Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Timings, Booking, Significance
The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. This revered shrine, often referred to as the Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple or Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, sits on the island of Mandhata shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol ‘Om’ in the Narmada River. The Omkareshwar Mandir attracts pilgrims year-round and is a key religious destination in Omkareshwar MP.
Spiritual Significance of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Omkareshwar is believed to represent the eternal sound ‘Om’, the source of all creation. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva here grants liberation (moksha), spiritual strength, and protection from evil. The dual presence of Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar Jyotirlingas on opposite sides of the Narmada also symbolizes the divine unity of Shiva and Shakti.
Omkareshwar Darshan Booking
- General darshan is available without pre-booking
- During festival times and Shravan month, expect large crowds
- Online darshan booking
Omkareshwar VIP Darshan
- VIP Darshan tickets available on-site at counters
- Booking early in the morning is advisable to avoid long queues
- Entry is prioritized for senior citizens and differently abled during regular days
- Price Range: ₹200–₹500 per person (subject to change)
- Includes faster access and sometimes abhishekam option
Omkareshwar Temple Timings
- Temple Opens: 5:00 AM
- Darshan Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Aarti Timings:
- Morning Aarti – 5:30 AM
- Evening Aarti – 8:00 PM
Note: Timings may vary slightly on special days and festivals
How to Reach Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar is well connected by road and rail. Here’s how to plan your journey:
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station to Omkareshwar: Omkareshwar Road Station (12 km away), connected via Khandwa and Indore
- From the station, autos and shared cabs are available
By Road
- Regular buses and taxis run from nearby major cities:
- Indore to Omkareshwar Distance: ~78 km (2 hours)
- Ujjain to Omkareshwar: ~135 km (3.5 hours)
- Mahakal to Omkareshwar: ~135 km
- Khandwa to Omkareshwar: ~72 km (2 hours)
- Ujjain to Omkareshwar Bus: Regular buses run by MPRTC; also available via private operators
- General darshan is available without pre-booking
- During festival times and Shravan month, expect large crowds
Rituals and Pujas at Omkareshwar
Visitors can perform several traditional rituals and pujas at the temple:
- Rudrabhishek: Performed with milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar
- Laghu Rudra & Maha Rudra: Elaborate Vedic rituals for well-being and prosperity
- Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap: A powerful mantra chanting ritual for longevity and health
- Parthiv Shivling Puja: A rare and auspicious offering involving clay shivalingas
Bookings for these rituals can be done at the temple premises or via authorized priests.
Facilities at Omkareshwar Temple
| Facility | Availability | Location/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | Yes | Near temple and ghats |
| Cloakroom | Yes | ₹10–₹20 at ghat-side |
| Restrooms | Yes | Public toilets near entrance |
| Drinking Water | Yes | Near main entry gate |
| Wheelchair Access | Limited | Slopes and stairs make it partially accessible |
Festivals and Events at Omkareshwar
| Festival | Highlights |
| Maha Shivratri | Night-long pujas, grand procession, and massive devotee turnout |
| Shravan Month | Special daily abhishekam and large crowds |
| Kartik Purnima | Holy bath in Narmada, cultural celebrations |
Hotels Near Omkareshwar Temple
| Hotel Name | Price Range | Distance from Temple | Booking Link |
| Narmada Hills Resort | ₹1,500–₹2,500 | 1 km | Goibibo |
| Omkar Palace | ₹800–₹1,200 | 200 meters | Booking.com |
| Shree Gajanan Yatri Niwas | ₹700–₹1,000 | 500 meters | Cleartrip |
| MP Tourism Guest House | ₹1,000–₹1,800 | 750 meters | MP Tourism |
Omkareshwar Tourist Places
| Place | Description | Distance from Temple |
| Mamleshwar Temple | Twin jyotirlinga temple on the opposite bank of Narmada | 500 meters (via hanging bridge) |
| Omkareshwar Parikrama Path | Sacred walking trail around Mandhata Island | 7–8 km full circle |
| Govindeshwar Caves | Spiritual caves associated with Adi Shankaracharya | ~1.5 km |
| Kedareshwar Temple | Another important Shiva temple on the island | 1 km |
Nearby Temples Around Omkareshwar
| Temple | Description | Distance from Omkareshwar |
| Mamleshwar Temple | Twin Jyotirlinga temple across the bridge | 500 meters |
| Kedareshwar Temple | A revered Shiva temple near the parikrama path | 1 km |
| Govindeshwar Caves | Spiritual site where Adi Shankaracharya meditated | 1.5 km |
| Siddhanath Temple | Historic site with beautiful carvings | 2 km |
Omkareshwar Weather
| Season | Temperature | Ideal for Visit |
| Winter (Oct–Feb) | 10°C–25°C | Best time to visit |
| Summer (Mar–Jun) | 28°C–40°C | Can be hot; carry water and cover head |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | 22°C–32°C | Lush views but river levels may rise |
Omkareshwar Temple FAQs
Q1. Where is Omkareshwar Temple?
Ans. Omkareshwar is in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh, on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River.
Q2. How to reach Omkareshwar?
Ans. Accessible via Indore, Khandwa, and Ujjain by road and rail. Nearest airport is Indore.
Q3. How to reach Omkareshwar by train?
Ans. Board trains to Omkareshwar Road Station, 12 km from the temple. Taxis and autos are available outside.
Q4. How much time it takes for Omkareshwar Darshan?
Ans. 1–2 hours on normal days. During festivals, it can take up to 3–4 hours.