The Holy Island Of Omkareshwar
- Priyanka Kurup
- Feb 29, 2024
- 2 min read
Omkareshwar symbolises the significance of Hindu mythology and the spiritual journey of Hindus.It is on an island by the Narmada river where Lord Shiva blesses everyone in the form of Mamleshwar. The island itself is in the form the letter Om.
There are many common stories that circle around this particular Jyotirling. The most prominent amongst them is from the Shivapuran. Once Narad Mahamuni had been to Gokarna (temple town in Karnataka) to conduct the worship of Lord Shiva.While returning, on his way, he decided to pay a visit to the Vindhya mountain. Vindhya welcomed him with love and affection and worshipped Narad with great honour.
Narad muni observed that the Vindhya mountain was being haughty.He sensed that Vindhya mountain considered himself as superior to others.He did not ask for any blessings or boon.He reflected the sentiment of having everything in his possession.He wasn’t deficient in anything.
Sensing the arrogance in Vindhya, Narad heaved a deep sigh.When asked by Vindhya what was the matter, Narad muni replied that Mount Meru was more majestic than Vindhya.Mount Meru was classified as a God whereas Vindhya was a mere mountain.
Saying thus, Narad departed.Vindhya on hearing Narad’s words was distressed to the core.
He decided to propitiate Lord Shiva and gain his blessings.He went to the place where Omkara himself was present. He made an earthen Shivaling and worshipped it. He engaged in hard penance in front of that Shivaling continuously for 6 months with his mind completely on Lord Shiva.
Seeing the penance of the Vindhya mountain, Lord Shiva was pleased.He appeared in front of the mountain in all his glory.He asked Vindhya what boon did he want.Vindhya prayed to Lord Shiva to bless him with an intellect using which he could achieve all his objectives. Lord Shiva knew that Vindhya may use this boon to harass others. Nevertheless,Lord Shiva who is always favourably disposed to his devotees granted Vindhya the boon.
All the Gods and revered sages reached the spot after the arrival of Lord Shiva.They paid their obeisance. They implored Lord Shiva to stay there at the holy spot by the river Narmada and bless his devotees with his presence. On hearing the desire of the Gods,Lord Shiva was delighted and decided to stay back for the happiness of the world.
The Omkareshwar Jyotirling has two Shivalings . The one that originated on its own is revered as Omkareshwar. The earthen Shivaling that was worshipped by the Vindhya mountain came to be known as Parameshwar. Both Shivalings are on either side of the holy river Narmada.
Devotees throng to the temple of Omkareshwar to get rid of their obstacles and fulfilment of their desires.
Har Har Mahadev🙏
Comments