If you are looking for a unique and sacred place to tie the knot or to seek blessings from the gods, then Triyuginarayan temple in Uttarakhand is the perfect choice for you. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and is famous for the legend of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage witnessed by Vishnu at this venue. The temple is also known as Akhand Dhuni temple, as it has a perpetual fire that burns eternally in front of the temple, symbolizing the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.
Location and History of Triyuginarayan Temple
Triyuginarayan temple is located in the Triyuginarayan village in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is situated at an elevation of 1,980 meters and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains of the Garhwal region. The temple is about 12 km from Sonprayag, which is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath temple, one of the most revered shrines of Lord Shiva.
The word Triyuginarayan means “the one who is Lord of the three Yugas”. Yuga in Hindu philosophy is the name of an epoch or era within a cycle of four ages. The four Yugas are the Satya Yuga (1,728,000 human years), the Treta Yuga (1,296,000 years), the Dvapara Yuga (864,000 years) and finally Kali Yuga (432,000 years), which is the present Yuga. According to Hindu mythology, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati took place in the Satya Yuga, and the holy fire that witnessed their wedding has been burning since then, through the Treta and Dvapara Yugas, and till now in the Kali Yuga. Hence, the name Triyuginarayan.
The temple is believed to be built by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century Hindu philosopher and reformer, who established the four cardinal monasteries in India. The temple has a similar architecture to that of Badrinath temple, another important shrine of Lord Vishnu. The temple has a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) where the idol of Lord Vishnu is enshrined, and a Mandapa (assembly hall) where the devotees can sit and pray. The temple also has four doors on each side and a pyramidal roof with a golden pinnacle.
Legend and Significance of Triyuginarayan Temple
The legend of Triyuginarayan temple is related to the love story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who are considered the ideal couple in Hinduism. Parvati was the daughter of Himavat, the personification of the Himalayas, and the reincarnation of Sati, the first wife of Shiva, who sacrificed her life when her father insulted Shiva. Parvati was determined to win Shiva’s heart, who was in deep meditation after Sati’s death. She performed severe penance at Gauri Kund, which is 5 km away from Triyuginarayan, and impressed Shiva with her devotion.
Shiva proposed to Parvati at Guptakashi, a town near Kedarnath, and then they decided to get married at Triyuginarayan, which was the capital of Himavat. Lord Vishnu, the best friend of Shiva, agreed to make the arrangements for the wedding and acted as Parvati’s brother. Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, acted as the priest of the wedding and performed the rituals. The wedding was attended by all the gods, goddesses, sages, and celestial beings, who blessed the couple with happiness and prosperity.
The most remarkable feature of the wedding was the holy fire that was lit by Lord Vishnu in a Havana-kund (fireplace) on the ground. The fire was so pure and auspicious that it became immortal and has been burning ever since. The fire is also known as Dhananjaya Agni, as it is said that a sage named Dhananjaya obtained it from Lord Vishnu and brought it to Triyuginarayan. The fire is considered as the witness of the divine marriage and is worshipped by the devotees.
Another attraction of the temple is the three sacred kunds (ponds) near the temple, namely Rudra Kund, Vishnu Kund, and Brahma Kund. These kunds are filled by a water stream that originates from the navel of Lord Vishnu and is called Saraswati Kund. The water of these kunds is believed to have medicinal properties and can cure various diseases. The devotees take a dip in these kunds before entering the temple, as it is considered a purification ritual.
Triyuginarayan Temple as a Wedding Destination
Triyuginarayan temple is not only a pilgrimage site, but also a popular wedding destination for many couples who want to get married in a sacred and serene environment. The temple offers a unique opportunity to get married in the same place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married and in the presence of the eternal fire that witnessed their marriage. Many couples believe that getting married at Triyuginarayan temple will bless them with a happy and prosperous married life, and will also fulfill their wishes.
The temple authorities provide all the facilities and arrangements for the wedding ceremony, such as the priest, the rituals, the decorations, the food, and the accommodation. The couples can also choose to customize their wedding according to their preferences and budget. The temple can accommodate up to 200 guests and has a guest house and a dormitory for the stay. The temple also has a dining hall and a kitchen, where the food is prepared by the temple staff.
The wedding ceremony at Triyuginarayan temple is conducted according to Hindu traditions and customs and involves various rituals and ceremonies, such as the Ganesh Puja, the Kanyadaan, the Saptapadi, the Mangalsutra, and the Sindoor. The couples also offer wood to the holy fire as a token of gratitude and devotion. The wedding ceremony lasts for about two hours and is followed by a feast and a celebration.
The couples who get married at Triyuginarayan temple also get a certificate from the temple authorities, which is valid and recognized by the government. The certificate mentions the name of the couple, the date and time of the wedding, and the name of the priest who performed the wedding. The certificate also has the seal and signature of the temple authorities and is proof of the marriage.
How to Reach Triyuginarayan Temple
Triyuginarayan temple is well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 226 km from the temple. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is about 212 km from the temple. The temple can be reached by bus or taxi from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Delhi. The temple is about 12 km from Sonprayag, which is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath temple. The temple can also be reached by trekking from Gauri Kund, which is 5 km away from the temple.
Best Time to Visit Triyuginarayan Temple
The best time to visit Triyuginarayan temple is from April to November when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. The temple remains open throughout the year, but the winter months from December to March can be freezing and snowy, and the roads can be blocked due to landslides. The temple also hosts various festivals and events, such as the Shivaratri, the Janmashtami, the Navratri, and the Diwali, which attract many devotees and tourists.
Are you ready to explore the divine destination of Triyuginarayan temple? Do you want to experience the bliss of getting married in the presence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati? Do you want to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas?
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