Omkareshwar Temple

It is believed that the Vindhya mountain, seeking release from his pride and sins, built a Shivalinga of clay here and performed intense penance. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva appeared in two forms, Omkareshwar and Amareshwar (Mamleshwar). Since the mound of clay had taken the shape of Om, the island came to be called Omkareshwar.

Mandhata Island, cradled between two channels of the Narmada, is clearly shaped like the syllable Om when seen from above, making it the most geographically distinctive of the twelve Jyotirlinga sites. The Mamleshwar Temple at the island's other end is also worshipped as the Amareshwar Jyotirlinga, though traditional lists count Omkareshwar itself among the twelve.

Omkareshwar's most distinctive tradition is its Shayan Aarti, held around 9 to 9:30 PM. Afterward, a silver bed, a Chausar (dice game) board, a fan, and a damru are arranged in the sanctum, it is believed that Shiva and Parvati come here every night to rest and play their game of Chausar.

Reaching the island involves crossing a bridge over the Narmada, followed by a short climb of steps to the temple. Pilgrims often combine their visit with darshan at the nearby Mamleshwar Temple and the Narmada ghats.