shrine for Annapoorani. Siva Lingas
of various sizes are sold in great numbers in this place.
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