High medieval · Hindu · India

Omkareshwar Temple

Mandhata Island, Narmada, Madhya Pradesh · 22.2456°, 76.1519°

Shiva (Omkareshwar & Mamleshwar)ParamaraNagara (Bhumija)Jyotirlinga
Sacred since
1000 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
medieval (Paramara era), repaired since
Paramara

History & significance

Jyotirlinga on an island shaped — pilgrims say — like the syllable ॐ, where the Narmada parts around Mandhata hill. The parikrama of the island, and the twin worship of Omkareshwar with Mamleshwar (Amareshwar) on the south bank, count as a single Jyotirlinga darshan; the 2023 'Statue of Oneness' of Adi Shankara nearby marks where he is said to have met his guru Govindapada in a Narmada cave.

Sthala katha — the legend

The Vindhya mountain, humiliated by Narada's praise of Meru, worshipped a linga of clay here until Shiva appeared as Omkara — even as mount Vindhya's granted boon of growth had to be checked by Agastya's famous 'wait till I return'.

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Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-26 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Paramara