Omkareshwar Temple
Situated on the banks of the
Narmada,Omkareshwar is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is
located at a distance of about 12 miles from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. The
river Narmada spits into two and forms an island Mandhata or Shivapuri in the
center. The shape of the island resembles that of the visual representation of
the Omkara sound,Om. There are two temples here,one to Omkareshwar and one to
Amareshwar.
Legend has it that the Vindhya mountain prayed
to Shiva - Omkareshwara and was blessed here. Legend also has it that upon the
request of the Devas,the Shivalinga split into two,one half being Omkareshwara
and the other Amaleshwara or Amareshwar. King Mandhatha of the Ishvaku clan is
believed to have worshiped Shiva here. The Omkareshawar temple is built in the
North Indian style of architecture,with high spires. Devotees consider worship
to Panchamuga Ganesha,to be very auspicious.
Shri Omkar Mandhata
The main temple with detailed carving in soap
stone stands on a mile long and half mile island.
Siddhnath Temple
A frieze of elephants carved on a stone slab is
the main draw of this example of early medieval Branmhatic architecture.
24 Avataras
A cluster of Hindu and Jain temples in varied
architecture modes.
Satmatrika Temple
A group of 10th century temples.
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