Mahadev or Lord Shiva is of foremost importance in Hinduism. He is the main pillar of the holy trinity. Jyotirlinga is the divine place of Lord Shiva, where he resides in different forms.

1.  Jyotirlinga: Meaning

The word Jyoti means light or radiance and linga or lingam means sign or image. So, the word Jyotirlinga means radiant signs of lord Shiva. The Jyotirlinga is said to have appeared in places where lord Shiva himself manifested on earth, thus giving them the name of Swayambhu, meaning self-manifested.

2.  The Fourth Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva

Each jyotirlinga is considered to be a different manifestation of Lord Shiva. In this article, we will narrate to you the story behind the fourth of the twelve Jyotirlinga.

3.  Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is yet another Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh. It is located on an Om-shaped Island called Mandhata on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, which is around 80 kilometers from Indore, as the name Omkareshwar suggests. It is the lord of the sound Om. As tales go, It is said that mount Vindhya or Vindhya Parvat got jealous of mount Meru by the influence of Narada. Vindhya, further performed penance to please Lord Shiva and demanded a boon.

4.  Splitting Jyotirlinga into two Halves

He wanted to become more massive, and so the lord raised his hand in bestowment, with the condition that its growth must not trouble the pilgrims. Being extremely pleased with the penance of Vindhya, Lord Shiva also granted his wish and also as a Jyotirlinga there. At the behest of the gods and the sages, Lord Shiva split the ling into two paths: one is at the Omkareshwar temple and the other at the Amareshwar or Mamleshwar temple.

5.  Stopping the growth of Mount Vindhya

Therefore, devotees visit both these temples when they visit Mandhata. Mount Vindhya did not cause any trouble to the pilgrims at first, but after some time it started creating problems for the pilgrims by growing massively in size. People called out sage Agastya for help. The sage ordered Vindhya to not grow until he returns with his wife, the sage never returned, and since then the mountain has not grown in size.

6.  Lord Shiva Defeated Asuras

The second story speaks of a great war between the celestial Devas, and asuras, in which the demons or the asuras won. This made the devas stand defeated and they prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Omkareshwar and defeated the asuras, thus making the significance of this temple even more. It stands as a testimonial of good over evil.