Ukhimath

Ukhimath is a pilgrimage town in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,311 meters. It serves as the winter seat for the idols of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar temples from November to April. The town is associated with the mythological marriage of Usha and Aniruddha. The Omkareshwar Temple is the main shrine where Lord Kedarnath's deity is worshipped during winter months.

Visitors can explore the ancient Omkareshwar Temple and witness the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath's deity from November to April. The temple area offers views of surrounding Himalayan peaks including Chaukhamba and Neelkanth. Visitors can see temples dedicated to Usha, Aniruddha, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati. The town serves as a base for treks to Chopta, Tungnath, Deoria Tal, and Madhyamaheshwar.

According to Hindu mythology, Ukhimath (earlier called Ushamath) is the site where Usha, daughter of demon king Banasura, married Aniruddha, grandson of Lord Krishna. King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku dynasty performed a 12-year penance here. The tradition of bringing Kedarnath's deity to Ukhimath during winter dates back centuries to when Adi Shankaracharya established the pilgrimage routes.

Ukhimath holds profound religious importance as the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madhyamaheshwar. For six months (November to April), the festival idols from these high-altitude temples are brought here and worshipped at the Omkareshwar Temple. The town derives its name from Princess Usha and is considered her maternal home in Hindu mythology.