Omkareshwar Temple (Ukhimath)
Ukhimath, Uttarakhand · Lord Shiva (Kedarnath winter seat) · Shiva Temple
Winter home of the Kedarnath deity and hub for Panch Kedar routes in the Mandakini valley.
Ukhimath in the Mandakini valley hosts the Omkareshwar temple where the Kedarnath idol is worshipped each winter when the high shrine closes, a arrangement BKTC and Incredible India note on Char Dham itineraries.
History
Incredible India Kedarnath trips list Ukhimath temple among scenic stops on the return from Kedarnath.
The town also anchors treks toward Madhyamaheshwar and Tungnath in Panch Kedar circuits.
Stories
The Winter Home of Kedarnath
When snow closes the Kedarnath temple each winter, the festival image of Kedarnath is carried in procession to the Omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath, where worship continues through the cold months. The image of Madhyamaheshwar is also brought down here.
The dates of closing and reopening are announced each year. For pilgrims who cannot reach the high shrine in winter, Ukhimath is the place where the worship of Kedarnath goes on.
Usha and Aniruddha
Tradition connects the town's name to Usha, the daughter of the demon king Bana, who is said to have been married here to Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna. The place was called Ushamath, which is believed to have become Ukhimath over time.
This explanation comes from local belief and Puranic stories. Linguists and historians have not established the name's origin, and the tale is offered as the tradition of the place.
Good to know
Kedarnath winter puja seat
Mandakini valley hub
Panch Kedar road junction
Getting there
Nearest airport: Dehradun. Road from Rudraprayag (~41 km); on Kedarnath–Chopta routes.
Best time to visit: May – Jun, Sep – Nov