Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri - Gothic and Islamic Style Shiva Temple

Omkareshwara Temple, located at the centre of Madikeri town, this Gothic and Islamic Style Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. History goes to the early 19th century, when Linga Rajendra II was the ruler of Coorg. He was in a situation to kill a Brahmin, which is against the Vedas in Hinduism. To vindicate that fact, the spirit of the dead person continued to disturb his mental peace. Getting advice from the other sages and priests, he constructed this temple in 1820 to regain normalcy. It is believed that the shrine was brought from Varanasi. With Islamic outlook, the dome and minarets tower over the tiled roofs of the city. There is a dome in the centre of the temple. The entrance to this temple boasts of a copper plate with inscriptions of the history of the temple etched. The temple has a water tank with a lot of fish. The Islamic influence was due to the invasion of Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The location of the temple in a mystical ambience attracts all kinds of tourists.