Gauri Somnath Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Perched atop Mandhata Hill in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of sacred Narmada River, the temple was constructed in the 11th century AD by the Parmar dynasty. This temple boasts a star-shaped form and a grand six-foot Shivlinga. If you plan to visit this holy shrine, here is a plain tale of its past, its look, its prayers, and how to reach it.
Notable Fact: The temple’s massive Shivlinga, once said to show one’s next birth in its shine, was damaged by Aurangzeb, per local legend.
Overview of Gauri Somnath Temple
The Gauri Somnath Temple sits on Mandhata Island in Omkareshwar, 1 kilometer from the main Omkareshwar Temple. Named for Gauri, another name for Parvati, and Somnath, a title of Shiva, it stands along the 5-kilometer parikrama path, reached by climbing 270 steps from the Narmada’s ghats. Known for its massive black Shivlinga and Nandi statue, the temple is quite less crowded than other Omkareshwar shrines, offering a quiet and sacred feel. Its Bhumija-style architecture, like Khajuraho’s temples, shows fine craft.
History of Gauri Somnath Temple
No clear stone mark tells the temple’s exact age, but its style points to the 11th century AD, built by the Parmar kings, devotees of Shiva. Legend says the Shivlinga, once mirror-bright, showed future births until Emperor Aurangzeb, a Mughal ruler, saw a vile form in it and tried to burn it, darkening its shine and ending its power. Old tales also claim only an uncle and nephew can touch hands while hugging the linga’s ends, a curious test. Over centuries, the temple saw wear and raids, but Maratha rulers later fixed it, keeping its form true. In the 1800s, travelers noted its grand stones, though worn. After 1947, the state took charge, with repairs to hold its old glory.
Architecture of Gauri Somnath Temple
The Gauri Somnath Temple, reached by 270 steps up Mandhata Hill, is a three-story shrine shaped like a star or peahen, built in Bhumija style, like Khajuraho’s temples. Its high platform and curvy tower, though partly worn, rise grandly. The sanctum holds a six-foot black Shivlinga, polished but scarred, with a Parvati idol behind, her eyes shining like tribal gods, hinting at old roots. A large Nandi bull, also black stone, sits outside, facing Shiva.
The outer walls have fine carvings of gods, maids, and patterns, though some broke over time. The temple’s star shape, rare and fine, stands for cosmic balance. No river runs close, but the Narmada, down the steps, serves for holy baths. The hill’s view over Omkareshwar’s Om-shaped island feels sacred, real sacred. The stones guide them who pray, telling Shiva’s tales. The air is quiet, still, peaceful.
Sculptures of Gauri Somnath Temple
The temple’s carvings are few but deep. The Shivlinga, six feet tall, is the heart, black and grand, with old scars from Aurangzeb’s wrath. Behind it, Parvati’s idol, with glittering eyes, feels ancient and holy. The Nandi outside, carved in matching stone, sits calm, facing its lord. Outer walls show Shiva’s forms, like dancing Nataraja, and maids with pots, cut neat but worn. Some panels broke long ago, but the star-shaped walls keep their charm. A few floral marks inside add a soft touch, fine work.
Rituals and Prayers
The temple sees simple rites daily. Mangla Aarti at 6:00 AM starts with water offerings, plain water. Abhishekam at 8:00 AM uses milk, pure milk. Evening aarti at 5:00 PM lights lamps, with soft chants. Mahashivratri in February brings big crowds, with all-night prayers and milk poured for Shiva. Navratri in October honors Parvati with flowers and songs. Special prayers, like Rudra Puja, cost ₹100–400, bringing blessings on blessings. A stall gives free tilak, white tilak, as prasad. Mondays, devotees bring milk for Shiva, for peace, for strength. The Narmada’s ghats see holy baths on big days, pulling all to pray.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open daily, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry is free for all, a fair deal. No photos in the sanctum, respect the holy space.
Clothing: Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees, proper and plain. For prayers, women wear sarees or suits, men wear kurtas, plain kurtas.
How to Get There:
Air: Indore Airport, 80 km away, is closest. Taxis take 2 hours, cost ₹1500–2500, a steady trip.
Train: Omkareshwar Road Station, 12 km away, links to Indore, 2 hours long. Autos cost ₹100–200, a small fare.
Road: Buses from Indore, 2 hours away, reach Omkareshwar. Taxis cost ₹1000–2000, calm roads, steady roads.
Places to Stay:
Omkareshwar has guesthouses like Hotel Shiva, ₹600–1200, plain rooms. Hotels like Narmada Resort, ₹2000–4000, are fine and neat. Stalls sell poha, sabudana khichdi, tea, warm tea.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March, cool air, 15–25°C. Weekdays are quiet, real quiet. Mahashivratri is crowded, plan early, plan well.
Nearby Attractions:
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, 1 km away, a Shiva shrine, holy island.
Mamleshwar Temple, 1 km off, another Shiva shrine, fine stones.
Siddhanath Temple, 2 km away, a Shiva shrine, high hill.
Kajal Rani Cave, 8 km off, a calm cave, scenic view.
24 Avatars Temple, 3 km away, carved shrines, old craft.
Final Thoughts
Gauri Somnath Temple in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, is a sacred gem in India’s heart where Lord Shiva’s mighty grace touches them who come, making it a place you must see among India’s holy temples.
