Stuti & Sloka for the Temple
When Mata Parvati inquired about the Omkareshwar Shivling, then Lord Shiva narrated a story from Kashi Khanda, Chapter 73.
Kashi is a holy place that many such Shiva Lingas grace. Lord Brahma once performed a terrible penance for many years, and extremely powerful energy came out from below, entered the ground, and spread pure light all around. Lord Brahma saw the divine energy representing the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur and Sama Vedas) in the form of a divine shivling.
Lord Brahma saw the energy of Om, which today rules the entire universe, in that heavenly light, which stood for Akara, Ukara, and Makara. Lord Brahma saw a demon with four horns, seven arms, and two heads. He also saw a divine power that contained all the Vedas, Puranas, and the five Brahmans (Akara, Ukara, Makara, Nada, and Bindu).
The Panchakshara Linga (Panch+Akshara, which stands for the five syllables given in the titles above) mesmerized Lord Brahma so much that he started praising Lord Shiva, whom he could see standing in front of him. .
The praises that Lord Brahma devotedly offered to Lord Shiva are described in great detail by the Kashi Khanda. Lord Shiva granted a divine blessing to Lord Brahma in response to his earnest prayers.
Lord Brahma wanted Omkareshwar Mahadev to be the name of the Shiva Linga, which manifested as divine energy, and that Lord Shiva should always reside there.
Accordingly, Lord Shiva granted permission and decided that the Shiva Linga would be known as the Shiva Panchayatan and would serve as a representation of Aakar, Ukar, Makara, Nada and Bindu.
Story of the Temple
This city is very dear to Lord Shiva. It has been said in the scriptures that Kashi Puri is the most powerful among the ‘Sapta Puris’ and it will not disappear even in the times of deluge.
Lord Shiva in the Omkareshwar Swaroop will hold it in his Trishul even during the deluge, ensuring no destruction to the city. This is called the free zone.
Kashi has Omkareshwar -Khand in the north, Kedar-Khand in the south, and Vishweshwar-Khand in the middle. Omkareshwar in Om Kar-Khand, Gauri Kedareshwar in Kedar-Khand, and Kashi Vishwanath famous temple under Vishweshwar-Khand.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in Kashi. According to the sound of Nadi Shastra, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is an indicator of Akar, Makar, and Ukar. According to the Kashi section, the name of this linga is also Kapileshwar and Nadeshwar.
A person who is a devotee of Omkareshwar will attain Mukti even if he dies at any place other than Kashi. Lord Shiva told Lord Brahma that with the radiating energy of Omkareshwar, Lord Brahma will be successful in his job of creating human beings. After granting all the boons to Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva disappeared inside the Ling.
Importance of the Temple
Every Monday witness massive crowds in the Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple. Pradosh Kaal Puja which falls every 13th day of the month is considered very auspicious in the Temple.
The 30 days of Shravan Month and especially Shravan Mondays are the most auspicious tithi to perform Puja in the temple and thousands of devotees throng the Omkareshwar Temple on this day.
On Vaishakh Shukla Chaturdashi, Omkareshwar Mahadev is worshiped annually and adorned, the ritual is celebrated as the Annual Shringar Festival in the Temple.
Pujas Performed in the Temple
Auspicious tithis & festivals of temple
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