About Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located on Mandhata island in the Narmada river in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh. The island is believed to be shaped like the sacred syllable Om, which gives the shrine its name, Lord of Omkara. Across the river stands the Mamleshwar (Amareshwar) temple, and devotees traditionally visit both, as together they are revered as the Jyotirlinga. The peaceful river setting, ghats and boats make it one of the most scenic pilgrim towns in central India.
One legend tells that the Vindhya mountain worshipped Shiva here, and Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar to bless him. Another links the island to King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku dynasty, ancestor of Lord Rama, who performed penance here, and the island still bears his name. Omkareshwar is also important in the life of Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have met his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada in a cave on this island. The Narmada itself is deeply sacred, and many pilgrims walk the Narmada Parikrama.
The main temple is built in the Nagara style, with a tall shikhara and several floors, each with a shrine. The Jyotirlinga is small and sits slightly below floor level, with water from the river around it. On the island you will also see ghats, old temples, and the large Statue of Oneness, a tall image of Adi Shankaracharya.
Omkareshwar Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM, with a short break around midday for the bhog offering. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | About 5:00 AM |
| Madhyahna Bhog | Around midday |
| Shayan Aarti | About 8:30 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Omkareshwar Temple
By air
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore, is about 80 km away.
By train
Omkareshwar Road (Mortakka) station is about 12 km away; Indore and Khandwa are major junctions about 75-80 km away.
By road
Buses and taxis run from Indore, Ujjain and Khandwa. The island is reached by footbridges or by boat.
Festivals at Omkareshwar Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan MonthJul/Aug
- Kartik PurnimaOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Free general darshan; paid quick darshan may be available on busy days.
- Visit both Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar temples to complete the Jyotirlinga darshan.
- Take a boat ride on the Narmada for lovely views of the island and ghats.
- Walk the short parikrama path around Mandhata island if you have time.
- Combine with Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar, about 140 km away, for a two-Jyotirlinga trip.
Places to visit near Omkareshwar Temple
- Mamleshwar TempleTwin Jyotirlinga shrine on the south bank, a short walk across the bridge
- Statue of OnenessTall statue of Adi Shankaracharya on Mandhata island
- Siddhanath TempleOld temple ruins on the island, about 1-2 km from the main shrine
- MaheshwarHistoric town of Ahilyabai Holkar on the Narmada, about 65 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Omkareshwar temple timings?
The temple usually opens around 5:00 AM and closes around 9:30 PM, with a short midday break. Check locally on festival days.
What is the difference between Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar?
Omkareshwar is on Mandhata island and Mamleshwar is on the opposite bank. Both are worshipped together as the Jyotirlinga.
How far is Omkareshwar from Indore?
About 80 km, a drive of roughly two to two and a half hours.
Why is Omkareshwar island shaped like Om?
The island formed by the Narmada and its branch is traditionally believed to resemble the Om symbol when seen from above.
What is the aarti time at Omkareshwar Temple?
Mangala Aarti: About 5:00 AM; Madhyahna Bhog: Around midday; Shayan Aarti: About 8:30 PM. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Omkareshwar Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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