Discovering the Spiritual and Photographic Beauty of Omkareshwar: A Journey to the Sacred Island
Updated: Feb 20
Omkareshwar is a popular pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh, India, and is home to the revered Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple. It is located on an island in the Narmada river and is considered one of the holiest places in India. I recently had the opportunity to visit this beautiful place, and it was an experience I will never forget.
Getting There
Omkareshwar is located about 77 km from Indore, the nearest airport. From Indore, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the destination. The drive from Indore to Omkareshwar takes around two hours and is quite scenic.
Parikrama of Island in Boat:
Parikrama of Island in Boat:
The journey to Omkareshwar was an eventful one. On our way to the temple, we stopped at several beautiful locations to click some pictures. One such spot was the Bhadbhada Dam, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
After reaching the island, we hired a boat to take us on a parikrama, a circumambulation of the island. The boat ride was a beautiful experience, and we got to see the island from a different perspective. The boat ride took us through the gentle rapids of the Narmada river and offered stunning views of the surrounding hills.
The Omkareshwar Temple and Its Story:
The Omkareshwar temple is located on the island and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred lingams of Lord Shiva. The temple's architecture is beautiful, and it has an interesting history. Legend has it that once, Narada, a celestial sage, visited Vindhya Mountains and told Vindhya about the greatness of Mount Meru.
Vindhya was jealous of Mount Meru's greatness and prayed to Lord Shiva for a place where he could worship Shiva and gain equal fame. Lord Shiva appeared before him and gave him the island of Omkareshwar.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the lingam here is believed to be swayambhu, which means it emerged on its own. The temple's architecture is a mix of Nagara and Dravidian styles, and it has beautiful carvings and sculptures on its walls. The temple's sanctum sanctorum is located inside a cave and can be accessed through a narrow passage.
Good Location for Photography
Omkareshwar is a beautiful location for photography. The island is surrounded by the Narmada river, and the hills in the background offer stunning views. The Omkareshwar temple's architecture is also quite unique, and the intricate carvings on the temple walls make for some great shots.
The boat ride parikrama around the island is also a great opportunity for photography. The ride takes you through the rapids of the Narmada river and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. You can capture the beauty of the temple from different angles during the boat ride.
Taking a Bath in Narmada River during Boat Ride:
It is a common thing that in the summer season you would definitely feel like taking a dip in this pure water. You can do this during your boat ride also as there is one hold during a ride when you can take a deep bath in the crystal clear water of the Narmada river. But we did not think it right to take a bath here because then the rest of the boat journey would have to be done wet and due to the cold, the health could have deteriorated. But if you go on a boat trip and want to enjoy bathing, then definitely keep some clothes and towels with you.
Natural Giant Swimming Pool:
But there is also more. There is a one giant swimming pool of pure river water created by diverting the water stream through the constructed pool-like area at the vishnughat.
Vishnughat Omkareshwar
Taking a bath and to swim in this natural swimming pool will be the most memorable experience of the journey ever. This is the perfect place to take a rest for hours and to be calm and relax from the stress of the whole journey. So it is a must visit place in Omkareshwar without fail.
Omkareshwar Vlog in Hindi
Final Thoughts
Omkareshwar is a beautiful place, and the Omkareshwar temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian architecture and culture. The island's beauty and the temple's spiritual significance make it a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The journey to Omkareshwar is quite scenic, and there are several beautiful spots on the way that are worth stopping for. The boat ride parikrama around the island is a unique experience that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the temple.
In conclusion, my trip to Omkareshwar was an unforgettable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a spiritual and cultural experience. The location is also perfect for photography, and I got many.
Here I am sharing my clicks from the journey. You are free to download and share these photographs.