SHRI OMKARESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA
CHAPTER FOUR
Om Namah Shivaya
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INTRODUCTION
"Salutations to Lord Ganesha. Today, I narrate to you the wonderful story of Omkareshwar – the fourth among the twelve Jyotirlingas."
This is not merely a story – it is the tale of Pranava (Om), the tale of the Narmada, and that divine play of the oneness of Shiva and Omkara, which teaches us – 'Om' itself is Brahman, and Brahman itself is Shiva.
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CHAPTER ONE
OM – THE SEED OF ALL MANTRAS
This is a very ancient tale... when creation came into being, the very first sound that emerged was the Pranava – 'Om'.
'Om' is that primordial mantra from which all the Vedas, all the scriptures, and the entire universe originated.
"Om" – this is the sound-form of Brahman. This is the seed mantra of Shiva.
Omkareshwar is the direct manifestation of this 'Om'. This is the place where Shiva, appearing in the form of 'Om', granted his vision to his devotees.
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CHAPTER TWO
THE NARMADA – THE DIVINE RIVER AND MANDATA ISLAND
Omkareshwar is situated in the middle of the Narmada river. This place is called Mandata Island.
The Significance of the Narmada –
The Narmada has been called the 'mother of sacred rivers'. It is said – "Merely having darshan of the Narmada destroys sins."
Mandata Island – The Shape of Om –
When viewed from above, this island resembles the shape of 'Om'. This is precisely why this place came to be known as Omkareshwar.
This is the only Jyotirlinga that is situated on an island in a river. This feature makes it unique.
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CHAPTER THREE
THE PENANCE OF THE SAGES AND PRAYERS TO SHIVA
In ancient times, many sages and devotees lived on the banks of the Narmada. They would bathe in the Narmada daily, perform yajnas and havans, and meditate upon Shiva.
One day, all the sages gathered and began to think – "We all worship Shiva, but can he not remain with us forever?"
Then all the sages together prayed to Lord Shiva – "O Lord! May you forever reside on this bank of the Narmada."
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CHAPTER FOUR
SHIVA'S MANIFESTATION – THE EMERGENCE OF OMKARESHWAR
Lord Shiva was extremely pleased with the prayers of his devotees. He manifested on Mandata Island, in the middle of the Narmada.
He assumed two forms –
1. Omkareshwar – (in the form of Om)
2. Amleshwar / Mamleshwar – (the second form)
Both forms reside at different locations, but both share the same name – Omkareshwar.
"This is why Omkareshwar is divided into two parts – one is Omkareshwar, the other is Amleshwar."
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CHAPTER FIVE
OMKARESHWAR AND AMLESHWAR – TWO FORMS, ONE SOUL
1. Omkareshwar –
This is the main Jyotirlinga, located in the southern part of Mandata Island. The Shivalinga here is self-manifested and is believed to be in the shape of 'Om'.
2. Amleshwar (Mamleshwar) –
This is located in the northern part of Mandata Island. It is also called 'Mamleshwar', because according to one legend – Mama (mother) worshipped Shiva here.
Both temples are symbols of the same sanctity and the same power.
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CHAPTER SIX
THE NARMADA PARIKRAMA – A UNIQUE TRADITION
Omkareshwar has a special tradition of the Narmada Parikrama.
What is the Narmada Parikrama?
It is a pilgrimage on foot along both banks of the Narmada river.
It is approximately 2,600 kilometers long.
It takes 3 to 4 years to complete.
This entire journey is a symbol of Shiva devotion and self-discipline.
Why?
It is believed – performing the Narmada Parikrama destroys sins of many lifetimes and leads to liberation.
"This is considered the longest pilgrimage in the world – and it begins from Omkareshwar."
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CHAPTER SEVEN
THE DIVINE HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE
Mythological Belief –
Omkareshwar is mentioned in the Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, and Linga Purana.
It is believed that Lord Rama also worshipped here. It is said – Rama installed and worshipped a Shivalinga on the banks of the Narmada.
Historical Background –
The temple was built in the 9th-10th century.
The Paramara kings developed this temple.
The Holkar and Scindia rulers also got it renovated.
Worship continued here even during the Mughal period.
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CHAPTER EIGHT
THE TEMPLE'S ARCHITECTURE AND SPECIAL FEATURES
The architecture of the Omkareshwar temple is extremely grand and ancient.
Temple Structure –
Style – Nagara style (North Indian)
Sanctum Sanctorum – Houses the Shivalinga – self-manifested, Om-shaped
Spire – Massive and grand, with a golden kalasha
Courtyard – Very large, with space for thousands of devotees
Other Deities –
The temple complex also houses other temples –
Siddhanath – a form of Mahadeva
Mother Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Nandi
Special Feature –
The temple is situated on an island in the middle of the Narmada.
It is surrounded by water.
One has to use a boat or a bridge to reach it.
This is the only one among the 12 Jyotirlingas that is on a river island.
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CHAPTER NINE
OTHER BELIEFS ASSOCIATED WITH OMKARESHWAR
1. The Mystery of Om –
Omkareshwar is itself a symbol of 'Om'. The Shivalinga here is believed to be in the shape of 'Om'.
"Whoever chants Om, attains Shiva – this is the principle."
2. Pancha-Jyotirlinga –
It is believed – five Jyotirlingas exist together here –
Omkareshwar, Amleshwar, Siddhanath, Brahma, Vishnu
This is why it is also called the "Pancha-Jyotirlinga site".
3. Narmada Snan (Holy Dip) –
Taking a dip in the Narmada here has special significance. It is believed – taking a dip in the Narmada washes away all sins.
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CHAPTER TEN
MAHASHIVARATRI AND OTHER FESTIVALS
Maha Shivaratri –
On Maha Shivaratri, special aarti and Rudrabhishek are performed here. Thousands of devotees gather here.
Shravan Month –
During the month of Shravan, the Monday fasts hold special significance here. Devotees bring water from the Narmada and perform abhishek on the Shivalinga.
Kartik Purnima –
On Kartik Purnima, a grand festival of lamps (Deepotsav) is celebrated here. Thousands of lamps are lit on the banks of the Narmada.
Navaratri –
During Navaratri, special worship of Mother Parvati is performed.
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CHAPTER ELEVEN
INTERESTING FACTS
First – This is the only Jyotirlinga situated on an island in a river.
Second – When viewed from above, the island here resembles the shape of 'Om'.
Third – Two Jyotirlingas exist here together – Omkareshwar and Amleshwar.
Fourth – The Narmada Parikrama begins from Omkareshwar.
Fifth – There is a separate temple of Mother Narmada here.
Sixth – It is believed – having darshan here bestows the attainment of 'Om'.
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CHAPTER TWELVE
THE SPIRITUAL MESSAGE – THE ESSENCE OF THE STORY
This story carries a deep spiritual meaning –
1. The Importance of Om –
Omkareshwar teaches us – 'Om' is the seed of all mantras. 'Om' itself is Brahman. 'Om' itself is Shiva.
2. The Purity of the Narmada –
The holy dip in the Narmada teaches us to purify both the outside and the inside.
3. Duality and Non-Duality –
Omkareshwar and Amleshwar – two forms, one soul. This teaches – there are two names, but one essence.
4. Penance and Devotion –
The penance of the sages made Shiva manifest. This teaches – true penance surely brings Shiva's presence.
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CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CONCLUSION
This story of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga teaches us –
"'Om' itself is Brahman, and Brahman itself is Shiva. Omkareshwar is the direct manifestation of this 'Om'. Whoever chants Om, attains Shiva. The purity of the Narmada and the penance of the sages have made this place immortal."
Whoever remembers Omkareshwar with devotion, attains the mastery of Om, wisdom, and liberation – all three.
This is the story of Omkareshwar... this is the glory of the fourth Jyotirlinga.
Om Namah Shivaya.
Jai Omkareshwar.
Jai Maa Narmada.
— The End —