One of Kashi's ancient Shiva shrines, associated with the sacred Om-shaped kshetra and treasured by devout pilgrims.
Shri Omkareshwar Temple
Our team will gladly guide you on the pujas and arrangements available at Shri Omkareshwar Temple. Reach out to the Samiti and we will help you plan your puja and your visit.
Office hours 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Shri Omkareshwar Temple stands in the northern old city, in the Koyla Bazar area just north of Machhodari. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped as Oṃkāreśvara — the Lord of Om, the sacred syllable. It is a shrine of Kashi in its own right, distinct from the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on the Narmada in Madhya Pradesh.
The locality's name preserves its history. Machhodari is the Matsyodarī of the old texts — a sacred lake beside which the Kashi Khanda places the Oṃkāra linga. The lake has long since dried, but the neighbourhood still carries its name, and Omkareshwar remains the anchoring shrine of this northern part of the city.
Omkareshwar is quieter than the temples of the central ghats, and devotees who seek it out come for its antiquity and for the meaning of its name.
The Kashi Khanda gives two chapters to the greatness of Oṃkāra. It tells how Brahmā, in meditation, perceived OM — the primal sound — and then the linga that embodies it, which Shiva declared to be one with Śabdabrahman, the Absolute as sound, and named Oṃkāreśvara.
The text describes the linga as the abode of five: Akāra, Ukāra and Makāra — the three sounds that make up AUM — with Nāda, the resonance, and Bindu, the point in which it rests. It places the shrine by the Matsyodarī Tīrtha and teaches that one who bathes there and takes darshan of Oṃkāreśvara is freed from rebirth, and that the very sight of Oṃkāra brings the merit of a great sacrifice.
These are the teachings of the Kashi Khanda, recorded here as religious tradition.
Meditation on Om – Devotees come to Oṃkāreśvara to honour the sacred syllable, and many sit for japa or quiet meditation after darshan.
Liberation in Tradition – The Kashi Khanda associates darshan of Oṃkāra with freedom from rebirth; devotees approach the shrine in that spirit.
Peace and Grounding – A quieter temple of the northern old city, it offers unhurried darshan away from the central crowds.
Honouring Kashi's Sacred Geography – For pilgrims who know the old city as Omkareshwar, Vishwanath and Kedar, this is the northern anchor.
Reach Koyla Bazar – Come by auto-rickshaw to the Koyla Bazar or Machhodari area; the last stretch is on foot.
Darshan – Footwear is removed before entering; water, bilva leaves and flowers are the customary offerings to the linga.
Japa and meditation – Many devotees sit quietly after darshan for japa of Om or of Shiva's name.
Plan your visit – The Samiti can guide you on the pujas and arrangements available.
Darshan and entry at Shri Omkareshwar Temple are subject to the temple's own rules, timings and administration, which may change without notice — especially during festivals.
Devotees are asked to follow the temple's dress, security and photography guidelines.
Prasad, transport or other extras are included only where specified in your selected package.
Share your details and our team will confirm your booking within 24 hours.
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