Omkareshwar Parikrama (Complete Island Walk)
What is Omkareshwar Parikrama?
Parikrama means walking around the holy island of Omkareshwar. This sacred walk is done to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and Mother Narmada. The island is naturally shaped like the sacred “Om” symbol, making it one of India’s most unique pilgrimage sites.
Route Details
- Total Distance: 7-8 kilometers
- Time Required: 3-4 hours (walking at normal pace)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (stairs and gentle slopes)
- Path Type: Circular route around Omkar Hill
Starting Point & Route
Main Starting Point: Ghat on Mandhata Island
- Start from main ghat near Omkareshwar Temple
- Well-marked path with clear signboards
- Local guides available if needed
What You’ll See:
- Multiple Shiva temples and ashrams
- Beautiful Narmada River views
- Confluence point where rivers meet
- Ancient stone carvings and sculptures
- Giant 6-feet tall black Shivling
- Sacred caves and meditation spots
Best Time for Parikrama
- Early Morning: 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM (cool weather, peaceful)
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (pleasant weather, sunset views)
- Avoid: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (too hot)
What to Carry
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle (very important)
- Small towel and cap
- Light snacks and mobile phone
Omkareshwar Temple Timings
Daily Darshan Schedule
Morning Session:
- Opens: 5:00 AM with Mangal Aarti
- General Darshan: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Lunch Break: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Evening Session:
- Opens: 4:00 PM
- Closes: 9:30 PM after Shayan Aarti
Special Aarti Timings
Mangal Aarti (Morning Prayer):
- Time: 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM
- Significance: Awakening Lord Shiva with devotional songs
Sandhya Aarti (Evening Prayer):
- Time: 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM
- Most popular and crowded aarti
- Arrive 30 minutes early for good spot
Shayan Aarti (Night Prayer):
- Time: 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Final peaceful prayer before temple closes
Narmada Aarti Details
Daily Narmada Aarti
- Time: 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM (varies with sunset)
- Location: Main ghat near temple
- Duration: 45 minutes
What Happens During Aarti
- Large brass lamps filled with oil are lit
- Priests chant mantras praising Mother Narmada
- Devotees participate by singing bhajans
- Small clay diyas floated on river
- Musical instruments create divine atmosphere
How to Participate
- Buy small diyas (₹5-10) to float on river
- Offer flowers and coconut to Mother Narmada
- Join in chanting and prayers
- Make voluntary donations
Special Aarti Days
- Monday: Extra special (Shiva’s day)
- Purnima (Full Moon): Grand celebration with larger crowd
- Festivals: During Shivratri, Kartik month
Benefits of Omkareshwar Visit
Spiritual Benefits
- Moksha (Liberation): Freedom from cycle of birth-death
- Sin Removal: Cleanses past negative karma
- Wish Fulfillment: Sincere prayers get answered
- Inner Peace: Spiritual atmosphere calms mind
- Devotion Increase: Strengthens connection with divine
Physical Benefits
- Good Exercise: 7-8 km walk is excellent workout
- Fresh Air: Clean environment improves health
- Stress Relief: Nature walk reduces anxiety
- Better Sleep: Physical tiredness brings restful sleep
Want to know more about Temple & Pilgrimage Guides
DO’s and DON’Ts
DO’s – What You Should Do
Before & During Parikrama:
- Wear clean, modest clothes
- Carry sufficient water and snacks
- Start with “Om Namah Shivaya” chant
- Walk barefoot if possible (shows respect)
- Help elderly or tired pilgrims
- Keep the path clean
- Take rest at temples when needed
In Temples:
- Remove shoes before entering
- Bow your head before deity
- Follow queue properly
- Keep mobile on silent mode
- Respect temple priests
During Narmada Aarti:
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Sit quietly and participate
- Stay till aarti completes
- Join in chanting if you know
DON’Ts – What You Should Avoid
General Don’ts:
- Don’t start during hot hours (11 AM – 3 PM)
- Don’t go alone, especially women
- Don’t wear expensive jewelry
- Don’t carry too much cash
During Parikrama:
- Don’t litter anywhere
- Don’t take shortcuts
- Don’t eat non-vegetarian food
- Don’t consume alcohol or tobacco
- Don’t disturb other pilgrims
In Temples:
- Don’t touch deity without permission
- Don’t wear leather items inside
- Don’t create noise or disturbance
- Don’t take photos without asking
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does parikrama take?
A: 3-4 hours for normal pace. Fast walkers can complete in 2-3 hours.
Q2: Can elderly people do parikrama?
A: Yes, but start early morning with frequent rests and accompaniment.
Q3: Is it safe for women alone?
A: Better to go in groups. Early morning is safer than evening.
Q4: Is there any fee for parikrama?
A: No, parikrama and temple darshan are completely free.
Best Time to Visit
By Season
Winter (October-March): Best time – pleasant weather, perfect for parikrama Summer (April-June): Very hot – visit only early morning/evening Monsoon (July-September): Beautiful but slippery paths
By Day
- Monday: Most crowded (Shiva’s day)
- Tuesday-Thursday: Peaceful, less crowded
- Weekend: More visitors, festive atmosphere
How to Reach
Transportation
- Nearest Railway: Omkareshwar Road (12 km) – take auto/taxi
- Nearest Airport: Indore (140 km) – bus/taxi available
- By Road: Well connected, buses from major cities
Accommodation
- Dharamshalas: Budget-friendly, basic facilities
- Guest Houses: Mid-range with decent amenities
- Hotels: Better comfort and service
- Ashrams: Spiritual atmosphere, simple living
Final Blessing
Omkareshwar is not just a tourist destination – it’s a sacred pilgrimage site where millions have found peace and blessings. Come with devotion, maintain cleanliness, respect local traditions, and you’ll have a truly transformative spiritual experience.
The real benefit comes from completing the parikrama and participating in aartis with pure heart and sincere devotion. Every step taken with faith brings you closer to divine blessings.
“Om Namah Shivaya” 🕉️
May your visit to Omkareshwar bring you peace, blessings, and spiritual fulfillment!
