Located in Madhya Pradesh, the city of Indore has seen a marked growth in the hospitality sector with great hotels in Indore readily available. The Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple in this city is quite famous. Here is a basic overview of this magnificent temple steeped in history:
• History: This temple has been managed by the Bhil chieftain since medieval times during the reigns of the Sultans of Malwa, the Scindias of Gwalior and later the British. Today, the temple is managed by descendants of the Bhils, a community commonly known as the Bhilalas.
• Reaching the temple: The nearest airport from the temple is in Indore which is about 75 km away. If you prefer to use the railways, the nearest station would be on the Omkareshwar Road in the Khandawa section. Regular bus services from Ujjain and Indore also run to and from the regions around the temple.
• Festivals: Besides daily worshipping rituals, some important Hindu festivals are celebrated with great show and pomp in this temple. The most prominent among these festivals is the Mahashivaratri celebration when hotels near Indore bus stand remain packed with pilgrims that visit this temple.
• Architecture: The temple is known for a huge prayer hall known as the Sabha Mandap which stands on scores of giant pillars. These pillars are also exquisitely carved with ornate decorations and figures in meditating and yoga poses.
The best time to visit this temple would be at the start of the year and the peak season lasts until March. Visiting later during summer or monsoon is not ideal and most people avoid these seasons.