Omkareshwara Temple Madikeri

Nestled in the heart of Stuart Hill, Madikeri, in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, this temple stands as a significant spiritual and cultural landmark, drawing devotees and visitors throughout the year.

Built during the British colonial era by King Lingarajendra II of the Haleri/Kodagu dynasty, the Omkareshwara Temple is recognized as a state heritage site.

Its unique architecture, distinct from the typical Dravidian or Hoysala styles, adds to its allure, with a serene water tank and picturesque surroundings that offer a tranquil atmosphere for worship and reflection.

Alongside Lord Shiva, the temple also houses shrines for Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Hanuman, making it a holistic place for devotees seeking blessings from multiple deities. The temple is open for darshan from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Free darshan is available to all visitors. The best time to visit is during the early morning hours, morning, or during the evening aarti, especially in the winter months from November to February and on weekdays when the temple is less crowded.

A strict dress code is enforced: men must wear full-length trousers or traditional attire (with panche/dhoti available for rent), while women are required to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or conservative skirts/kurti sets with covered legs and shoulders.

A variety of poojas are performed daily, including Abhisheka (6:30 AM - 6:45 AM), Ganga Pooja (7:00 AM), Maha Pooja in the morning (12:00 PM) and evening (8:00 PM), and the Mass Satyanarayana Pooja on full moon days.

Rituals are conducted in Sanskrit, Kannada, English, and Hindi, ensuring accessibility for devotees from different backgrounds.

Major festivals celebrated here include Maha Shivaratri (February-March), Madikeri Dasara/Navaratri (September-October), Puthari Festival (December), and the Annual Float Festival (Teppotsava).

To reach Omkareshwara Temple, arrive at Madikeri via State Highway 27 or National Highway 275 from Bengaluru, Mysuru, or Mangaluru. The temple is just 1 km from the Madikeri KSRTC Bus Stand, accessible by foot, auto, or cab.

The nearest railway stations are Subrahmanya Road (86 km), Sakleshpur (100 km), and Mysuru Junction (120 km), while Kannur International Airport (90 km), Mysore Airport (120 km), and Mangaluru International Airport (140 km) are the closest airports.

Visitors will find multiple accommodation options within walking distance, including Hotel Mayura Valley View, Treebo New Redfern, Treebo Regalia Comforts, The Fort Mercara, and the luxury Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa.

Free street parking and a small open parking area are available nearby, though the temple is not fully wheelchair accessible. Photography is permitted in the outer premises but strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum.

Prasadam is distributed after major aartis, and annadanam is offered during major festival days. For more details, devotees can visit the official website or contact the temple directly.

The temple’s proximity to attractions like Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat Garden, Raja’s Tomb, Abbey Falls, and Mandalpatti Peak makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the region.