Omkareshwar Travel Guide
Omkareshwar,
the sacred shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, the 'Om ', is
located at the confluence of the Narmada, is mentioned in the Ramayana &
Mahabharata. The capital of king Kartivarjun during ancient time, the
town saw a period of resurgence under Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.
Today its temples and fort are worth a visit. The island comprises two
lofty hills and is divided by a valley in such a way that it appears in
the shape of the sacred Hindu symbol 'Om' from above. Between the
precipitous hills of the Vindhya on the North and the Satpura on the
South, the Narmada forms a deep silent pool which in former times was
full of alligators and fish, so tame as to take grain from human hand.
This pool is 270 ft below the cantilever type bridge constructed in
1979. The bridge has enhanced the scenic beauty of the place, making it
look exceedingly picturesque.
Getting There
By Air Nearest airport is Indore (77 km.) connected by
regular flights with Delhi, Mumbai Bhopal and Gwalior.
By Rail Nearest station is Omkareshwar Raod (12 km.)
on the Ratlam Khandwa section of Western Railways.
By RoadRegular bus services from Indore, Ujjain (133
km) Khandwa (61 km.) and Omkareshwar Road.
Tourist Attractions
Shri Omkar Mandhata
The temple stands on a one mile long. Half mile wide island formed by
the fork of the Narmada. The soft stone of which it was constructed has
lent its pliable surface to a rare degree of detailed work, of which the
frieze figures on the upper portion is the most strking. Also
intricately carved is the stone roof of the temple. Encircling the
shrine are verandahs with columns which are carved in circles, polygons
and squares.
Siddnath Temple
A fine example of early medieval Brahiminic architecture. Its unique
feature is a frieze of elephants carved upon a stone slab at its outer
perimeter. 24 Avatars: A cluster of Hindu and Jain temples, remarkable
for their skillful use of varied architectural modes.
Satmatrika Temples
6 km from Omkareshwar, a group of 10th century temples.
Kajal Rani Cave
9 km from Omkareshwar, this is a particularly picturesque scenic spot,
with a panoramic view of the broad acres and gently undulating landscape
that stretches in unbroken harmony till the horizon.
