Mandhata – Omkareshwar Island is a holy spot on the banks of
Narmada River, near Indore in Madhya Pradesh. A popular legend has it that when
King Mandhata ruled the region, the island shone brightly.
A puzzled sage Narada
asked Shiva why the island appeared bright.
Shiva replied that the Mandhata – Omkareshwar Island would change forms in four yugas or ages. It would appear as a giant sparkling gem in the Satya Yuga, a mountain of gold during Treta Yuga, copper during Dwapara Yuga and rock during the present Kali Yuga.
Shiva replied that the Mandhata – Omkareshwar Island would change forms in four yugas or ages. It would appear as a giant sparkling gem in the Satya Yuga, a mountain of gold during Treta Yuga, copper during Dwapara Yuga and rock during the present Kali Yuga.
The island comprises of two lofty hills and the hills are divided
by a valley in such a way that, when viewed from above, it appears to form Om.
The famous Omkareshwar temple, one of the 12 jyotirlinga
temples, is located on the island. The entire island has numerous temples and
is a sacred spot.