Omkareshwar is situated on the Mandhata hills in Madhya Pradesh, known in ancient times as Shivpuri.  The temple dates back to the Krita Yuga.  River Narmada flows here around the Mandhata hill in the form of an Om (Omkaram).

The Jyotir Lingam split into two, and there are two Siva lingams, Omkareswarar & Amaleshwarar (Amareshwarar).  Mandhata was a great Emperor of the Ishvaku clan who ruled this land.   He did great penance in this land & there is an ashram called Mandhata ashram here.

It is said that once, sage Naradar during his visit to the Vindyas, sang the praise of mount Meru to Mount Vindhya.  On hearing this, Mount Vindhya prayed to Lord Siva to gain in importance.  Lord Siva blessed him & appeared here as Omkareshwarar & Amaleshwarar and gave the boon of grwoing, but without hindering Siva devotees..  But the Vindhyas did not stop growing, and even obstructed the sun and the moon.  Sage Agasthyar subdued its growth by saying it should not grow till he gets back there.  He never went back & hence the growth was arrested.

The Omkareshawar temple  is built in the North Inidan style of architecture, with high spires.  Devotees consider worship to Panchamuga Ganesha, to be very auspicious.  There is a shrine for Annapoorani.  Siva Lingas of various sizes are sold in great numbers in this place.