The holy city of Omkareshwar is famous Mahadev Temple which is also a Jyotirlinga among the 12 others situated in various states of India. The temple is situated on a hillock on the om shaped island called the Mandhata, on the Narmada river. A temple town situated in the picturesque surrounding of the meandering rocky banks of Narmada is appealing to religious as well as other visitors.
Numerous boats to ferry the devotees
The journey to Omkareshwar through the hills and the greens is pleasant enough. The meter gauge railway track crossing and passing by the road enhancing the beauty of the surrounding. Corn and guava vendors do a brisk business taking the advantage of the stranded vehicles near the railway crossing while the train whistles and passes by.
An empty boat in seeking passenger
No sooner the gates open and the vehicles move on. The vendors wait by the roadside for the next train to pass by. Thus through a couple of railway crossing and many curves on the serpentine road we reached the city. Passing through the long bridge over the Narmada gave us the great view of the two parallel bridges running by its side.
Bridges from the bridge
On reaching the temple area little did we realize that such a scenic destination is awaiting us. Walking by the regular offering stalls we reached a suspension bridge. This is a foot bridge so no vehicles are allowed. On one side there was the Omkareshwar Dam. The other side had another bridge for the vehicles.
The Omkareshwar Dam and the Narmada Ghat in front
Below the green water of the Narmada seemed even more serene and pious. The Narmada Ghat on one side also served as the jetty for the boats, which are an alternative mode of transport to the island. The island was the hub of all activities and attraction.
Boats and more boat and the bridge for the vehicles
The temple being a Jyotirlinga holds a special importance as per the Hindu religious aspect. So the footfall to this temple is always high. Even on normal working days thousands of devotees gather to pay their respect to the Great Lord. On holidays and during festivities the inflow doubles and triples. On occasions like Mahashivratri fairs are organised and special facilities are also arranged for the large number of incoming devotees.
Hundreds of devotees waiting for the darshan
The Omkareshwar Mahadev, the Gondeshwar Temple, Adi Sankara Caves, Siddhanath temple and a lot more temples are all located on this side of the river or the island. The most interesting part was the river banks. I would better call it a ravine of stepped rocky walls.
The rocky ravine
This rendered a special uniqueness to the place enhancing its charm. Some age-old building stood by the ghat as reminiscent of the royal past. One can easily spend hours sitting by the river in cool breeze enjoying the pleasing view.
The age-old houses by the river bank
The rest was the religious part of our trip. Which was pretty much same as in any other famous temples. Thousands of devotees rushing to have the darshan first. We too joined the melee and had the darshan of the great God. Again to be enthralled by the view while our return. Our trip was not very eventful but was soulful.
The suspension bridge for the pedestrian
We have never seen the God. We do not know how the almighty looks like. But we surely have seen his creation. Has perceived the beauty of his creation and felt his blessing in the form of all the natural resources. I feel this is the true essence of devotion when we feel the presence of God in his creation and among all of us. I would rather take you through this divine location through my pictures.
Omkareshwar at a glance, with travel information.
Another angle of the same view
The long bridge and selfie seekers
The suspension bridge
Yet another angle of the same bridge
The strange rocky bank
Some old haveli on the island near the temple
Loved that bridge and some great views 🙂
Thanks Daniel 🙂