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What is the story behind Shree Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
What is the story behind Shree Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Legend depicted as below.
The Shree Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, and it attracts a large number of devotees every year. The temple complex is a beautiful example of traditional Indian architecture and is surrounded by lush green forests, making it a peaceful and serene location for spiritual seekers.
The Shree Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the Mandhata Island in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, India.
According to the legend, Vindhya, a mountain range in central India, was once very proud of its height and power. It boasted that it was the tallest mountain range in the world and challenged the mighty Sumeru mountain to a contest of strength. Sumeru, which was revered as the abode of the gods, accepted the challenge and the two mountains started growing taller and taller to outdo each other.
The gods became worried that the contest would upset the balance of the universe and sought the help of Lord Shiva to intervene. Lord Shiva took the form of a cowherd and arrived at the spot where the two mountains were growing. He asked Vindhya to stop growing for a while, so that he and his cattle could rest in its shade. Vindhya, who was pleased to have the Lord visit him, immediately stopped growing and waited for the Lord to rest.
Lord Shiva then revealed his true form and praised Vindhya for his hospitality. He then told Vindhya that he would become a place of pilgrimage and that people would worship him. He also asked Vindhya to bow down to Sumeru mountain as a mark of respect. Vindhya complied and bowed down to Sumeru mountain.
The legend says that this incident led to the creation of the Omkareshwar temple, which is situated on an island formed by the Narmada River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself resides in the temple in the form of Omkareshwar, the Lord of Om Sound.
It is also believed that the holy river Narmada splits into two streams to flow around the island on which the temple is situated before merging again.
Another popular story associated with the Shree Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is that of a devout king named Mandhata. It is said that the king had performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva, who appeared before him and granted him the boon of having the Jyotirlinga installed in his kingdom.
The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture and is considered to be a very sacred place of pilgrimage for the followers of Lord Shiva. The temple complex has many other smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. The temple also has a beautiful tank, known as the Omkareshwar Kund, which is believed to have healing powers.
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