Omkareswara Temple

Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Madikeri Bus Station): 1 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 1 km from Madikeri Bus Station, Omkareshwara Temple is an ancient and magnificent temple situated near Madikeri Fort in Madikeri. It is one of the must include places in Coorg Tour Packages.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Omkareshwara Temple was built by Lingarajendra in 1820 CE. It is one of the must-visit Coorg tourist places. The shivalinga inside the temple is believed to be brought from Kashi. According to the legend, the king had killed a pious Brahmin to fulfill his political ambitions. However, the king started to have nightmares for his cruel deed. To free himself from the nightmares, the King sought the advice of a few wise men and they told the king to build a temple of Lord Shiva to regain his mental peace. The king followed their advice and brought a Shiva lingam from the holy town of Kashi and installed it at a newly constructed temple. The Shivalinga was named Omkareshwara and regular rituals were performed.

The temple was built in both Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture. The structure of the temple comprises a large central dome with four minarets standing at four corners. The walls of the temple are decorated with intriguing paintings and the bars of the windows were made of Panchaloha. The history of the temple is inscribed on a copper plate, which has been fixed at the entrance door frame.

Opposite the temple is a huge tank, with a mantapa in the center, connected by a causeway. A large number of fishes can be seen playing in the water of the tank and devotees are allowed to feed them. Mahashivratri is the major festival celebrated with great pomp and fervor at the temple.

Timings: 6. 30 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free