The island is shaped like an Om, hence the name Omkareshwar, and is 2 km long and 1 km wide. Omkareshwar in Indore is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrim sites in India by virtue of the presence of a Jyotirlingam, one of the twelve Jyotirlingams in India derive currents of power from within itself as opposed to an ordinary lingam which is ritually invested with `mantra shakti` (power invested by holy chants) by the priests.

Omkareshwar of Indore rests at the confluence of the rivers of Narmada and Kaveri. It is divided north to south by a deep gully. The ground slopes gently along the northern edge but towards the south and eastern sides, there are cliffs over 150m high forming a gorge. The island incorporates two lofty hills (Vindhya in the north and Satpura in the south) and is divided by a valley in such a way that it appears in the shape of an `Om` from above. The Narmada flows down this valley, wide and silent like a pool, which is 270 feet below the cantilever type bridge constructed in 1979. The island is also known as Mandhata, and the Omkareshwar temple is also called Lord Amareshwar.

The soft stone with which it was built, has lent its pliable surface to a rare degree of detailed work, of which the frieze figures on the upper portion is the most striking. Also intrinsically carved is the stone roof of the temple. Encircling the shrine are verandahs with columns, which are carved in circles, polygons and squares. Other attractions that can be visited near the Omkareshwar are Siddhanath Temple, where early medieval Brahminical architecture can be experienced. Its unique feature is a frieze of elephants carved upon a stone slab at its outer perimeter. Also `24 Avatars`-cluster of Hindu and Jain temples, Satmatrika Temples- group of 10th century temples and Kajal Rani Caves.