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PILGRIMAGE · MPOmkareshwar
A sacred island shaped like Om in the Narmada, home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
A holy island in the Narmada
Omkareshwar is a revered pilgrimage town in Madhya Pradesh, set around a sacred island in the Narmada river said to be shaped like the sacred syllable Om.
The island holds the Omkareshwar temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, while the linked Mamleshwar shrine on the bank completes the sacred pairing.
With its ghats, river crossings and hillside temples, Omkareshwar naturally completes the Mahakal circuit with Ujjain, and sits within easy reach of Indore and Maheshwar for pilgrims from Gujarat.
The Omkareshwar temple rises above the sacred Narmada island.
Reasons to make the time
Sacred Jyotirlinga
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
Om-shaped island
A holy island in the Narmada river.
River ghats
Bathing ghats and boat crossings.
Completes the circuit
Pairs with Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar.
Top sights in Omkareshwar
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
How to spend an hour or two
Take darshan
Visit the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on the island.
See Mamleshwar
Complete the pairing at the bank-side shrine.
Do the island parikrama
Walk the sacred circuit past hillside temples.
Sit by the ghats
Watch the river rituals along the Narmada.
Cross by boat
Take a boat across the holy river.
When to go
Pleasant weather for temples, ghats and walking.
The Narmada runs full and the setting is green.
Hot; temple queues are tiring in the heat.
🚶 The full island parikrama involves a fair bit of walking and steps — wear comfortable shoes.
Timings & entry
- The temple opens early and stays busy through the day.
- Phones and cameras may be restricted in the sanctum.
Getting there
By Air
Indore airport, about 75 km, is the nearest.
By Rail
Omkareshwar Road and Indore are the nearest railheads.
By Road
About 460 km from Ahmedabad; easy from Indore.
Know before you go
Omkareshwar FAQ
Why is Omkareshwar famous?
For the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on a sacred Om-shaped island in the Narmada, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
How do I combine it with Ujjain?
Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar is about 140 km away, and the two are commonly done together as a Jyotirlinga circuit.
How far is Omkareshwar from Gujarat?
Roughly 460 km from Ahmedabad, with the nearest airport at Indore about 75 km away.
What is the parikrama?
A sacred walking circuit around the island past its many temples and ghats.
Can I add Maheshwar?
Yes, the riverside town of Maheshwar is about 65 km away and makes a beautiful pairing.
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