Gauri Somnath Temple, Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh

Gauri Somnath Temple, Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh

Gauri Somnath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Mandhata island near Omkareshwar in Punasa Tehsil in Khandwa District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated in Mandhadha, a riverine island in Narmada River. The temple is located on the path of Parikrama of Omkareshwar.

Legends

Linga with the ability to show future births:

As per legend, the Shiva Linga of this temple is said to have the ability to show future births. If anyone looked into the Linga, the polished surface of the Linga shows his next birth. When Mughal King Aurangzeb invaded this region, he came to know about the miracle. He wanted to test the legend all by himself. He came to the temple, stood before the Linga and saw a pig in the polished surface. He got furious and desecrated the Linga. It is said that the Linga lost its ability after this heinous act of Aurangzeb.

Gigantic Linga:

The Linga housed in the sanctum is of colossal size. As per legend, the Linga cannot be embraced by two adults unless they are uncle (Mama) and nephew (Bhanja).

History

The Temple was built in 11^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction during the invasion of Mughal King Aurangzeb.

The Temple

The Temple follows Bhumija style of architecture and stands over a low raised platform. The temple has three storeys. The sanctum houses a colossal Linga of about 6 feet tall. The Linga is made of black stone with a shiny surface. Nandi made of similar stone can be seen sitting in a separate enclosure facing the sanctum. An idol of Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva, can be seen behind the Linga.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Omkareshwar Temple, 1.5 Kms from Omkareshwar Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Mortakka, 12 Kms from Sanawad Railway Station, 17 Kms from Barwaha, 52 Kms from Punasa, 70 Kms from Khandwa, 78 Kms from Indore and 88 Kms from Indore Airport. The temple is situated in Mandhata at about 12 Kms from Mortakka off Indore to Sanawad route.

Location