Char Dham Yatra

Omkareshwar Temple or Omkareshwar Pith is an ancient Hindu temple in Ukhimath, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Moreover, it’s home to Kedarnath and Madhmaheshwar deities during peak winters. Hence, during the season of heavy snowfall both of these deities are worshipped here in Omkareshwar temple. It is elevated to a height of 1300 metres.

Ukhimath or Okhimath extends it land to many more centuries-old temples dedicated to Gods and Goddesses such as Usha, Shiva, Aniruddha, Parvati and Mandhata. However, mainly the head priests of Kedarnath known as Rawals live in the town. Also, it is a part of the Char Dham Yatra tour destinations within Uttarakhand

Facts About Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath

What are the timings of the Temple?

Devotees can avail darshan during these hours-

What is the significance of Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath?

Omkareshwar Temple holds significant importance as the winter home for Lord Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar as the pathway to these remains shut during winters. Hence, the idols of the deities are carried to Omkareshwar Temple past Diwali and worshipped here for the next six months.

Eventually, these deities travel back to their own abodes in a procession that is organized in the mid of May. Furthermore, the idol of Mandhata, a king and an ancestor of Lord Rama also sit inside this temple.

Ukhimath is also a doorway to different places such as Madhmaheshwar (Second Kedar), Tungnath Ji (Third Kedar) and Deoria Tal (a natural freshwater lake).

What is the history of Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath?

Mythology says that Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath was the venue for the wedding of Usha (Vanasur’s daughter) and Anirudh (Lord Krishna’s grandson).

Moreover, earlier Ukhimath was popular by the name Ushamath that was inspired by Vanasur’s daughter Usha. Furthermore, legends state that Mandhata worshipped Lord Shiva here for 12 years, standing upright on one leg.

Hence, wooed by his worship Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of Omkar. That’s how the temple got its name.

What are the festivals celebrated at Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath?

Following festivals call for a celebration at Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath like –

• Madmaheshwar Mela: It is a festival that extends to a period of three days. Moreover, it is the celebration followed by the arrival of Lord Madmaheshwar’s idol at Omkareshwar temple. Also, school students of Uttarakhand partake in the festivities by giving performances. Hereafter they also set up stalls during the meal.

How to reach Omkareshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath, a destination of the Char Dham Yatra-

• Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It stands 195 km away from the temple.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is 175 km away from Omkareshwar temple.
• Road: Omkareshwar temple is present on the Gopeshwar-Mandal road. Hence, it is at a distance of 2 km from Ukhimath taxi stand where devotees can reach via bus or taxi from Rishikesh.

Where to stay near Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath?

Some of the places where one can stay near Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath are:

• Shri Hanumant Inn and Resorts: The resort offers a luxurious stay in its well built comfortable accommodation. Moreover, the resort is situated between Ukhimath & Chopta. And is quite budget-friendly.
• Hotel Snow View: The resort is popular as the blend of pristine environment and basic and semi-deluxe facilities such as comfortable and stylish accommodation. Moreover, the place offers great hospitality to the tourists.
• GMVN Tourist Rest House: The hotel is an ideal choice for all classes of tourists who wish to find a budget hotel with decent facilities and good service. Moreover, warm hospitality is their speciality.

What are some places to visit near Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath?

Some of the places to visit near Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimatha are:

• Madhyamaheshwar: The temple is a dedication to Lord Shiva. Moreover, it is surrounded by Himalayan ranges on all sides. Also, the architecture of the temple is of Northern Indian style. Moreover, it contains a navel-shaped shiva lingam made of black stone in the sanctum.
• Kedarnath Temple: It is a Hindu temple built to house Lord Shiva. It is present in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand near Mandakini river. This temple is open from April-November. Moreover, it remains closed during winters due to harsh weather.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi is one of the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Facts

The lingam is a Swayambhu, that is, the lord has manifested the lingam himself. During the Magh Mela, devotees visit the temple to take a holy dip in the river Bhagirathi.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi – Aarti Timings

Here are the timings of the temple:

What is the significance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

The significance of the temple is that Lord Shiva is present here in the form of a self-manifested lingam, immersed in deep meditation. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple also has Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.

According to beliefs, a true devotee of Shiva attains ‘Moksha‘ (salvation) and also lives with Shiva in his abode at Mount Kailash after truthful service and worship at the Temple.

Devotees also believe that Lord Shiva himself blows the mantra of salvation in the ears of the people who die naturally at the temple. Hence, it is an important halt in the tour of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

• However, as per records, Maharani Khaneti, the wife of Sudarshan Shah renovated the temple in 1857.
• The current temple is present over its pre-existing altar. Also, it has a traditional Himalayan architecture.
• As per beliefs, Lord Vishwanath considers this his abode from the second part of Kalyuga.
• Devotees also believe that Lord Kashi Vishwanath will be shifted to this location when Varanasi (Kashi) will get submerged.
• According to mythology, Lord Shiva himself protected Rishi Markandeya from Lord Yama, the God of death. 
• Moreover, the temple has an image of Sakshi Maharaj and Rishi Markandeya in meditating posture.

What are the festivals celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Temple are:

• Maha Shivratri: Mahashivratri is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva also popular as Shankara. Priests wash the Shivalinga every three hours that day with cow’s milk, curd, honey, cow ghee as well as water. Also, women pray for the well being of their husbands and children. Girls keep fast so that they get a good and understanding husband.  During this festival, the devotees decorate the lingam with flowers and conduct the Abhishek with milk.

• Magh Mela: It is celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti in the month of Magh, according to the Hindu calendar. Traditional and cultural activities take place in the Magh Mela such as taking out a procession of dolls to the Vishwanath temple.

How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Here’s how to reach the Temple:

• Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, at a distance of 171 km from the temple.
• Train: The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh as well as Dehradun (about 167 km from the temple)
• Road: The temple is located near NH 34 and state transport buses are available for commuting.

Where to stay near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Some of the places where one can stay near the Temple area:

• Hotel Bahuguna Palace: This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen. Other facilities also include a terrace and free WiFi is available. Moreover, guest rooms at the hotel have a seating area and a TV.
• 5 Elements Hotel: With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.  The hotel also provides 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas to ensure our guests the greatest comfort on the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.
• River- View Resort: Featuring a shared lounge, the resort has air-conditioned rooms as well as free WiFi. There is also a restaurant. Moreover, all rooms have a toaster, a fridge, a coffee machine, a bidet, free toiletries, and a desk. The resort also provides certain rooms that include a balcony.

What are some temples near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Some temples near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi are:

• Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for Goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Also popular as ‘Bilwa Tirth‘, this temple is among the panch tirth within Haridwar. ‘Mansa‘ means ‘wish‘ and it is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
• Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Chandi Devi Temple present at the Neel parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is in the honor of Goddess Chandi. The temple is also one of the panch teerth present in Haridwar. Moreover, the presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
• Shakti Temple: This temple is present on the opposite side of the Vishwanath temple in Uttarkashi and is in honor of Goddess Parvati. Also, the main attraction of the temple is a huge ‘Trishul’ which is 6 meters high. Moreover, it is over 1500 years old. One amazing feature of the trishul is that it cannot be moved with your entire body force but it vibrates the moment you apply pressure with one of your fingers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi