The significance and relevance of the holy temple built for lord Shiva in Madhya Pradesh.
LOCATION
This sacred temple of worship for the Hindu god of destruction, Shiv, is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh at Khandwa. This is very closely located to another wonder of architecture, Mahabaleshwar Jyotirling. Omkareshwar is surrounded by Mandata hills which stretch till Mahabaleshwar, connecting the two Shiv temples. It is also recognized as Omkar Mandhata or Shivpuri along the river Narmada. You can either swim through the river or get a boat to cross the river and reach the temple. You can also go through jhuta pul, meaning handing bridge which towers over the river.
The name Omkara stems from the lord of Om, the cosmic energy force of the universe according to Hinduism. Another term is Amaleshwar meaning an immortal lord. The essence of the symbol Om in this particular Jyotirling is such that the temple itself is in the shape of the sacred symbol of ॐ.
MYTHOLOGY
12 holy Jyotirlings are to be found and established. These are shrines of Shiva spread across the Indian subcontinent, each built as a powerhouse for defeating evil and negative forces.
The legend behind the existence of Jyotirling is such that both Brahma, creator of life and Vishnu, the almighty sustaining life, quarrelled as to who is the greater and the stronger. Shiv pierced all three worlds; heaven, Earth and hell through a beam of light which extended both ways endlessly. Shiva asked them to search for the edges of this beam of light. They both gave it a try but in vain, such was the superiority and grandness of Shiva’s powers. The Jyotirlings denote the greatness and numerous strengths of Shiv.
The tale behind the emergence of this particular Jyotirling is that the supreme power which resided over Vidhyanchal mountain started offering his prayers to Shiv to eradicate his sins and embark on the path of goodness. To worship wholeheartedly, he formed an accurate and holy statue of lingam, Shiv’s symbol, from clay and sand. This truly impressed Shiv as he blessed his devotee by coming live in front of him as Omkareshwar and Amaleshwar.
SIGNIFICANCE
Om is known for being an extremely powerful force of energy from which the entire creation is generated. It is the cosmic vibration or frequency through which energy is transformed. It is believed that Om was the first sound that was ever created and to commemorate the divinity of this cluster of syllables, this Jyotirling is established.
ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR
Hindu temples are widely known for their intricate details in the architectural style and not just a sacred space to offer prayers to supreme powers. The design of this Jyotirling temple is spread around tracing the borders of the holy symbol Om. The temple follows the Nagara style of design. The shrine is a five storey structure where each floor has a separate deity. The placement of this temple is crucial as it is surrounded by the serene river Narmada which highly elevates its beauty.
The inside of the temple has 60 pillars which stand tall at the height of 14 feet, placed in the Sabha Mandap, or a court of assembly. This area has soft carvings of the walls, some of which involve groups of people who are essentially the ones who have achieved the highest state of consciousness or the sanyasis.
THE PLACE IN DAYTIME
During mornings, pilgrims from all over visit the river Narmada to bathe in it as it is also deemed of much religious value. They then cross the river to visit the temple and offer prayers to deities. This period of spotting such sights on a regular basis is a treat to the eyes. The priests perform their daily prayers.
