Shri Ganpati Mandir / खजराना गणेश मंदिर इंदौर/ Khajrana, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The visit to this Shree Ganapati Temple, at Khajrana, Indore, in Madhya Pradesh, was a part of “Magnificent Madhya Pradesh Yatra - Bhopal / Indore / Mandu / Maheswar / Ujjain”, from Nov 23^rd to Nov 29, 2025, organised by Mantra Yathra. Thanks to Mr Balaji Davey and his team of Mantra Yatra (website), for the excellent arrangement and personal care.

This is one of the temples exclusively dedicated to Ganapati, with his consorts, at Khajrana, a part of Indore in Madhya Pradesh.  

Moolavar  : Shri Ganapati

Consorts  : Shri Siddhi and Riddhi

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces east with an entrance mandapa/ arch. The shrines of Shiva, Khajrana Ganapati, and Durga are in a straight line facing east. Khajrana Ganapati is along with his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi in the sanctum sanctorum.

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s Prasad Bhandar, Chintaman Ganesha Mandir, Shri Jaya Matha Santhoshi, Shiva Gayathri, Krishna, Madhava Madha, Shri Gobesvar Mahadev, Patal Shiva, Shri Ram Darbar Mandir, Shri Kala Bairavar, Deepa Sthambam, Shaniswaran, and Deepa Sthambh are in the temple complex.

 Kal Bairav 

ARCHITECTURE

The temple was built with the sanctum sanctorum and a mukha mandapam. The total temple was built with brick and concrete. The construction follows the north Indian temple nagara architectural style.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This is one of the temples rebuilt by Maharani Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18^th century.

It is said that the Ganapati statue was kept in the well to save it from Aurangzeb, during the Muslim’s invasion. The same was retrieved back and installed in this temple in 1735 during Devi Ahalyabai Holkar’s reign, who belonged to the Holkar Dynasty of the Maratha Empire. The well is in front of the temple and closed.

Again, the same was rebuilt in 1875 CE. The temple activities are taken care of by the Bhatt family and under the control of the Madhya Pradesh State Government.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Wednesdays, Sundays, Vinayagar Chaturthi, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 05.00 hrs to 00.00 hrs (Midnight).

Aarti is performed at 08.00 hrs and 20.00 hrs

Abhishek's timing is 05.30 to 06.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The official website of Khajrana Ganapati temple: https://shreeganeshkhajrana.com/

Shri G S Misra +919200484324, and Shri Ghanshyam Shukla (Manager) +919893699196 may be contacted for further details and assistance.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is on the banks of the Khan River.

The temple is 5 km from Indore Railway Junction, 14.7 km from Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport at Indore, and 83 km from Shree Omkareshwar Temple.

The nearest Railway Station is Indore Railway Junction.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Shri Mamleshwar Temple / श्री ममलेश्वर टेंपल, Jyotirlinga Temple, Mandhata, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The visit to this Shree Mamleshwar Temple, on the southern banks of the Narmada River, Mandhata, in Madhya Pradesh, was a part of “Magnificent Madhya Pradesh Yatra - Bhopal / Indore / Mandu / Maheswar / Ujjain”, from Nov 23^rd to Nov 29, 2025, organised by Mantra Yathra. Thanks to Mr Balaji Davey and his team of Mantra Yatra (website), for the excellent arrangement and personal care.

Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga, also known as the Amleshwar temple, is situated on the mainland on the south bank of the Narmada. The pilgrimage to Shree Omkareshwar Jyotir Linga will not be fulfilled without the darshan of Shree Mamleshwar. The word Mamleshwar translates to “The Lord of Immortals. According to legends, both Mamleshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga are believed to be manifestations of the same sacred Shree Shiva, hence both are considered as one Jyotir Linga Temple.

Moolavar  : Shree Mamleshwar

Consort    : Shree Parvati

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces west. The balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of the temple. Moolavar is made out of mud and clay and covered with a mukha Linga kavasa. Ambal Sree Parvati is on the back wall of the sanctum sanctorum. Ambal is in a sitting posture. Shiva in the form of Tripura Samharar in one of the koshtam.  

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum and the ardha mandapam. The construction of vimanam above the sanctum sanctorum followed the Rekha Nagara style of North Indian architecture. The vimana was built with limestone. The pillars and walls feature intricate carvings of deities, floral motifs, and mythological scenes.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

There is no inscriptional evidence to prove the antiquity of the temple and the King who built it. The temple may have been reconstructed in the 18^th century.

It is said that Maharani Devi Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, a devout patron of Hindu temples, contributed to the renovation and preservation of the Mamleshwar Temple during her reign in the 18th century. Her efforts ensured that the spiritual and architectural legacy of the temple remained intact for future generations.

Mamleshwar Bridge, which connects the island and the mainland

LEGENDS

The Shiva Shree Omkareswarar is praised in the Skanda Purana, the Shiva Purana, and the Vayu Purana.

As per the legend, the Vindhya Mountain did a penance and worshipped Shiva in the form of a physical lingam, after which Shiva appeared and blessed the mountain, manifesting as the Pranav Lingam. It is also said that after the prayers of the celestial gods, the lingam was divided into two parts: one became Omkareshwar and the other, Mamleshwar. It is believed that Shiva used to take rest in this place during the night.

According to another legend, King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku dynasty meditated here, and Shree Shiva appeared and blessed him. Since the island resembles “Om” or “Omkar”, Shiva is called Shree Omkareshwar.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Abhishek, Partheshwar, Navagraha Shanti, Kalsarph Dosha, Narmada Pooja, Maha Mirtyunjaya, Somavar Sawari, Shivaratri, Rudrabhishek, and Laghu Rudra, etc.

Devotees do the 7 km parikrama of Mandhta Island for prayers. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open for darshan from 04.30 hrs to 21.30 hrs.

05:00 AM to 05:30 AM – Mangal Aarti

05:30 AM to 12:00 PM – Darshan

12:00 PM to 12:30 PM – Apranha Arti

12:30 PM to 07:30 PM – Darshan

07:30 PM to 08:00 PM – Sewa

08:30 PM to 10:00 PM – Darshan

10:00 PM to 05:00 AM – Temple Closed

CONTACT DETAILS

Temple’s website: https://shrimamleshwar.org/

The mobile number +919926073731 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is on the mainland and on the southern banks of the river Narmada.

The temple is 77 km from Devi Ahilyabai Holkar airport at Indore, 12 km from the Railway Station Sanawad, 72 km from the Railway Junction Khandwa, and 12 km from the bus stand Mortakka (Regular bus services are available from Indore, Ujjain, Khargone, and Khandwa).

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple / श्री ओम्कारेश्वर ज्योर्तिलिंग मंदिर / Omkareshwar Temple, Jyotirlinga Temple, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The visit to this Sri Omkareshwar Temple, on the northern banks of the Narmada River, in the island Mandhata in Madhya Pradesh, was a part of “Magnificent Madhya Pradesh Yatra - Bhopal / Indore / Mandu / Maheswar / Ujjain”, from Nov 23^rd to Nov 29, 2025, organised by Mantra Yathra. Thanks to Mr Balaji Davey and his team of Mantra Yatra (website), for the excellent arrangement and personal care.

This is the 4^th Jyotirlinga temple of the 12 Jyotir Linga temples.  spread across India.

Moolavar  : Sri Omkareshwar

Consort    : Sri Parvati

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

A Shiva sannidhi and the Late Raja Rao Saubhagya Singh (1908 – 1970) sanndhis are before the start of the Q complex. The temple complex faces south, on a hill, and comprises Shri Omkareshwar, Shri Mahakaleshwar, Shri Siddhnath, and Shri Gupteshwar. The flag-bearing deity is at the top of the shikara. A Rishabam is facing the sanctum sanctorum, under the open mukha mandapam. Moolavar is of swayambhu, and a small Rishabam is in front. Ma Parvati’s image is on the back wall of the sanctum sanctorum.

The cave where Adi Shankara did penance is on the first level from the Narmada River.

Shri Mamleswar temple is on the southern banks of the Narmada River. The details are written as a separate post.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex is constructed on five floors, consisting of the sanctum sanctorum, which is about 5 feet below the mandapa. The construction of vimanam above the sanctum sanctorum followed the Rekha Nagara style of North Indian architecture. The vimana was built with limestone.

The mukha mandapam is supported by 60 pillars, 14 feet tall. The pillars are intricately carved with Hindu deities, designs and floral motifs. The capitals of each pillar are with various dwarf gana images.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

There is no inscriptional evidence to prove the antiquity of the temple and the King who built it. The temple may have been reconstructed in the 18^th century.

It is said that Maharani Devi Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, a devout patron of Hindu temples, contributed to the renovation and preservation of the Shree Omkareshwar Temple during her reign in the 18th century.

The king who extended his contribution

LEGENDS

The Shiva, Shree Omkareswarar, is praised in the Skanda Purana, the Shiva Purana, and the Vayu Purana.

As per the legend, the Vindhya Mountain did a penance and worshipped Shiva in the form of a physical Lingam, after which Shiva appeared and blessed the mountain, manifesting as the Pranav Lingam. It is also said that after the prayers of the celestial gods, the Lingam was divided into two parts, one became Omkareshwar and the other, Mamleshwar. It is believed that Shiva used to take rest in this place during the night.

According to another legend, King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku dynasty meditated here, and Shree Shiva appeared and blessed him. Since the island resembles “Om” or “Omkar”, which is why Shiva is called Shree Omkareshwar.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas like Abhishek pooja, Partheshwar, Navagraha Shanti, Kalsarph Dosha, Narmada Pooja, Maha Mirtyunjaya, Somavar Sawari, etc, are conducted.

Devotees do the 7 km parikrama of Mandhta island for prayers. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open for darshan from 04.30 hrs to 21.30 hrs.

04:30 AM to 05:00 AM – Mangal Aarti and Naivedya Bhog

05:00 AM to 12:20 PM – Mangal Darshan

12:20 PM to 01:15 PM – Madhyanha Bhog

01:15 PM to 04:00 PM – Madhyanha Darshan

04:00 PM to 04:15 PM – Sayamkalin Shringar

04:15 PM to 08:00 PM – Shringar Darshan

08:30 PM to 09:00 PM – Shayan Shringar and Aarti

09:00 PM to 09:30 PM – Shayan Shringar Darshan

CONTACT DETAILS

Temple’s website: http://omkareshwar.org/English

https://shriomkareshwar.org/

For support, please call or WhatsApp (8AM-8PM), +918989998686.

HOW TO REACH

The island Mandhata can be reached through the bridge from the southern banks of the river Narmada.

The temple is 77 km from Devi Ahilyabai Holkar airport at Indore, 12 km from the Railway Station Sanawad, 72 km from the Railway Junction Khandwa, and 12 km from the bus stand Mortakka (Regular bus services are available from Indore, Ujjain, Khargone, and Khandwa).

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

ADI SANKARA'S CAVE

It is believed that Adi Sankara stayed here and worshipped Shri Omkareshwar Jyotir Linga. This is a natural cave, and later, supporting artistic pillars are added, and the walls and ceiling are plastered. A Statue of Adisankara is inside the cave and on the hill.  

 

Adi Sankara's statue on the hill

Mamleshwar Bridge to cross the island

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Ellai Amman Temple / எல்லை அம்மன் கோயில்/ Shiva Temple, Kil Ayanambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Ellai Amman Temple and a Shiva Temple at Kil Ayanambakkam was a part of “Gajabrushta Vimana Temples Visit”, in the Ayanambakkam area on 2^nd November 2025. This Shiva sannidhi is part of an Ellai Amman Temple at Kil Ayanambakkam.

Moolavar: Shri Shiva

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

This Shiva sannidhis faces east with stucco dwarapalakas. Stucco images of Shiva and Parvati are on the lalada nasi of the Gajabrushta Vimanam. Moolavar is on a round avudayar.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple was built like a Parivara sannidhi of the Ellai Amman temple. The complete temple was built with bricks and concrete. The temple consists of only a sanctum sanctorum, built in eka tala Gajabrushta Vimanam. There is no koshtas.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is said that the present temple was built in recent years, for a Shiva Lingam existed on the same spot.

LEGENDS

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from oru kala poojas, special poojas are conducted on Maha Shivaratri Days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Since oru kala pooja is conducted, opening and closing times are unpredictable.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Poojari Siva Suresh may be contacted on his mobile number +919360663454 for poojas and further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is on the Kil Ayanambakkam, Vanagaram – Ambattur road. 2 km from Etteeswarar Temple, Mel Ayanampakkam, 5.6 km from Maduravoyal flyover, and 10 km from Koyambedu Bus Terminus.

LOCATION OF THE TEM

PLE: CLICK HERE

ELLAI AMMAN TEMPLE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Chandramouleeswarar Temple /Sri Santhanayaki sametha Chandramouleeswarar temple, Periya Koladi Rd, Pachaiappan Nagar Phase I, Koladdi Village, Ayanampakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

 The visit to this Sri Chandramouleeswarar Temple at Ayanambakkam was a part of “Gajabrushta Vimana Temples Visit”, in the Ayanambakkam area on 2^nd November 2025.

Moolavar  : Sri Chandramouleeswarar

Consort    : Sri Shanthanayagi

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east. Balipeedam and Rishabam are in front of the Shiva Lingam. Vinayagar and Murugan are on both sides of the Shiva Lingam. Ambal is also in the sanctum, facing south.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple was built with bricks, and the roof is covered with metacolour sheet.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is believed that the Moolavar existed on the same spot, and the present structure was built in recent years.

LEGENDS

It is believed that this is one of the eight temples around the Sri Etteeswarar Temple of Ayanambakkam.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from oru kala poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri Days, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Since oru kala pooja is conducted, opening and closing times are unpredictable.

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile numbers +919566063170, +919094037580, and  +919840264379 may be contacted for poojas and further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is 3 km from Etteeswarar Temple, Mel Ayanampakkam, 4.5 km from Vanagaram Salai Bus stop, 7.6 km from Maduravoyal flyover, and 11 km from Koyambedu Bus Terminus.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---