Welcome to the Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath, a sacred and ancient shrine nestled in the heart of Ukhimath, Uttarakhand. This temple is not just a place of worship; it is a profound spiritual anchor for the entire Rudraprayag district. Its greatest significance lies in its sacred duty as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. When the doors of the main Kedarnath shrine close due to heavy snow, the divine idol is ceremoniously brought down to the ukhimath omkareshwar temple. For six months, this is where devotees come to get the holy darshan of the kedarnath temple in winter.
Located on the route to Guptakashi and overlooking the magnificent Mandakani river valley, this temple complex pulses with divine energy. A visit to the omkareshwar temple at ukhimath connects you to a timeless tradition, offering peace and a powerful spiritual experience to every pilgrim. It is the center of all religious activities in the region during the winter, a beacon of faith against the snowy Himalayan peaks.
The town gets its name from Lord Shiva’s fierce incarnation, Rudra. According to legend, this is the spot where the great sage Narad Muni meditated for centuries to appease Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva appeared here in his Rudra form and blessed Narad Muni with the mastery of music. The sound of the rivers merging is said to be the celestial music of Shiva’s Veena.
The history of Omkareshwar Temple is woven from ancient Hindu legends. The temple’s name, “Omkareshwar,” is believed to come from the penance of the great sage Mandhata. It is said he stood on one leg for 12 years at this very spot to appease Lord Shiva. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared to him in the form of ‘Omkar’, the primordial sound, blessing him.
Another legend gives the town Ukhimath its name, which is derived from ‘Ushamath’. According to the Puranas, this was the place where the wedding of Usha (daughter of the demon king Banasur) and Aniruddha (grandson of Lord Krishna) was solemnized. The idols of Usha, Aniruddha, and other deities are still worshipped within the temple complex, making this a unique and deeply historic site. This rich past makes the omkareshwar temple uttarakhand not just a stop, but a destination filled with divine stories.
While here, take the time to explore these sacred spots:
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The Location of Omkareshwar Temple is in the main market town of Ukhimath, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is easily accessible, located right on the main road that leads to Guptakashi and Chopta.
Knowing How to Reach Omkareshwar temple is simple as it’s well-connected.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jollygrant Airport in Dehradun (approx. 200 km). From the airport, you can hire a taxi.
By Rail: The closest major railway station is in Rishikesh (approx. 180 km).
By Road: From Rishikesh or Haridwar, you can easily find buses or taxis. The route follows the national highway to Rudraprayag, and from there, you take the main road towards Guptakashi. Ukhimath is a major town on this route, and the temple is its most prominent landmark.
The Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath is famous worldwide because it serves as the sacred winter seat (gaddi) for two of the Panch Kedar deities: Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madhyamaeshwar.
Every year after Diwali, when the Kedarnath temple closes for winter, the Utsav Doli (processional idol) of Lord Kedarnath is carried down in a grand procession to omkareshwar ukhimath. For the next six months (November to April), all daily rituals, aartis, and worship are performed here for Lord Kedarnath. This allows devotees to have the holy darshan of the kedarnath temple in winter. Similarly, the idol from Madhyamaeshwar is also brought here. This makes the omkareshwar temple uttarakhand a vital, year-round pilgrimage center.
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Ward No.3, near Mangoli Field, Mangoli, Ukhimath, Uttarakhand 246469
