Omkareshwara Temple

Omkareshwar Temple in Coorg is one of the most pious shrines, particularly for Lord Shiva devotees and other tourists. The temple was put up by King Lingarajendra II in around 1820 and is a brilliant blend of Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture. The tranquility and the natural beauty of the place offer great peace and power to its visitors.

Essential Information

Timings of Omkareshwara Temple Coorg – 6.30 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee: None

Pooja Timings

• Abhisheka – 6:30 AM to 6:45 AM
• Ganga Pooja – 7:00 AM
• Maha Pooja – 12:00 noon
• Maha Pooja – 8:00 PM

There is also a Satyanarayana Pooja every full moon day of the month.

History of Omkareshwara Temple

Locals here claim that the temple has a history that narrates that Lingarajendra II killed a Brahmin for his political goals. Further, to appease Brahmin’s soul, he constructed this holy shrine.  The Brahmin later became a Brahmarakshasa and kept troubling the king until he put up a Shiva linga in the temple. Hence, the Shiva linga is now named Omkareshwar.

Architecture of Omkareshwara Temple

The temple has a mix of Gothic and Islamic architectural styles. It is somewhat similar to the architecture of a Dargah, with a huge dome in the middle and four minarets surrounding its four corners. 

On the main door of entry, there is a copper plate with the temple’s history inscribed on it. The windows of the temple have bars built with panchaloha. Between these bars, the letters ‘lim’ are placed.

Once you enter the temple, you will find a water tank with a variety of freshwater fish. In its center, there is a mandapa connected through a walkway. The watertank is the attraction for kids visiting Omkareshwara Temple Coorg.

Fun Fact: Unlike most Indian temples, Omkareshwara Temple doesn’t have any hall with pillars. The holy Shiva lingam is installed near the entry door. 

The architecture of the temple is simple yet striking and has a calming environment, which makes it a major place to visit in Coorg.