Omkareshwar temple | Ukhimath | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | Winter home of Kedarnath & Madmaheshwar (2 of the Panch kedars)

Omkareshwar temple | Ukhimath | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | Winter home of Kedarnath 


Omkareshwar Temple-

*Situated in the Ukhimath, Rudraorayag, Uttarakhand. 

This temple is special because during winters, it becomes the temporary home for the idols of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar, two important deities.

During winters due to heavy snowfall at the Kedarnath and madmaheshwar, the idols worshipped here.  

 It's about 41 kilometers away from where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet in Rudraprayag.


Ukhimath has many old temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses like Usha, Shiva, Aniruddha, Parvati, and Mandhata. But the town is most known for being the residence of the head priests of Kedarnath, called Rawals. It's also a part of the Char Dham yatra pilgrimage circuit.


People visit here during winter to worship Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar, who can't be reached in the snow. The temple has a rich history too. It's said that Usha, Vanasur's daughter, got married here to Anirudh, Lord Krishna's grandson. The town was even named after Usha once.


Significance of Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath


Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath is very important. In winter, it becomes the home for Lord Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar because the roads to these temples are closed. The idols are brought to Omkareshwar Temple on Bhaya Duj and worshipped for six months.


In April or May, the idols are taken back in a big procession. The exact date is announced during the Maha Shivaratri festival. The temple also has the idol of Mandhata, an ancestor of Lord Rama.


Ukhimath is also the starting point to visit Madhmaheshwar (Second Kedar), Tungnath Ji (Third Kedar), Deoria Tal, and Chopta, a beautiful freshwater lake.


History of Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath

*   Mythology- Omkareshwar Temple is said to be the wedding venue of Usha (Vanasur's daughter) and Anirudh (Lord Krishna’s grandson).

*  Old Name- Ukhimath was once known as Ushamath, named after Vanasur’s daughter, Usha.

* Legend of Mandhata
  - King Mandhata worshipped Lord Shiva here for 12 years.
  - He stood upright on one leg during his worship.
  - Lord Shiva appeared before him as Omkar.
  - The temple is named Omkareshwar because of this legend.

How to get to Omkareshwar temple-


To get to Omkareshwar Temple, you can fly to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport or take a train to Rishikesh. 

Nearest Airport- Jolly grand Airport Dehradun, (195 Kms from the temple)

Nearest Railway station- Rishikesh Railway station (175 Kms away from the temple)

Then, you'll need to travel by road (Taxi or Bus) to Ukhimath (Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand) and walk a short distance to the temple. 

Accomodation- Some good hotels and GMVM facilities are also there. 

Check out our other articles!

Panch Prayag: The Confluence of Spiritual Harmony in Uttarakhand

A Guide to Gangotri

How to Reach Yamunotri from Dehradun.

Yamunotri: A Spiritual Haven in the Himalayas

Char Dham Yatra: A Spiritual Sojourn in the Lap of the Himalayas

Char Dham Yatra Travel Guide from Dehradun: A Spiritual Expedition

A Journey Through the History of Uttarakhand

Explore Uttarakhand: A Tapestry of Nature, Spirituality, and Adventure

Planning Your Perfect Tour to Uttarakhand: A Step-by-Step Guide

Josimath: A Himalayan Oasis Where Spirituality Embraces Splendor

Dhari Devi Temple: A Sacred Haven on the Banks of the Alaknanda River

Chandrabadni Devi Temple: A Spiritual Oasis in the Himalayas.

Kedarnath: A Spiritual Sojourn amidst the Majestic Himalayas.

Kyunkaleshwar Temple in Pauri: A Serene Abode of Lord Shiva

Places in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand to visit.

Kandolia Temple, Pauri Garhwal, Uttrakhand, India


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