Wednesday, 22 February 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Express Publications (Madurai) Private Limited for expansion and beautification of Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath and reconstruction of the Kotha Bhawan. The Omkareshwar temple is the winter abode of lord Kedarnath. The project will cost Rs 480.39 lakh.
The MoU was signed on Tuesday by the BKTC CEO Yogendra Singh and the media house general manager (Administration and Projects) Avneesh Singh in the presence of the BKTC chairman Ajendra Ajay. The first phase of the project will entail work on the temple plaza, administration building and developing façade of the current administration building costing Rs 470.39 lakh. While work on the first phase will be done by the private enterprise at its level, the BKTC’s engineering wing will monitor the works. Ajay said that after the expansion of the Omkareshwar temple and renovation of the Kotha Bhawan, Omkareshwar will emerge as a destination for devotees and pilgrims. The detailed project report for the second phase will be prepared soon and will entail reconstruction of Kotha Bhawan, Usha-Aniruddh Vivah Mandan and other works. The third phase will focus on beautification outside the temple complex, construction of parking facility and other works.
It is pertinent to mention here that lord Kedarnath is worshipped in Omkareshwar during the winters after the Kedarnath temple is closed to the public for about six months. The Panch Kedars are also worshipped here. The ancient Kotha Bhawan located here contains in its basement the Vivah Mandap where the marriage of lord Krishna’s grandson Aniruddh and demon king Banasur’s daughter Usha was held. Ukhimath is the distorted version of Ushamath, named after Usha. At present the Kotha Bhawan is not in a good condition.
