Sacred Triyuginarayan Dham: Shiva & Parvati’s Marriage Site

Triyuginarayan Dham is located at an altitude of 1,980 meters in Triyuginarayan village, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. Although the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, its architectural style is similar to the Kedarnath Temple and is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya, who is also credited with constructing many temples in the Uttarakhand region.

Triyuginarayan Mandir

Triyuginarayan Mandir, located in Triyuginarayan Village at an elevation of 1,980 meters in Ukhimath Tehsil, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand, offers stunning panoramic views of the snow-covered Gadhwal Mountains. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is renowned for its connection to the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which is said to have occurred about three aeons or yugas ago.

Triyuginarayan Temple Timings & Significance-min
Triyuginarayan Temple

Origin of the Name

The name Triyuginarayan comes from the combination of Tri (meaning three), Yugi (meaning epochs), and Narayan (meaning Lord Vishnu), who, as Parvati’s brother, arranged this celestial wedding. In this sacred event, Lord Brahma served as the priest.

A unique feature of the temple is the perpetual fire that burns continuously in front of it. This flame is believed to have been burning since the time of the divine marriage, and thus the temple is also known as Akhand Dhuni Mandir (the temple of the eternal flame).

Inside the temple, there is a two-feet tall silver image of Lord Vishnu (Narayana), accompanied by his consorts: Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Goddess Sarasvati (the goddess of music and learning). The temple courtyard is the source of a water stream that fills four bathing ponds (kunds) nearby.

Suggested Read:  Discover Triyuginarayan Temple Agni Kund ( Triyuginarayan Temple Fire)
Triyuginarayan Temple Decorated for Wedding Ceremony of Gupta Brothers.
Triyuginarayan Temple Decorated for Wedding Ceremony of Gupta Brothers.

Location of the Marriage

The exact location of the marriage is marked by the Brahmashila (a sacred stone) in front of the temple. The temple grounds also feature three sacred kunds (ponds): Brahma Kund for sipping, Rudra Kund for bathing, and Vishnu Kund for cleansing. These kunds are replenished by Saraswati Kund, which is believed to have originated from the navel of Lord Vishnu and is used for offering libations.

The architecture of Triyuginarayan Mandir resembles that of the famous Kedarnath Mandir, adding to its charm and significance as a major pilgrimage site.

History and Mythology

According to mythology, the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place at this sacred site, and Lord Vishnu is believed to have witnessed the ceremony. The exact spot where the marriage occurred is marked by a stone called Brahma Shila, located in front of the temple.

A unique feature of the temple is the perpetual fire that burns in front of the temple. This flame is believed to have been burning since the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Because of this, the temple is also known as the Akhand Dhuni Temple, symbolizing the eternal flame that continues to burn, marking the sacred event for eternity.

Triyuginarayan Dham is famous for several reasons:

  1. Lord Shiva and Parvati’s Eternal Marriage: The temple is renowned for being the site where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are believed to have gotten married, making it a significant pilgrimage destination for devotees seeking blessings.
  2. Perpetual Fire: The eternal flame (Agni kund) in front of the temple is believed to have witnessed the divine marriage, symbolizing purity and endless divine love. This continuous fire is a unique feature of the temple.
  3. Vedic Architecture: The temple showcases an ancient Vedic style, with intricate stone carvings on its walls. The designs, including special Yantras, are thought to hold spiritual energy, encouraging deep contemplation and connection with the divine.
  4. Holy Ponds: The temple is surrounded by sacred ponds (kunds) believed to have healing powers. These waters are important for devotees who wish to purify themselves spiritually.
  5. Connection to the Ramayana: Triyuginarayan Temple is also special due to its association with Lord Rama, as it is believed to have been his home during his exile. This connection adds a layer of mystery and significance to the temple, linking it to the legendary events of the Ramayana.
Triyuginarayan Temple Decorated for Wedding Ceremony of Gupta Brothers.
Triyuginarayan Temple Decorated for Wedding Ceremony of Gupta Brothers.

Triyuginarayan Temple Wedding

Destination Weddings in India: A Budget-Friendly and Beautiful Option

These days, destination weddings are in trend, where the families of the bride and groom gather in another city at a beautiful location to celebrate the wedding. This style of wedding is quite popular among couples, but destination weddings can be expensive, making it difficult for an ordinary family to afford one like a celebrity.

However, in India, there is a place where you can fulfill your dream of a destination wedding at a low cost. This location holds religious significance and is also remarkable from a tourism perspective. Amidst lush green hills and scenic views, when the bride and groom take the seven vows (Saptapadi) in front of the sacred Agnikund, it is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati bless the couple.

This location also offers wedding packages, which cost just a few thousand rupees. Let’s explore India’s most affordable and beautiful destination wedding spot.

Triyuginarayan Temple Agni Kund
Triyuginarayan Temple Agni Kund

A Sacred Agni Kund in Uttarakhand

Nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand, the Triyuginarayan Mandir stands as a testament to centuries of devotion and spiritual significance.

Surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas, this ancient temple holds deep connections to the divine, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are believed to have tied the knot thousands of years ago. It is here, in this sacred space, that couples from all over the world come to seek blessings and celebrate their own unions.

The temple’s Agni Kund—the eternal fire that has been burning since the celestial marriage—symbolizes purity, divine love, and an everlasting bond. Lord Vishnu, who arranged the wedding, and Lord Brahma, who acted as the priest, are integral to the temple’s rich mythology.

This sacred fire has burned through time, witnessing not just the divine wedding but also numerous others since then, making it a truly magical and meaningful destination for couples.

Triyuginarayan village Uttarakhand
Triyuginarayan village Uttarakhand

Triyuginarayan Temple Declared a Destination Wedding Site

In Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, also known as the Land of Gods (Devbhumi), destination weddings can now be organized. The Triyuginarayan Temple, located in the Ukheemath block, is a sacred pilgrimage site and a major attraction for tourists. Travelers visiting Uttarakhand especially love to offer their prayers and have darshan at this temple.

The Uttarakhand government declared this temple as a destination wedding site in 2018. Since then, people not only from India but also from abroad have been coming here to celebrate weddings. Around 200 weddings are held every year at the Triyuginarayan Temple.

Shiv-Parvati Marriage at Triyuginarayan Temple

The popularity of the temple among couples is largely due to its ancient religious significance. It is believed that Lord Shiva (Bholenath) and Goddess Parvati got married at this very site, making it a symbol of their union.

According to locals, the sacred fire (Agnikund) lit during the Shiv-Parvati wedding still burns today. In that divine ceremony, Lord Vishnu acted as Parvati’s brother and Brahma Ji was the priest, which is why this spot is also called Brahma Shila, located right in front of the temple. The temple is said to have been established during the Treta Yuga, giving it immense historical and spiritual significance.

Triyuginarayan Temple Agni Kund ( Havan Kunnd )
Triyuginarayan Temple Agni Kund ( Havan Kunnd )

How to Get Married at Triyuginarayan Temple

To have a wedding at Triyuginarayan Temple, you first need to complete the registration, which has a fee of ₹1,100. During registration, the phone numbers and Aadhaar cards of the bride and groom are recorded with the temple committee.

The wedding is conducted according to all traditional rituals. The temple also arranges for:

  • Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies
  • Dance and music performances
  • Welcome of the Baraat (groom’s procession)
  • Delicious local hill cuisine

How Much Does a Wedding Cost at Triyuginarayan Temple

According to reports, the Triyuginarayan Temple offers wedding packages that include complete arrangements for the wedding. The package covers:

  • Haldi and Mehendi functions
  • Music and dance programs
  • All wedding rituals and ceremonies
  • Accommodation arrangements
  • Decoration and scenic setup
  • Delicious local cuisine

Along with the destination wedding setup, the services of a wedding planner are also included in the package. The couple and their family just need to get ready and participate in the rituals.

The cost of the package can be approximately ₹3–4 lakh, making it a well-organized and hassle-free wedding experience in a divine and scenic location.

How Many Guests Can Be Included at Triyuginarayan Temple Wedding

If you wish to have your wedding at this temple, you should bring only your family and close relatives. Large crowds are not allowed at the temple for weddings.

  • From the bride’s side, only 15 guests are allowed.

  • From the groom’s side, only 15 guests are allowed.

Additional Rules:

  • Plastic items are banned inside the temple.

  • Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited.

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Author

Namaste! I am Om. I am a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I’m originally from Varanasi. Now, I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel more. Hari Om

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