Introduction
Uttarakhand, the Dev Bhoomi of India, is a land that is home to thousands of temples. Thousands of pilgrims visit this region throughout the year to visit different temples. Out of these temples, one is the Panch Kedar circuit, which includes the visit to Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. In these temples, you will find Shivlinga in different shapes and sizes, and as per the holy scripture, it is believed that when Pandavas visited Kedarnath in search of lord shiva, he took the form of Nandi, and to escape from there, but Bheema kept a strong hold and pandavas kept on requesting lord shiva to relieve them from their sin. So lord shiva, in the form of Nandi, was torn into 5 parts and appeared at 5 different parts and appeared at 5 different places, which are collectively known as the Panch Kedar temples. These temples are well known as every year 1000s of devotees take the Panch Kedar yatra to visit all of these temples or take the Kedarnath trip to visit the Kedarnath temple or Tungnath temple. But most of these temples are located at very high altitudes and become inaccessible during the winter season. Due to this, the manifested idols of these temples were brought to the lower level, more accessible and reachable. These are known as the winter seats of the temples. Like Utsav Murti of Kedarnath temple is brought to Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, Tungnath temple idol gets transferred to Makkumath, Rudranath temple to Gopeshwar, Madhyamaheshwar to Ukhimath, while the Kalpeshwar temple remains open throughout the year. So without wasting time, let's discuss all three winter seats of the Panch Kedar temples.
Omkareshwar temple (Ukhimath)
Located at an altitude of 1311 meters above the sea level in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, it is not just a mountain town, but a house of the holy Omkareshwar temple. This temple is not just a regular village temple but the winter seat of the Kedarnath and Omkareshwar temples. As per the legend and holy scriptures, it is believed that the marriage of Usha, the Granddaughter of demon king Banasura and Aniruddha, who is the grandson of lord Krishna, took place in the same temple and hence this city got it's name as "Usha Math"- the refuge of Usha, which later on became Ukhimath.
This temple is dedicated to lord Omkareshwar, an incarnation of lord shiva. But during the winter season, Santrum of this temple becomes the temporary home for the idol of lord Kedar and Madhyamaheshwar which were brought to this temple ceremoniously brought down from the high altitude shrines.
When Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar temples get closed during the winter season, the Utsav Murti (Ceremonial Idol) were brought down to the Omkareshwar temple in ornate Plaquins, accompanied by Vedic Chants, local dance and music. This ceremony brings this city alive and turns this temple into a hub of spiritual activities. Same rituals, offerings and poojas are being performed in this temple as they used to be performed in their original shrines. All these activities were taken care of by the head priest of Kedarnath temple, who are generally from the Veerashaiva community of Karnataka and known as Rawals, ensuring traditional continuity.
Ukhimath is a small town located on the slopes of the Himalaya and remains surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forest. Beautiful view of Chaukhambha, Kedarnath and Neelkantha ranges, makes this place even more beautiful perfect winter gateway for the devotees. The Omkareshwar temple was built in classic North Indian temple architecture style, with the sanctum built of rock found in the local region. The design on the gate and the outer region of this temple is beautifully carved on the wooden plates of local timber. So Omkareshwar temple is the perfect alternative for anyone who is willing to take the blessings of lord Kedar and Madhyamaheshwar but doesn't get time in summer or is looking for a peaceful and personal connection with the deities.
Makkumath Temple
Located at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Makkumath is one of the winter seats of the Tungnath temple.
Tungnath temple is the highest Shiva temple on this earth, where the forelimbs of lord shiva in the form of Nandi is being worshipped in the form of Shivlings.This temple remains open just for six months in a year from May to October. You can plan your Kedarnath trip or Do dham yatra or 4 Dham yatra or just Chopta Tungnath trek during this time to visit to this temple. When this temple becomes inaccessible due to the extreme weather conditions, then the Utsav Murti from this temple is carried to Makkumath in a beautiful Ornate palanquin, accompanied by thousands of locals, devotees, and Pandits chanting the Vedas. This is not just a tradition but is celebrated as a festival in which the village of Makkumath comes alive to welcome their Mahadev in their winter home. The head priest of Tungnath temple, which is known as Rawals, continues to serve the temple as per the old routine, ensuring the continuity of the tradition.
Makkumath is not just a regular village but a beautiful spiritual destination, far away from the noise of cities and their urban life. This village is surrounded by dense forests of Deodar, Oak and Rhododendron and provides a clear view of Chaukhambha and Kedarnath Peaks. If you are looking for a peaceful connection with the deity, then visiting the Makkumath temple during winter is the best idea. In addition to this, you can also visit to Tungnath trek, which gets covered in a thick sheet of snow, making it an ideal destination for winter trekking.
Gopeshwar Temple
Rudranath, another temple of the Panch Kedar circuit, in which the face of lord shiva in the form of Nandi is being worshipped. Located at an altitude of 11800 feet above sea level in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, with a total trekking distance of 44 km from Gopeshwar, making it inaccessible during the winter season. So after the Diwali festival, the Utsav Murti of lord Rudranath is being transferred to the Gopeshwar temple in Ornate palanquins, with locals and devotees accompanying the palanquins, singing and dancing all along the route. Pandits also join this procession and keep on repeating the Mantras, making it a perfect mix of celebration and spirituality.
Gopeshwar is a beautiful town, surrounded by dense forest and snow-capped mountains. It has been famous for centuries as it served as the focal point for sagas and pilgrims. It got attractive during the winter season as it serves as the winter seat of lord Rudranath. He resides in a temple at the centre of this village, which is well known as the Gopinath temple, and the Rawal of the Rudranath temple continues to worship him and follow all the customs as it is followed in the original temple, ensuring uninterrupted worship of the deity.
Gopeshwar is not just a restorer of the lord but a timeless guardian of Shiva's presence, ensuring the uninterrupted worship of the deity even when the Himalayas are resting under the snow. So if you are looking to have a deeper connection with the deity through a personal talk, then you can certainly plan to visit this temple during the winter season.
