The significance of this Jyotirlinga is that it is not situated below the dome. The idol of Lord Shiva is put on the top of the temple. Every year on Kartik Poornima a huge fair is organized. This Jyotirlinga is situated by the banks of Narmada river in the Malva area. Gods of all the Gods Lord Shiva's Omkareshwar linga is situated on the mountain Mandhata.
The Shiv Purana speaks of the greatness of Omkareshwar and Mammaleshwar. The 2 sons of the sun dynasty Mandhata (Ambarish and Mucchkund), practiced severe penance and austerities here pleased Lord Shiva. They had also performed great religious sacrifices here, because of this the mountain is named Mandhata.
Before entering the temple one has to pass through 2 rooms. The Omkareshwar is not affixed to the ground, but is naturally installed there. There is always water around it. The significance of this linga is that the linga is not situated below the cupola. The idol of Lord Shiva is situated on the top of the temple. A huge fair is organised here on the day of Kartik Poornima.
The temple of Omkareshwar is built in North Indian style. The temple dates back to the Krita Yuga. It is said that once, sage Naradar during his visit to the Vindyas, sang the praise of Mount Meru to Mount Vindhya. On hearing this, Mount Vindhya prayed to Lord Shiva to gain in importance. Lord Shiva blessed him & appeared as Omkareshwarar & Amaleshwarar and gave the boon of growing, but without obstructing Shiva devotees. But the Vindhyas did not stop growing, and even blocked the sun and the moon. Sage Agasthyar subdued its growth by saying it should not grow till he gets back there. He never went back & hence the growth was arrested.
