Stuti & Sloka for the Temple
रुद्राणां नियुतं जप्त्वा यत्फलम् सम्यगाप्यते
तत्फलं लभते नूनं भक्त्योड्ङ्कारविलोकनात्
The above Shloka has been taken from Kashi Khand, Chapter 73, Shiok 169, where lord Shiva is saying "By worshiping the Omkareshwar Ling in Kashi, the devotee derives punya benefits of reciting one lakh Rudra Jaapam.
Story of 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 is graced by many such Shiva Lingas. Lord Brahma once performed a terrible penance for many years, and an 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 Panchayats and would serve as a representation of Aakar, Ukar, Makara, Nada, and Bindu.
Importance 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 which will ensure 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 Keda 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 and Lord Shiva disappeared inside the Ling.
Pujas Performed in the Temple
Auspicious tithis & festivals of temple
Maha Shivratri: Millions of devotees visit Shri Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple on the great night of Shiva to do Dhayaan, Tapasya, Upasana, Sadhana, Rudrabhisekh, Maha Mrityunjay Hawan & Ratri Jagran in the Shri Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple. On this Maha Shivratri tithi, the temple is decked up to welcome all the devotees who come from around the globe to be witness and be a part of the grand celebration taking place in the dearest land of Bhagwaan Shiva (Most Powerful Temple)
Rangbhari Ekadashi: It is one of the main festivals celebrated in the holy city of Varanasi and all the residents carry out the procession of Mahadev pratima across the city. It is believed that on this day for the first time after the marriage, Maha Shivratri tithi Bhagwaan Shiva along with her eternal consode Maa Annapurna enters his favourite city of Varanasi. Also, the day marks the start of the Holi celebration in the city of Varanasi which continues for the next five days up till Purnima Tithi
Ganga Dussehra: Lord Shiva has a down Maa Ganga in his matted locks / Jatta hence Maa Ganga which flowing uttar vahini in the city of Varanasi is extraordinary in nature and of special significance for the devotees. On Ganga Dussehra, Maa Ganga enters into pritvi for the first time hence this day becomes exectional for the Aradhana and worship of both Lord Shiva & Maa Ganga
Karthik Purnima: Also Known as Dev Dipawali this is the most auspicious day for doing Ganga Snaan, Shri Omkareshwar Mahadev Jal Abhisekh & Deep Daan in Maa Ganga. Every Year more than 1 Million devotees visit Varanasi on Kartik Purnima/Dev Deewali to watch the visual spectacle at display around the Shri Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple premises and access the 84 Ghat of Varanasi. On this day of dev Diwali Lord Shiva killed the Tripurasur demon and hence to celebrate this victorious occasion all the 33 Koti devi and devtas came down to Varanasi and let up the Diyas accorss the 84 ghats of Varanasi. As per the initiative of the State Government of Uttar Pradesh, countless Deepak going in millions are displayed with special Ganga Aarti everywhere in Varanasi .