Maitrepa

The Nar mountain range, situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, forms the western boundary of the Badrinath valley, with its primary peak, Nar Parvat, elevating to approximately 5,855 meters. This range, alongside the eastern Narayan mountains, encircles the sacred town of Badrinath at about 3,100 meters on the banks of holy river Alaknanda.

The Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, Lord Shiva, moved by the penance of King Mandhata, granted him darshan at this very location. The present temple structure is believed to have been raised by the Katyuri kings more than a thousand years ago. In the Dwapara Age, the grandson of Lord Krishna was married to the daughter of the demon king Banasura within the temple grounds.

The Omkareshwar Temple serves a crucial role during the winter months. From November through March, it becomes the revered winter shrine for the utsav idols of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar. These two major Himalayan temples close during this period, but worship continues seamlessly here. Importantly, Ukhimath remains accessible throughout the entire year.