Ukhimath
12 km from Guptkashi, Ukhimath is the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath, when the doors of the temple of Kedarnath are closed for the winter, and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath during winter months.
This Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath features superbly crafted and a carefully maintained icon of Lord Shiva. According to folklore, Usha, daughter of Banasur had lived here once, thus giving Ukhimath its name. In fact, Ukhimath is dotted with temples dedicated to Usha, Shiva, Parvati, Annirudh and Mandhata, including one with an image of Mahadev with 5 Heads, similar to the one in Kedarnath. An idol of Usha's confidante, Chitralekha, also exists. And among the several copper plates discovered, two relate to land to endowments for the Kedarnath temple made by the King of Nepal in 1797 A.D. and by the mother of an official of the court of Nepal in 1891 A.D. Near by is the Deoria Tal Lake, which catches the reflection of the Badrinath peak, mirroring its grandeur.
Situated on the banks of the Narmada, Omkareshwar is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is located at a distance of about 12 miles from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. The river Narmada spits into two and forms an island Mandhata or Shivapuri in the center. The shape of the island resembles that of the visual representation of the Omkara sound, Om. There are two temples here, one to Omkareshwar and one to Amareshwar.
Legend has it that the Vindhya mountain prayed to Shiva/Omkareshwara and was blessed hence. Legend also has it that upon the request of the Devas, the Shivalinga split into two, one half being Omkareshwara and the other Amaleshwara or Amareshwar. (Maheshwar was the glorious city at the dawn of Indian Civilization and now
known as temple town with the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata located on the
bank of river Narmada. Its famous for Maheshwari sarees being introduced by Rani
Ahilyabai about 250 years ago.)
King Mandhatha of the Ishvaku clan is believed to have worshiped Shiva here. The Omkareshawar temple is built in the North Indian style of architecture, with high spires. Devotees consider worship to Panchamuga Ganesha, to be very auspicious.
Sightseeing
- Shri Omkar Mandhata
The main temple with detailed carving in soap stone stands on a mile long and half mile island.
- Siddhnath Temple
A frieze of elephants carved on a stone slab is the main draw of this example of early medieval Branmhatic architecture.
- 24 Avataras
A cluster of Hindu and Jain temples in varied architecture modes.
- Satmatrika Temple
6 km. A group of 10th century temples.
|
