Omkareshwar
Address
Omkareshwar Road, Shaniwar Peth, Pune - 411030 (Near Balgandharva Rang Temple, Near Maharshi Vitthal Ramaji Shinde Bridge) Khandwa Madhya Pradhes, IndiaMap
Description
Omkareshwar is an epitome of the years-old Hindu traditions and timeless religious influence of Shiva on his devotees. This temple is the only place where Lord Shiva appeared in an Omkara Swaroopa. The religious importance of Omkareshwar finds mention in the Skanda Purana, the Shiv Purana, and the Vayu Purana.
Tales
Hindu mythology mentions a violent war that had broken out between the Devas and their evil counterparts, the Asuras. The Asuras had unfortunately defeated them and the powers of the Devas were weakening considerably. The Devas were quite helpless. Seeing no other option of defeating the Asuras, the Devas offered prayers to Lord Shiva. Pleased with their prayers, Lord Shiva in the form of Omkareshwar manifested on earth and defeated the Asuras. Another legend is the story of the Vindhya mountain, who was once provoked by sage Narada, who teased it that Mount Meru was more important. Vindhya was determined to prove Narada wrong and started observing strict penance with the aim of pleasing Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was greatly pleased by the devotion of Vindhya and granted him his wish of being greater than Meru. The lingam that was worshipped by Vindhya was split into two on the request of the Gods and sages. One of the lingams is known as Omkareshwar which is located in the Omkareshwar temple on the Shivpuri hills. The other Lingam known as the Mamaleshwar is situated at the opposite bank of the Narmada river. King Mandhata of Ishvaku clan worshipped Lord Shiva here, and the Lord gave him a darshan when he was pleased by his penance.
History
The temple is said to have been built by the Paramara Kings of Malwa in the 11th century CE. After the Paramara kings, the administration of the temple was taken over by the Chauhan rulers. In the 13th century CE, the temple suffered destruction and loot by Muslim invaders starting with Mahmud Ghazni. Nevertheless, the temple remained intact without complete destruction. The temple was under the Chauhan Kings during the entire Mughal rule, without much renovation. In the 19th century, the temple was rebuilt by the Holkar rulers, chiefly Rani Ahalya Bai Holkar.
Features
Deities:
Timings:
"All week: 6:00 am - 1:00 pm 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm"
Built:
1820
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