Omkareshwar Temple is situated on an island which is said to be in the shape of the Om (ॐ) symbol, the island is known as Mandhata, situated in the Narmada river at Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Bhagwan Shiva.
There are two temples of Bhagwan Shiva here, one of Omkareshwar located on the island and one of Mamleshwar located on the south bank of Narmada River on the mainland.
History
Omkaleshwar is home to beautiful caves. One of the most popular caves is Adi Shankara’s cave which is situated below Omkareshwar temple and is said to be the place where Adi Sankara met his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada. The image of Adi Shankara is placed in the cave which still can be found.
The early Omkareshwar temple was wrecked during Tughlaq Invasion. The existing temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar. She also presented the silver idol which is currently present there.
Legends
There are three legends associated with the temple. the first legend as per Hindu scriptures says Vindya, the deity controlling the Vindyachal mountain range was worshiping Shiva in zero degrees plus to propitiate herself from the sins committed. She worshiped Lingam made of sand and clay. As a result, Prabhu Shiva was pleased with the worship and blessed her with the desired boon. Bhagwan Shiva made two parts of Lingas one is called Omkareshwar and the other is called Mamleshwar.
The second legend relates to Mandhata and his son’s penance. King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku clan(an ancestor of Bhagwan Ram) prayed Prabhu Shiva here until he emerged as a Jyotirlinga. Because of this, the island is named Mandhata.
The third legend is also popular, the story from Hindu scriptures depicts that there was a great war between Devas (gods) and Danavas (demons), in which Danavas won. The Devas couldn’t take the setback so they worshipped Shiva and ultimately Bhagwan Shiva got pleased and emerged in the form of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and defeated Danavas.