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 Omkareshwar is situated on the Mandhata hills in Madhya
Pradesh, known in ancient times as Shivpuri. The temple dates back
to the Krita Yuga. River Narmada flows here around the Mandhata hill
in the form of an Om (Omkaram).
The Jyotir Lingam split into two, and there are two Siva
lingams, Omkareswarar & Amaleshwarar (Amareshwarar).
Mandhata was a great Emperor of the Ishvaku clan who
ruled this land. He did great penance in this land & there is an
ashram called Mandhata ashram here. It is said that once, sage
Naradar during his visit to the Vindyas, sang the praise of mount
Meru to Mount Vindhya. On hearing this, Mount Vindhya prayed to Lord
Siva to gain in importance. Lord Siva blessed him & appeared
here as Omkareshwarar & Amaleshwarar and gave the boon of
grwoing, but without hindering Siva devotees.. But the Vindhyas did
not stop growing, and even obstructed the sun and the moon. Sage
Agasthyar subdued its growth by saying it should not grow till he
gets back there. He never went back & hence the growth was
arrested.
The Omkareshawar temple is built in the North Inidan
style of architecture, with high spires. Devotees consider worship
to Panchamuga Ganesha, to be very auspicious. There is a shrine for
Annapoorani. Siva Lingas of various sizes are sold in great numbers
in this place.
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