Hidden Facts & Story of  Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga: Symbolism, Significance and Religious

12 Jyotirlingas are the most sacred shrines in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is the 4th Shiva Lingam, situated in Madhya Pradesh. The temple rests near the shores of the Narmada River. Omkareshwar came to be known due to the eminent peaks of Om-shaped mountains that touch the sky and give a beautiful overlook of the entire earth. Omkareshwar temple is mentioned in sacred Indian mythology, Vedic Story, and sacred Hindu texts such as the Vedas and Puranas. Omkareshwar island has six pilgrimages where 33 deities live, thus making the Jyotirlinga temple one of the most visited spiritual places.

How the Omkareshwar Symbolic Manifestation Formed

Omkareshware Jyotirlinga, the 4th Shiva Lingam, is a symbolic manifestation of “Om,” the sacred sound of the universe, formed after the curves of the Narmada River. The river Narmada is the 5th longest river in India and is the daughter of Lord Shiva. She is the goddess of liberation, and she gives mukti to her devotees. Thus, she makes the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga even more sacred to Shiva devotees. However, Lord Shiva appears in Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in an Omkara Swaroopa.

Spiritual Importance of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

According to ancient texts, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple has great religious importance. The temple is mentioned in the Skanda Purana, the Shiva Purana, and the Vayu Purana. It is believed that whoever prays and visits Omkareshwar with undisputed and unshakeable belief in Lord Shiva will attain protection from negativity present on earth. Devotees also believe that whoever does a Parikrama at the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple gets salvation after death.

Vedic Tale of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Origin

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga story is diverse, as it is mentioned in different Indian mythologies and Hindu texts.

Tale-1

According to Hindu mythology, Narad Muni, son of Lord Brahma and goddess Saraswati, visited the Vindhya Mountains. He was so furious because he did not find any home for Lord Shiva in the entire region. Narad Muni highlighted this issue in front of Vindhya Mountain and asked him to start Tapasya to repent for his grievous mistake.

Soon, Vindhyachal Mountain began meditating on Lord Shiva with complete faith. Lord Shiva was impressed with Vindhya’s determination and patience and appeared before him. Lord Shiva blessed Vindhyachal Mountain, saying that he would reside on his island as Pranava Linga.

Thereafter, Mahadev told Vindhyachal that he would divide the Pranava Linga into two parts—Mamleshwar and Omkareshwar.

• Mamleshwar linga is an earthly lingam.
• Omkareshwar is a Jyoti Linga, a pillar of light.

Since then, Vindhyachala Mountain came to be known as Omkareshwar, and then a temple was built to worship the Lord Shiva.

Tale-2

Omkareshwar origin goes like this: King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku dynasty (the legacy of Lord Rama’s lineage) did extreme Tapasa. Lord Shiva was so impressed with King Madhata’s faith. Thus, he appeared and blessed him as a form of Jyotirlinga.

Tale-3

Story of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, the 4th Shiva Lingam, comes from Hindu scriptures. It narrates how there was a fierce battle between the gods and demons. The demons won the battle, and as a result, the gods were fearful of their victory. They prayed to Mahadev for his protection and blessings. Lord Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, defeated the demons, and rested as a protector of gods in the Vindhyachal Mountains.

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga: Architectural Significance

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple, the 4th Shiva Lingam among the 12 sacred Shivalinga, Somnath, Mallikarjuna, and others has unique yet beautiful architectural significance. The temple was built in Nagara style with features such as high spires, detailed muraties, elaborate frescoes, and more. Omkareshwar temple has a huge baranda and carved columns in squares, circles, and polygons, and these features add visual appeal to the temple.

The architects used soft stone to construct the temple with surprising degrees, angels, and intricately carved roofs. The temple comprises a 14-foot-high, spacious sabha mandapa and 40 massive pillars with Yakshi figures. It has a total of five stories with different gods, such as Shree Omkareshwar, Shree Mahakaleshwar, Shree Siddhanath, Shree Gupteshwar, and Dhwajdhari Shikhar.

The temple also has a Panchmukhi Ganesh idol and Goddess Annapoorna in the complex. It also has Lord Krishna, Goddess Narmada, and Lord Shani. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is installed in the divine sanctum on the ground floor of the temple and remains immersed in water.

Interesting Facts About Omkareshwar Temple

• Omkareshwar island is situated between two lofty mountains, Vindhyachal. A valley dives into the island and creates the breathtaking shape of Om, the symbol of all creation.
• Priests and devotees perform Shayan Aarti every night. It is believed that Mahadev himself is present in the night aarti.
• Hindu saints and devotees believe that worshiping Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga means completing the Panch Kedars and Kedarnath.
• Swami Gajanand Saraswati, a mystic and renowned Hindu scholar, claimed that Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple was first constructed around 7,99,25,105 years before, based on the facts on Prabhas Khand of Skanda Purana.
• According to the Skanda Purana, it is believed that there have been six Brahmas, and the 7th Brahma is the present one, known as the Shatanand. Lord Shiva declared that there would be a Somnath temple in the 7th Yuga, and the last Jyotirlinga would be called Mrityunjaya.
• The Dhyan Mandap is a special building within the temple complex to sit in to develop a connection with our inner selves. The serene atmosphere within this sacred region boosts the spiritual experiences of those who visit.
• The Mama-Bhanja ki Pul, also called the Omkareshwar Bridge, links to Omkar Island.
• Five aartis, or rituals, are performed at the Omkareshwar Temple each day. The Mangal Aarti is performed in the morning, and the Shayan Aarti is performed at night.
• The Omkareshwar Temple has a celestial aura and creates a spiritually uplifting environment.
• It is believed that the vibrations of these sacred bells cleanse the surrounding space and calm the devotees’ emotions.

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, the 4th Shiva Lingam is an intriguing temple with religious and cultural value. It has gained popularity as a pilgrimage for its unique positioning on an island and the mythical tales. The temple is incredible with magnificent architecture, sculptures, and tranquil shores.