The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are considered spiritual centres across the country, and two of them are located in Madhya Pradesh. The first is situated in Ujjain, known for its famous Shivling. Here, millions of devotees come from far and wide to worship Lord Shiva. The second Jyotirlinga is located on the banks of the Narmada River in Malwa, known as the Omkareshwar Temple. This place is also significant for devotees, who come here for darshan and worship.

Among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Omkareshwar holds the fourth position. The pronunciation of 'Omkar' was first made by the creator Brahma, and the Vedas also begin with 'Om'. Omkareshwar, which represents the spiritual form of Lord Shiva, appeared here and was established in the form of light. By having darshan of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, all sins are destroyed. The greatness of the Omkareshwar region is described in the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and Vayu Purana.

The Legend of the Origin of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga  :-

Once upon a time, Lord Narada Muni came to the Shiva temple named Gokarna and began to devote himself to worship and service. As time passed, Narada Muni reached near the mountain king Vindhya. Vindhya welcomed him with great reverence and honoured him.

Vindhya was filled with pride. He thought, "I have everything, I lack nothing." Narada Muni observed Vindhya's arrogant thoughts but remained silent. He knew that arrogance could destroy devotion.

Vindhya Mountain asked Narada Muni, "Why are you taking such long breaths? Do you see any deficiency here?" Narada Muni replied, "Even though you have everything, Mount Meru is taller than you, with a part of it reaching the realms of the deities, whereas your peak cannot reach there." Saying this, Narada Muni left.

Vindhya realized his arrogance and decided to perform penance for Lord Shiva. He established an idol of Shiva and performed rigorous penance for six months. Lord Shiva was impressed by his penance and granted him a special vision, which is difficult even for great yogis to attain. Shiva said, "I am extremely pleased with your penance, you have the right to ask for any boon you desire." Vindhya praised Lord Shiva and said, "If you are pleased with me, grant me such wisdom that all my tasks may be accomplished."

Lord Shiva granted him wisdom as desired and said, "Vindhya Mountain, you can act as you wish." At the same time, deities and sages arrived there and worshiped Lord Shiva. They prayed to Lord Shiva to be established there for the welfare of the devotees. Lord Shiva accepted their prayer, and the single Omkar Ling present there was divided into two forms. One was the indestructible form called 'Omkar,' and the other was the earthly form in which Shiva's light form was established, called 'Parameshwar' (Amaleshwar).

Thus, both the Omkar and Parameshwar Shivlings grant devotees the fruits of their desires. The deities and sages worshiped both Shivlings, pleased Lord Shiva, and received boons. After this, the deities returned to their realms, and Vindhya Mountain completed his desired task and was freed from mental anguish. Any devotee who worships Lord Shiva with devotion is liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains salvation. By having heartfelt darshan of the Parameshwar and Omkar Shivlings of Lord Shiva, one fulfils their wishes.

Verified from Puran…………

Writer :- krishna