Prasanna Shree Omkareshwar Temple Bhokri, Raver, Jalgaon

Among the twelve renowned Jyotirlingas of the country, Omkareshwar in Omkar-Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh, is a religiously significant Jyotirlinga. The Omkareshwar temple located at Tamaswadi near Bhokari, known by the same name, is a place of supreme reverence for thousands of devotees in the region. It is said that the abode of Lord Shankara here is extremely ancient. According to mythological legends, the history of this temple dates back to the era of the Ramayana. It is believed that during his period of exile, Lord Shri Rama himself worshipped the Shivalinga here. For this reason, this place is considered to be highly vibrant and spiritually awakened. 

The legend regarding this temple is that in the Ramayana era, the ashram of Sage Agastya was situated at the very place where this temple stands today. While on their way to Panchavati during their period of exile, Lord Shri Ram, Sita, and Lakshman came to this ashram to seek the blessings of Sage Agastya. During their stay, they had a Shivalinga consecrated here by the hands of Sage Agastya. On this Shivalinga, they Maharudrabhishek was performed. This Shiva Linga was known by the name Onkanath. It is also addressed by the name Onkarnath. Another legend of this temple is that when Sage Agastya, having crossed the Vindhya Mountains, arrived in the south and was passing along the banks of the Bhokar River here, he witnessed a miraculous sight. At a spot on the riverbank, a snow-white cow was standing, and streams of milk were flowing from her udders. 

Sage Agastya went there and saw it. At that moment, a Shiva Linga manifested from that spot. He consecrated the Shiva Linga at that very place according to Vedic rites and named it Onkanath. The temple of Omkareshwar Mahadeva is now situated at this location. It is said that Nath Yogis also visited this temple to have the darshan of Omkareshwar. In this vicinity, there is a hill known by the name of King Gopichand. According to the story in the text ‘Navnath Bhaktisar’, he was the king of Helpattan village in the Gaud-Bengal region. Later, he became a Nath-panthi ascetic. According to the local legend, on the hill here, to meet him When the incarnate Nath Yogis such as Machindranath and Gorakshanath would arrive, they would also visit this temple for Darshan. 

This temple is situated in a scenic area on the banks of the Bhokar River. The temple complex is enclosed by a perimeter wall on all four sides. The complex has a large entrance gate. At its center, in a canopy, sits a beautiful idol of Gopalakrishna playing the flute. In smaller canopies on both sides of it, idols of sages are seated. Upon entering from here, the Onkareshwar temple is on the left. The temple structure consists of a large Nandi Mandapa, followed by an auxiliary assembly hall, a main assembly hall, and three sanctum sanctorums side by side. In the dome-shaped Nandi Mandapa, there is a large stone idol of Nandi. In the auxiliary assembly hall in front of it, there is a Shiva Linga. In the main assembly hall, there is also an idol of Nandi on a marble platform. In the outer walls of the sanctum sanctorums, idols of the right-trunked Ganesha and Bhairavanath are consecrated. On these walls, relief sculptures of the Dashavatara in a distinctive style are installed. Among them, on Nandi There is also a sculpture of Shankar-Parvati enshrined here. In the sanctum sanctorum on the left, the idols of Sheshashayi Vishnu and Lakshmi are seated, while the idols of Vitthal-Rukmini are enshrined on the right. The entrance to the central sanctum sanctorum is made of stone masonry. The door frame is carved with floral and leaf motifs, and there are sculptures of gatekeepers (Dwarapalas) at the bottom. On the lintel of the door frame, a crescent moon (Ardha-chandrashila) and Kirtimukhas on both sides are carved. In front of it, there is a stone-carved design, which also features auspicious symbols of the conch (Shankha). Inside, on the ground level in a sunken area, the Linga of Omkareshwar Mahadev is consecrated. In a niche in the back wall of the sanctum sanctorum, there is an elegant idol of Parvati. Here, in one corner, a large Panchadhatu (five-metal) mask of Mahadev is kept. 

There is a tall lamp pillar in the temple premises. Nearby is the shrine of Mahakal Bhairavnath. Apart from this, there are temples of Hanuman, Kartikaswami, and Shriram in the temple complex. The temple of Kartikaswami is located behind the Hanuman temple. One has to descend a few steps to reach this temple. Inside the temple, there is a six-faced idol of Kartikaswami carved in stone. Women are prohibited from entering this temple.

The Shri Ram Temple here is situated on a small hill. One enters the temple courtyard after climbing a few steps. It features a large assembly hall, a sanctum sanctorum with a circumambulation path, and a tall spire built in the Maratha architectural style atop the sanctum. On this spire, there are idols of various deities placed in niches on all four sides. In the assembly hall, there is an idol of Hanuman in a small shrine. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, on a high marble pedestal, are the idols of Shri Ram, Sita, and Lakshmana, along with Bharata and Shatrughna. Such a temple, where the entire Ram family is present together, is rare. 

Festivals such as Mahashivratri, Shravani Somvar, Rishi Panchami, Ashadhi Ekadashi, and Kartiki Ekadashi are celebrated with great enthusiasm at this temple. On the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, foot processions (dindis) of Varkaris from surrounding villages such as Tamaswadi, Morgaon, Waghod, Borgaon, Kerhale, Bhokari, Raver, Ahirwadi, Padale, and Nirul arrive here. Generally, five to six thousand Varkaris come to this temple for darshan at this time.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery