About Gauri Somnath Temple
Gauri Somnath Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on Omkar Island in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the Narmada River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its large 6-foot black stone lingam and star-shaped Bhumija-style architecture. Situated near the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga shrine, the temple is a significant pilgrimage stop and noted for its ancient stone construction and riverside setting.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small ancient stone temple on Omkar Island with a star-shaped exterior and a large black stone Shiva lingam inside the sanctum. The temple is set among narrow lanes near the Narmada River, close to the main Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. The interior is dimly lit with stone walls, and the surroundings include ghats, river views, and other small shrines. Pilgrims perform darshan and prayers, while tourists can observe traditional architecture and the riverside pilgrimage environment.
Key highlights
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Large 6-foot black stone Shiva lingam in the sanctum
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Star-shaped Bhumija style stone architecture
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Located on Omkar Island on the Narmada River
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Historic temple believed to date to 10th-11th century
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Close proximity to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Narmada ghats
History of Gauri Somnath Temple
Gauri Somnath Temple is an ancient stone temple on Omkar Island attributed to the 10th-11th century and built in Bhumija architectural style with a distinctive star-shaped plan. Constructed from black stone, it is noted for its large monolithic Shiva lingam and is considered one of the older surviving temples in the Omkareshwar temple complex.
Culture & Context
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Gauri Somnath and is an important stop for pilgrims visiting the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It holds religious significance for Shaivite devotees and is visited especially during Maha Shivratri and the Narmada Parikrama pilgrimage.
Route
| By air |
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