Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple — The Ancient Shiva Shrine of Ukhimath
The Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Ukhimath, a small town at 1,311m in the Rudraprayag district, 20km from Chopta. The temple is dedicated to Lord Omkar Ratneshwar — a form of Shiva worshipped here since before recorded history. Local tradition dates the temple to the age of the Pandavas and the Kedarnath mythology cycle.
The temple complex at Ukhimath is exceptionally significant because it is the winter seat (sheetkaalin peetha) of Kedarnath — when Kedarnath Temple closes in November each year (the closing date follows the Hindu calendar, usually Bhai Dooj), the idol of Lord Kedarnath is ceremonially carried in a palanquin (doli) from Kedarnath to Ukhimath, where it resides at Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev temple for six months until the temple reopens in April–May. Devotees who visit Ukhimath in winter receive the same spiritual merit as visiting Kedarnath itself — the deity is present here.
Key Facts
- Winter seat of Lord Kedarnath — idol resides here from November to April–May every year
- Also houses the idols of Usha and Aniruddha (from Mahabharata myth) — Ukhimath derives its name from "Usha" + "Math" (monastery of Usha)
- One of the oldest continuously worshipped temples in Garhwal
- Pujaris (priests) of Kedarnath Temple belong to the Lingas brahmin clan of Ukhimath
- The Mandakini river flows near Ukhimath — the town has a lovely ghats area
Winter Seat of Kedarnath — The Procession
The annual closing of Kedarnath Temple and the transfer of the deity to Ukhimath is one of the most important religious events in the Garhwal Himalaya. The ceremony follows a fixed ritual sequence:
Darshan Timings & Temple Information
Timings may vary by season and festivals. Confirm with the temple office when visiting. Dress modestly — traditional Indian attire preferred. Photography inside the sanctum not allowed.
How to Reach Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev, Ukhimath
Chopta → Ukhimath road is a scenic mountain drive of 20km, approximately 40 minutes. The road passes through Baniyakund and Makku villages. Taxis and shared jeeps run between Ukhimath and Chopta.
Rudraprayag → Agastyamuni → Ukhimath. On NH-107. A well-connected route on the Kedarnath highway. Cabs and local buses available.
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath. Drive via NH-58/NH-107. Our Chopta packages include stops at Ukhimath on the way — WhatsApp +91-8057146497.
Haridwar (220km) and Rishikesh (195km) are the nearest railheads. Multiple trains from Delhi daily. Cab from Rishikesh to Ukhimath takes approximately 5.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit
Lord Kedarnath's idol is at Ukhimath — visiting here gives you the Kedarnath darshan when the main temple is closed. Mahashivaratri (Feb–Mar) brings the most intense worship of the year.
Combine with Chopta and Tungnath visit. Temple is accessible and pleasant weather in Ukhimath. The return doli of Kedarnath in late April is spectacular.
Post-monsoon clarity, on the way to or from Chopta. Kedarnath Temple still open. Ukhimath is a serene stop to combine with Chopta trekking.
Monsoon. Heavy rain, flooded rivers, landslides on the Rishikesh–Ukhimath highway. Can be combined with Chopta only in a rain-gap window.