The lord of sound aum or om is Shiva who blessed the holy land of Ukhimath and resides in the temple of Omkareshwar. This is also the winter seat for Kedarnath and Madmaheswar (one of the panchkedar) when in the winter season these two temples are covered with snow and it is difficult to reach their original destination, they stay in Omkareshwar for the winter season and in May their doli are taken back to their respective places.
According to mythology, the grand wedding of Usha the daughter of Vanasur, and Anirudh the grandson of Krishna happened here. Another legend believes that Mandhata one of the ancestors of lord Rama has worshipped lord Shiva for 12 years standing on his one foot. At the end of his penance, lord Shiva appeared to him in the form of Omkar and blessed him.
About Omkareshwar Temple
At a distance of about 41kms from Rudraprayag and at the elevation of 1311 meters Ukhimath is a pilgrimage site and holds a very important place for surrounding Shiva temples of Kedarnath and Madmaheswar, as it is the winter seat for both of them. Omkareshwar Pith is one of the oldest and most divine temples of lord Shiva in the country.
Ukhimath is surrounded by many artistic and beautiful ancient temples dedicated to Usha, lord Shiva, Goddess Parwati, Aniruddha, and Mandhata. This holy site is mainly inhabited by Rawals and who are also the head priests of Kedarnath. Ukhimath is a very beautiful place itself snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range can be easily visible from here and on a clear day, one can easily see Kedarnath peak, Chaukhamba & another green beautiful valley.
Some of the important facts about Omkareshwar Temple
- Unlike many other Shiva temples in Uttrakhand, this temple is open throughout the seasons. Although in winter Madmaheswar and Kedarnath also stays in this temple alongside other deities.
- Geographically Ukhimath is the central location for different treks like Madmaheswar, Kedarnath, and even Tungnath, so to visit these Shiva temples the whole journey will be completed once you visit Omkareshwar.
- Deoria Tal and Kalimath temples are the nearby attraction of Omkareshwar temple
How to reach the Omkareswar Temple
Ukhimath is the central region for various very famous temples of Lord Shiva, temples which are mainly of the Mahabharata period. Ukhimath is the winter seat for Madmaheswar and Kedarnath. Ukhimath is in Rudraprayag district which is 41 km apart from each other another important region Guptkashi is about 13kms away.
Connectivity via road
This whole journey from Rishikesh to Ukhimat is well connected via road under NH 58 which is like 170 km run. The highway is well designed and you can easily come here on your vehicles
Connectivity via railways
- The nearest railway station to Ukhimath is Rishikesh which is 170 km away and from there it is well connected via road. You can take NH 58 for traveling to Ukhimath. Dehradun and Haridwar are also nearby options for railway stations.
- Once you get off the train in Rishikesh/Dehradun or Haridwar, you can easily hire a local taxi or travel the distance via bus. Bus stations from railway stations of these places have direct connectivity.
Connectivity via airplanes
- The nearest airport to Ukhimath is Jolly Grant airport Dehradun.
- You can take an easy flight from wherever you are traveling to Dehradun.
- From the airport take a local cab to reach ISBT Dehradun and take a night bus to Ukhimath.
- You can also arrange a cab to Ukhimath from Jolly Grant directly by talking to any local transport companies.
Places to stay around Omkareswar Temple
- Ukhimath itself where lord Omkareswar resides is a big decent place for your comfortable stay. Ukhimath is being blessed by nature in a very unique way on a clear shiny day one can easily see the peak of Kedarnath, it is also the mid and important point if you are trekking Tungnath or Madmaheswar. Deoria Tal another famous tourist attraction is nearby. You will find lodges, hotels, and even Dharamshala according to your budget, restaurants here are not that expensive and serves local Uttarakhandi food also.
- Rudraprayag is around 1 and half hour travel away from the Omkareswar temple, here also you will find many options to stay or camp for a night or as per your plan. The town is famous for its pristine beauty and the center point from where you can to Badrinath Dham (150 Km) or Kedarnath Dham (50 km) away. The place is also guarded by the famous Nar and Narayan peaks.
- Another famous which is half an hour’s drive far from Omkareswar temple is Guptkashi. Here you will a decent place to stay also Guptkashi is on the driveway and part of NH 58 which is an important place in the Panch Kedar circuit
Necessary things to carry in Omkareswar Temple visit
- Ukhimath is at a height of 1311 meters which is comparatively very high than other places. The climate here is generally cold throughout the year, so do not forget to carry your warm clothes.
- Because of the climatic conditions, your body tends to require more fluids, so carry water with you.
- Ukhimath is a place that is blessed by mother nature for its beautiful locations, so do not forget to carry a camera with you. Also, the temple site and Deoria Tal make a wonderful picturesque.
Few travel tips
- Always carry a first aid box with you during the whole journey.
- People with asthma or fewer lung capacity and with heart conditions avoid traveling, as the temple is at a great height. However, the oxygen level won’t dip here.
- Carry your warm clothes during the travel, the place is generally very cold throughout the season.
- Carry your camera phones because you will find many great locations to take pictures and update your social profiles.
- Though the whole region is easily reachable and has internet connectivity it is beneficial if you carry a local guide, who can introduce you to the local history.
