Omkareshwar is a prominent pilgrimage site in Central India. Situated on Mandhata, an island on the Narmada River, Omkareshwar is home to one of the twelve jyotirlingas of the Hindu deity Shiva. Devotees of Shiva (Shivbhakts) believe that the island is shaped like the symbol “Om”. Although the Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple is the biggest attraction for lakhs of devotees who visit each year, Mamleshwar Temple on the south bank of the river is also considered sacred.

Like many large pilgrimage sites, Omkareshwar is buzzing with activity. Saffron-clad sadhus, pundits, and seers gather at the shrines, awaiting a donation (dakshina) for their next meal. The pilgrimage economy flourishes as flowers and other puja paraphernalia are sold at stalls all along the way to the temple.

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Omkareshwar on the banks of the Narmada
Omkareshwar on the banks of the Narmada
Abhinandita Mathur
Morning scenes in Omkareshwar: A flower seller sets her stall up and gets ready for the day
Morning scenes in Omkareshwar: A flower seller sets her stall up and gets ready for the day
Abhinandita Mathur
A sadhu beats the heat with a glass of nimbu paani
A sadhu beats the heat with a glass of nimbu paani
Abhinandita Mathur
The Mamleshwar Temple draws ascetics, pilgrims, and visitors
The Mamleshwar Temple draws ascetics, pilgrims, and visitors
Abhinandita Mathur
Modern technology is not alien to the sadhus who come to the Shiva temple in Omkareshwar
Modern technology is not alien to the sadhus who come to the Shiva temple in Omkareshwar
Abhinandita Mathur
The lanes and markets of Omkareshwar are lined with flower and prasad stalls selling the essentials pilgrims buy as offerings to temple gods
The lanes and markets of Omkareshwar are lined with flower and prasad stalls selling the essentials pilgrims buy as offerings to temple gods
Abhinandita Mathur
A group of tourists from Karnataka engineer a post-darshan selfie
A group of tourists from Karnataka engineer a post-darshan selfie
Abhinandita Mathur