Omkareshwara Temple, Coorg

Omkareshwara Temple is situated at the heart of the Madikeri hill station. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by King Lingarajendra in 1820. This temple bears the influence of the Islamic architecture which was a result of the Islamic invasion of Kodagu during the reigns of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The temple has a dome at the centre and four turrets at the corners.

Resembling the structure of a dargah, it has a Shiva Linga at the entrance of the temple. The temple has a water tank, which has a mandapa at the middle of it and a causeway to connect it with the main temple. Omkareashwara temple got its name as people believe that the Linga present here was brought by the King from Kashi.

The story goes that the king had killed a Brahmin to fulfill his political goals and he tried to conciliate his disgruntled spirit. The spirit had turned into a Brahmarakshasa and bothered him till he founded the temple and installed the idol. The temple has an inscription at the entrance of door which is on a copper plate.

The quality that makes the Hindu temple a unique one is the confluence of the Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.