Greatness of Omkareshvara Jyotirlingam

The rishis said

Suta, great is your fortune. You have told us a wonderful account of the lingam called Mahakala, who guards his devotees. Now tell us of the fourth jyotirlinga, Omkara, which removes every sin.

Suta replied

Brahmanas, I will gladly tell you about the lingam of Paramesha at the place called Omkara. Listen. Once the sage Narada, on his way from Gokarna where he had worshipped Shiva, came with great devotion to Vindhya, the king of mountains. Vindhya received him with deep respect, and standing before him said proudly, "Everything is found in me. There is nothing I lack." Hearing the pride in these words, Narada, who breaks pride, merely sighed. "Why do you sigh?" asked Vindhya. "What do you see lacking in me?" Narada answered: "Everything is in you, it is true. But Meru is higher than you. Meru is counted among the gods' mountains, and you never will be." With that he went back where he had come from.

Vindhya was stung. "Shame on my life," it said. "I will do austerity and worship Vishveshvara Shambhu." Resolved, it took refuge in Shankara and went to the place called Omkara. There it made an earthen image of Shiva and worshipped Shambhu for six months, absorbed in meditation, never moving from the spot where it practised austerity. Parvati's husband saw how Vindhya had worn itself down and was pleased. He showed his own form, which even yogis find hard to see, and said: "I am pleased with your austerity. Tell me what is in your mind. I give devotees what they wish." Vindhya answered: "Lord of the gods, if you are pleased, give me the wisdom to carry out my purpose. You are always kind to your devotees."

For a while Shambhu considered this. "Vindhya is dull of mind, and wants this boon to oppress others. What shall I do? A boon should bring good, and should not cause others great hardship." Even so, he gave the boon: "King of mountains, do as you wish." Then the gods and the sages, stores of purity, worshipped Shankara and begged him to stay. Pleased with their words, Parameshvara wished to be a source of happiness for the worlds. So the one lingam of Omkara became two: Sadashiva in the Pranava is called Omkara, and Parameshvara also dwells there in his earthen form. Both give devotees what they want, both grant pleasure and liberation. The gods and sages worshipped Vrishadhvaja, received many boons and went back to their abodes. Vindhya, glad that its purpose was met, gave up its lament. A person who worships Shambhu like this does not lie in a mother's womb again, and gains the fruits he wants. That is the power and fruit of Omkara. Next I will tell you of the lingam of Kedara.