Image Credits : Vvnataraj
Image Credits : Varun Shiv Kapur
Image Credits : Varun Shiv Kapur
Ukhimath is a small town, located in Rudrapragya, Uttarakhand at 1317 meters above the sea level. Snow-capped peaks of the splendid Himalayan range is clearly visible from here. The lovely and radiant town is sure to take away your breath. During winters, the idols of God from Madhyamaheshwar and Kedarnath Temple are taken to Ukhimath and worshiped for next six months. Being one of the famous pilgrimage centers for the Hindu pilgrims, Ukhimath is well-known for its Omkareshwar Temple.
Omkareshwar Temple, nearly 5000 years old, is among the most admired temples in Ukhimath. It is commonly known as the winter abode of Lord Kedar. The deity from Madhyamaheswar temple, one of the Panch Kedar, also is brought here in the harsh winters around December. According to Hindu legends, it’s believed that the marriage of Anirudh (grandson of God Krishna) and Usha (daughter of Vanasur) took place in the Omkareshwar Temple. Another belief associated with this temple is that Mandhata, an ancestor of Lord Rama and an emperor who left every worldly pleasure, performed penance here for twelve years by standing on only one leg. Wooed by Mandhata worship, Lord Shiva got pleased and appeared before him in this temple in the avatar of Omkar to bless him. Since then, this temple is called Omkareshwar Temple. The temple also houses a stone statue of Mandhata.
Near Diwali, the overwhelming procession known as the Utsav Doli begins in the town of Ukhimath. The temple is awakened during Utsav Doli and this whole affair is quite exciting to watch. Both the pilgrims and locals flock to the Omkareshwar Temple at this time to welcome and greet Lord Kedar in his winter’s home. They offer prayers and seek Lord Kedar’s blessings. During this time, there is a spiritual glow in and around the temple which is quite energetic and electrifying. The entire town gets a new life during this time and immense joy and happiness emanate throughout the town. You can join the Utsav Doli event to witness this mesmerizing event. Another highly celebrated festival in Omkareshwar Temple is the Madhyamaheshwar Mela. Extending for three days, it’s a celebration that is followed by Lord Madhyamaheshwar idol’s arrival at the temple. Several performances and various kinds of stalls add to the beauty of this mela.