Shri Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar is one of the 12 jyotirlingas. It is situated on the banks of river Narmada on Mandhata (Shivapuri) island in Madhya Pradesh. The island has shape of Om. There are a number of legends attached to this place, of these three are considered to be very prominent. 

Once Narada provoked Vindhya Parvat stating that Mount Meru was greater than Vindhya Parvat. Though Vindhya mountain was tall it was not as great as Meru. This made Vindhya jealous of Meru. In order to become greater, Vindhya practiced severe Tapasya and worshipped Parvat Linga. As a result of this Tapasya, Lord Shiva granted request of Vindhya parvat to establish a Shiva Linga on the banks of river Narmada. At the request of Devas and Rishis, he made two part of the Linga. One half is called Omkareshwar and the other is known Mamleshwar (or Amareshwar). In this manner, Jyotirlinga Omkareshwar came into existence. Also, Shiva granted a boon for the Parvat to grow with a promise that it will not hinder his devotees from crossing over. Puffed by Shiva’s boon, Vindhya parvat started growing. It obstructed even the Sun and the Moon. Hence Devi Bhagawati sent Sage Agatsya along with his wife to stop Vindhya parvat from growing. Agatsya rishi convinced Vindhya parvat and got a promise that it will not grow till Sage Agastya returns from the south. They never returned and stayed at SriSailam, which is considered as Dakshin-Kashi. 

The second story relates to King Mandhata of Ikshvaku clan (Lord Rama also belonged to this clan). He worshiped Lord Shiva at this place till Lord Shiva manifested as Jyotirlinga. It is also believed that the sons of King Mandhata did severe penance and austerities and pleased Lord Shiva. Hence the mountain peak is known as Mandhata Mountains.

The third story states that, in a war between Devas and Asuras the Asuras were victorious. The Devas made severe penance and pleased lord Shiva. Lord Shiva manifested as Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and defeated the Asuras.