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Omkareshwar History

Pre-20th-Century History

Omkareshwar is the result of the diversion in the river Narmada which caused it to branch its flow into two. The shape of the island is in the form of the sound Om sound of Omkara. According to legends, Lord Vindhayas had prayed to Lord Shiva, and they got the town of Omkareshwar as a present. In another mythological fable, the Shivalingas on request of the Devas, were broken into two parts. One was the Omkareshwar temple and the other being the Amareshwar.
Raja Mandhata of the Ishvaku clan is believed to have been worshipping on the very land. The cave here is supposed to have been the abode of Govinda Bhagavatpaada, the guru of Sankaracharya. These are some of the most popular legends of the town. However, every person will tell about his own set of beliefs and mythology.

Modern History

Recent History

According to the most popular legend, Omkareshwar is the place where Lord Shiva descended in the form of Jyotirmaya Omkararoop to assist the Gods in demolishing the demons. It is believed that Lord Shiva resided on the banks of the river Narmada where he was worshiped by the Gods and consequently were able to destroy the demons.

It is said that in the later periods the temple was maintained by King Mandhata. Lord Shiva was immensely impressed by his selfless devotion and resided at the place permanently.

It is believed that the place was initially inhabited by the aboriginals who used to kill the pilgrims and offer them to the deity. Later on as the saint Dariyayinath took up the charge of the temple, all these practices came to a halt.