Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple also known as Omkareshwar Pith, is an ancient Hindu temple located in Ukhimath, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. During the peak winter months, it also houses the deities of Kedarnath and Madhmaheshwar. As a result, during the season of heavy snowfall, both of these deities are worshipped at the Omkareshwar temple.  It is located 41 kilometres from Rudraprayag, at an elevation of 1311 meters.

This temple, known as Omkareshwar Pith, is one of the country’s oldest and houses the Kedarnath and Madmaheswar deities during the winter months (November to April). During this time, the temples of Kedarnath and Madhmaheshwar remained closed. Deities are brought here from Kedarnath after Diwali and from Madmaheswar in December to be worshipped for six months. In mid-May, these deities are returned to their original temples via procession. Ukhimath can be used as a hub for visiting nearby attractions such as Madhmaheshwar (second kedar), Tungnath ji (third kedar), and Deoria Tal (natural freshwater lake).

Significance of Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple

Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple is significant as the winter home of Lord Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar, as the pathway to these remains closed during the winter. As a result, the idols of the deities are transported to the Omkareshwar Temple after Diwali and worshipped there for the next six months.

Eventually, these deities return to their abodes in a procession organised in mid-May. Furthermore, this temple houses the idol of Mandhata, a king and Lord Rama’s ancestor. Ukhimath is also a gateway to various destinations, including Madhmaheshwar (Second Kedar), Tungnath Ji (Third Kedar), and Deoria Tal (a natural freshwater lake).

Legend of Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple

According to Hindu legends, the wedding of Usha (Daughter of Banasura) and Aniruddha (Grandson of Lord Krishna) was held here. This location was originally named Ushamath after Usha, but it is now known as Ukhimath. King Mandhata had done severe penances for Lord Shiva here.

The Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar Temples are closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall in the area. As a result, the Utsava Idols from Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are transported to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The winter puja for Kedarnath and Omkareshwar (the patron deity of Ukhimath) is held here. The Omkareshwar Temple is located in Ukhimath, 41 kilometres from Rudraprayag.

History of Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple

Ukhimath is primarily inhabited by the Rawals, Kedarnath’s chief priests (pundits). Ukhimath offers a clear view of the magnificent Himalayan range’s snow-capped peaks.

The temple houses a single-stone statue of Mandhata. According to legend, in his final years, this emperor abandoned everything, including his empire, and came to Ukimath to do penance for 12 years by standing on one leg. In the end, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of sound’, ‘Omkar’, and blessed him. Since then, this location has been known as Omkareshwar.

The architecture of Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple

The Omkareshwar Temple’s architecture is distinct, drawing inspiration from the North Indian temple style. The temple stands on a raised platform and features a square-shaped sanctum sanctorum with a conical shikhara (tower) at the top. The temple’s walls are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of various Hindu deities and legendary scenes.

The Omkareshwar Temple’s main deity is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as a lingam (an abstract representation of Shiva). The lingam is displayed inside the sanctum sanctorum, adorned with flowers, garlands, and other offerings. Other Hindu deities, such as Ganesha, Parvati, and Kartikeya, are also honoured in smaller shrines at the temple.

The temple is situated amid lush green forests and provides breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Visitors can also go trekking and hiking in the surrounding hills and valleys, or simply relax and soak up the temple’s peaceful atmosphere.

Facts about Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple

• The Omkareshwar Temple is a venerated Hindu shrine located in the town of Ukhimath, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.
• It is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the region, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• The temple is located on the banks of the Mandakini River and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan Mountains, making it a popular tourist destination as well.
• During the winter, the Utsava Idols from the Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar Temples are transported to Ukhimath and worshipped for six months.
• The Omkareshwar Temple serves as the winter home for Lord Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar, as the path to these remains closed during the winter.
• It is believed that Usha (Banasura’s daughter) and Aniruddha (Lord Krishna’s grandson) married here. As a result, the town became known as Ushamath before being renamed Ukhimath.
• King Mandhata (or Mandhatri), the son of Ayodhya’s King Yuvanashva, is said to have performed penance to Lord Shiva here. He is regarded as an ancestor of Lord Ram.
• The Omkareshwar Temple is particularly well-known for its annual Maha Shivaratri celebration.

Famous Festivals In Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple

• Madmaheshwar Mela: The festival lasts three days. Furthermore, the celebration is followed by the arrival of Lord Madmaheshwar’s idol at the Omkareshwar Temple. Additionally, school students from Uttarakhand participate in the festivities by performing. Afterwards, they set up stalls throughout the meal.
• Mahashivratri: Lord Shiva is the subject of this festival. Many devotees hold the belief that he is the Adi guru, the Yogi tradition’s founder. It is seen by recalling Shiva and reciting petitions, fasting, doing Yoga as well as thinking.
• Dussehra: This significant Hindu festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil. Dussehra commemorates the day that Lord Ram brought prosperity and peace to the world by slaying Ravana. Devotees burn an effigy of Ravana as part of the ritual.

Best Time To Visit Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple

Visiting During summer from March to June is the best season for travelling in these areas. During the monsoons, the hilly terrains turn dangerous with frequent landslides. It is best to avoid the monsoons but if you anyhow reach there you can visit.

How to Reach Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple

It is situated at a distance of 41 km from Rudraprayag.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun. It is 195 kilometres away from the Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is 175 kilometres away from the Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple.

By Road: Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple is located on the Gopeshwar-Mandal road. It is located two kilometres from the Ukhimath taxi stand, which devotees can reach by bus or taxi from Rishikesh.

Omkareshwar Temple of Ukhimath is easily accessible from the major cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar. First, you take the bus to Guptkashi. These buses typically leave early in the morning (5:00 to 11:00 a.m.) for their destination. To get to Guptkashi, take a bus before 9:00. Ukhimath is only a 25 to 30-minute drive from Guptkashi by local taxi or bus.