Omkareshwara temple
Explore the Beauty of Omkareshwara Temple in Karnataka is a famous and peaceful Hindu temple in Madikeri, a beautiful town in the Coorg district of Karnataka, India. Whether you are a devotee, a tourist, or someone who loves history and culture, the Omkareshwara Temple is a must-visit place.
History of Omkareshwara Temple
The temple was built in 1820 by King Lingarajendra II, the ruler of Coorg. There is an interesting story behind the temple. It is believed that the king had committed a grave mistake, and to find peace and forgiveness, he built the Omkareshwara Temple.
The temple’s name, “Omkareshwara,” comes from one of the names of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as a Shiva Linga.
Unique Architecture
One of the most special things about the Omkareshwara Temple is its architecture. It combines Hindu and Islamic styles. Like a Muslim mosque, the temple has a dome in the center and four minarets at the corners. The temple is painted white and has a central water tank with a small mandapa (pavilion) and fish swimming inside. This blend of styles makes it different from other temples in India. Explore the Beauty of Omkareshwara Temple in Karnataka
Spiritual Importance
The temple is an essential place for devotees of Lord Shiva. Many people come here to pray, meditate, and seek peace. The temple is calm and surrounded by natural beauty, which adds to the spiritual experience.
It is hectic during Mahashivaratri, a special festival for Lord Shiva, which is celebrated with devotion and joy.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit the Omkareshwara Temple any time of the year, but the best months are from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. The temple is open daily, and there is no entry fee.
Omkareshwara Temple Timings:
Morning: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
How to Reach Omkareshwara Temple
- By Road (Car or Bus)
- From Bangalore: The distance is around 270 km. It takes about 6 hours by car. You can take the route via Mysore → Kushalnagar → Madikeri.
- From Mysore: The distance is around 120 km. It takes about 3 to 4 hours by road.
- Bus Services: There are regular KSRTC and private buses from Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore to Madikeri.
Once you reach the Madikeri bus stand, the temple is just 1 km away. You can walk or take an auto-rickshaw.
- By Train
There is no railway station in Madikeri. The nearest railway stations are:
- Mysore Railway Station (120 km)
- Kannur Railway Station (115 km) – Ideal if coming from Kerala
- Mangalore Railway Station (135 km)
You can hire a taxi or take a bus from these stations to reach Madikeri.
- By Air (Flight)
The nearest airports are:
- Kannur International Airport (90 km)
- Mangalore International Airport (135 km)
- Bangalore Airport (290 km)
After landing, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Madikeri.
Nearby Attractions
If you are visiting the Omkareshwara Temple, you can also explore other nearby places such as:
- Raja’s Seat – A beautiful garden with a great view of the hills.
- Abbey Falls – A popular waterfall surrounded by coffee plantations.
- Madikeri Fort – A historical fort with a museum and an old church.
The Omkareshwara Temple in Madikeri is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of history, architecture, and peace. If you visit Coorg, stop by this temple to experience its calm and spiritual energy.
FAQS
1) What is special about Omkareshwar Temple?
Omkareshwara Temple is special because it combines Hindu and Islamic architecture. The temple’s unique design and spiritual importance make it popular in Madikeri, Karnataka.
2) Can we touch Omkareshwar shivling?
No, visitors cannot touch the Shivling at Omkareshwara Temple in Madikeri. You can have darshan (view) from a distance, but touching the Shivling is restricted to maintaining temple rules and sacredness.
3) Is there a VIP darshan in Omkareshwar temple?
No, there is no official VIP darshan at Omkareshwara Temple in Madikeri. The temple is open to all devotees, and everyone follows the same queue system for darshan. It is a peaceful and well-managed temple.
4) Can we bathe in Omkareshwar?
No, you cannot take a bath at Omkareshwar Temple in Madikeri. The temple has a small water tank but is not meant for bathing.
5) How many steps are there in Omkareshwar Temple?
Omkareshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh has around 270 steps that lead up to the temple from the Narmada River. Devotees climb these steps as part of their spiritual journey to reach the sacred shrine of Lord Shiva.
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