In The Shadow of A More Famous Name
What is it like to be put in the shadow of a twin who, by whatever means or for whatever reason, has become a giant, a superstar much in demand by adoring crowds , when both have same stories of origin and the same claim to special status ? In human terms, that would be a sad state of affairs, of course, causing emotional instabilities and much angst. But Divinities care a fig ! Nevertheless, it is an interesting study in contrast for a visitor . Mamleshwar ( /Amleshwar/Amreshwar) and Omkareshwar lie opposite each other on either side of the River Narmada and both are considered the Jyothirlingam. Not in plural. They are considered The Same Jyothirlingam ! And therein lies the rub, of why one twin gets the limelight and the other a mere nod ! There are three theories about this. Theory 1 : Mamleshwar is the original and only Jyotirlingam of the holy site , Omkar was built later on a tribal shrine, approriating the Jyotirlingam legend . Theory 2