Mandhata Explained

Omkareshwar
Native Name:ओंकारेश्वर
Native Name Lang:ओंकारेश्वर
Other Name:Mandhata
Settlement Type:Town
Pushpin Map:India Madhya Pradesh#India
Pushpin Label Position:right
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Madhya Pradesh, India
Coordinates:22.25°N 76.15°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:India
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Madhya Pradesh
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Khandwa
Named For:Omkareshwar jyotirlinga
Unit Pref:Metric
Population Total:20,000
Population Density Km2:auto
Demographics Type1:Languages
Demographics1 Title1:Official
Demographics1 Info1:Hindi
Timezone1:IST
Utc Offset1:+5:30
Postal Code:450554
Registration Plate:MP
Iso Code:IN-MP

Mandhata, also called Omkareshwar or Shivapuri and ancient Mahishmati, capital of Avanti Mahajanpada is a riverine island in the Narmada River in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated on the southern part of the island. Omkareshwar Mandhata is located on the Mandhata hill on the banks of the Narmada.

The name "Omkareshwar" is due to the shape of the island, which appears to be Om. It is about long and wide. Local tradition reveals that King Mandhata paid homage to Shiva here and made this holy place his capital.

This place is situated at a distance of about 10 km from Omkareshwar Road railway station on Akola–Ratlam rail line.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Aitihasik Sthanavali by Vijayendra Kumar Mathur, p. 115