June 13, 2016

Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri Coorg

Omkareshwara Temple situated in the town Madikeri, Coorg(Kodagu) is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This famous temple draws a lot of devotees and tourists every day. The unique feature of Omkareshwara temple is its architecture which is a mix of Gothic and Islamic construction style. The most distinguishing thing about this temple is that though it is an Hindu temple but the architecture is in Mohammedan style.
Omkareshwara Temple Coorg
Omkareshwara Temple Madikeri, Coorg

History of Omkareshwara Temple, Coorg


It was built by a Kodagu King Lingarajendra II in the year 1820. According to the history, this temple was built by him as a penance. The story behind this temple is that a cruel king had killed an innocent Brahmin for some political reason after which he started getting nightmares of his evil deed. So he consulted a few wise men of his kingdom. They suggested him to bring Shivalinga from the holy city Kashi and build a temple where he should install that Shivalinga.

The king followed the advise and thus built this temple. The Shivalinga in this temple is worshipped as Omkareshwara.

Architecture of Omkareshwara temple, Coorg


Omkareshwara temple Coorg has a very unique architecture. It is built in Islamic style with a huge dome in the center and four minarets at the corners. The dome is made with a guilded ball on the top over which a weather clock has been fixed. A large water tank surrounds the temple. The water tank has plenty of ducks and fishes.
Omkareshwara Shiva temple
Omkareshawara Temple 
*Photo credits : Lies with the original photographer

A more precise description can be like the tank has a mantapa in the center which is connected through a walkway. The water around gives a serene atmosphere. One very interesting thing about Omkareshwara Temple is that unlike most other Hindu temples, the hall of this temple does not has a pillared structure.

The entrance of the temple has the complete history inscribed on copper plates that is fixed on the entrance door of the temple. The Shivalinga is installed near the entrance itself surrounded by Basavas(i.e bull statues).

How to reach Omkareshwara Temple Coorg


Omkareshwara temple is very much in the town Madikeri. Madikeri is well connected to all the other parts of Karnataka. How to reach Madikeri is not a big question though. It is well connected through road. Several buses ply to Madikeri from other places in Karnataka and Kerala.

Information about Omkareshwara Temple, Coorg


Omkareshwara Temple is open for devotees and tourist to visit from 6.30AM to 12PM in morning and from 5PM to 8PM in the evening. The entry to the temple if free. The visit to Omkareshwara Temple might take a total of 1 hr approx.

The best time to visit Omkareshwara temple Coorg is from October to March as there is not much rains in the season.


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