Triyuginarayan Temple: How to Get There, Visiting Time, History, Significance and Architecture ST- Triyuginarayan Temple: History and Architecture

Built by Adi Shankaracharya, around the same time as Badrinath Temple, in a similar architectural style, in Himachal Pradesh, Triyuginarayan Temple, stands aloft as a witness to countless historical episodes that have swept the passage of time.

Very popular late, as an ideal wedding destination, this temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Known widely for its mystical ponds and the Akhand Dhuni, which is said to have burned since primordial times, the temple is built at 1,980 meters above sea level, around 1,200 years ago. Let’s keep reading to know more about this destination.

Also called Akhand Dhuni Temple, the Triyuginarayan’ is made up of three words. This is how this place got its name, i.e. Triyuginarayan with Tri meaning three, and Yugi meaning epochs, and Narayan as a synonym of Lord Vishnu. Triyuginarayan in Rudraprayag district is 27 km from Kedarnath. It is 13 km from Gaurikund and 10 km from Sonprayag. Triyuginarayan Temple is located at the confluence of Sone-Ganga and Mandakini rivers in Rudraprayag district.

Triyuginarayan Temple: History

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati, who was the daughter of Himalayas, married Lord Shiva in his first incarnation as Sati, who had sacrificed his life in the burning fire of homa in response to the hurtful remarks of her father about her husband Lord Shiva. . Later, she is reborn as Goddess Parvati and becomes the consort of Lord Shiva again, performing years of harsh austerities.

Eventually, Lord Shiva relented and promised marriage to Parvati. According to local legends, it was Lord Brahma who performed the priestly services while Lord Vishnu performed all his ritual duties as a brother. A stone named Brahma Shila is placed exactly where the divine couple sat on the occasion of their marriage.

Triyuginarayan Temple: Architecture

The temple has a shrine which envelops a 2ft silver idol of Lord Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi and the Goddess of music and learning – Saraswati. the temple has idols of Badrinarayan, Sita Ramachandra and Kubera whose presence lends a holier aura to the temple. While the temple has beautiful idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati placed in bride attire placed near the Dhuni, you can find the Shaligram Shila or Lord Vishnu with his consort Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Ganesha accompanying them.

Triyuginarayan Temple: Akhand Dhuni

The meaning of ‘Akhand’ is eternal and ‘Dhuni’ means divine flame. Pilgrims who visit infallibly take with them pieces of samidha or sacred wood to throw into this Akhand Dhuni. Right in front of the temple, the sacred fire can still be seen burning in a Havana-Kund or Agni-Kund, a four-cornered fireplace. The ashes are collected and carried to their respective homes, as a remembrance, and kept in a clean place so that the devotees may be blessed with uninterrupted marital bliss. The couple who apply the sacred ash will be inseparably linked to the next 7 lives.

Triyuginarayan Temple: Saint Kunds

Take a cool and refreshing bath allowed in any of the kunds (Rudra Kund) – Rudra Kund, Vishnu Kund, Brahma Kund and Saraswati Kund which hold the living waters of Saraswati Ganga. They are a sight to behold, with their own mystical significance. There are four ponds or kunds, in which the celestials had taken a sacred bath, before attending the divine wedding. The source of these ponds is the Saraswati River which emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu.

The water from these kunds is famous in its own right. It is believed that infertility is cured and fertility increased by bathing in these healing waters. Rudra Kund is used for bathing, Brahma Kund for drinking water, Vishnu Kund for cleansing body, mind and soul levels and Saraswati Kund is for offering libations.

Triyuginarayan Temple: why get married here?

This place is a popular wedding venue for several reasons. Couples are allowed to parikrama around the sacred Dhuni and marry in the most traditional style. This sacred site offers you the opportunity to get married with a traditional touch. Getting married in this surreal piece of paradise against a backdrop of lush greenery and snow-capped mountains feels like an out-of-this-world experience. This all seems unrealistic for our expectations.

If you like a touch of sanctity and tradition to keep your marriage going, you can contact the authorities here for the next step. The state has a meticulous arrangement for wedding planning services. For a more archaic touch, you can add Mangal Geet and traditional Himachal menu as it gives you a more cozy feeling. Over time, the reputation spread widely and eventually it turned out to be a favorite wedding venue for all aspirants. The clientele has a long list of celebrities who have married here in these hallowed surroundings.

Triyuginarayan Temple: how to get there and where to stay?

This extremely sacred ancient temple is located just 12 km from the holy city of Sonprayag, which is also the last motorable road to the temple. There are hiking routes organized by the authorities for the convenience of travelers.

For a comfortable stay, you can choose these clean, pretty and affordable accommodations here. There are resorts and accommodations offering rooms at around INR 500 for a room, with an added attraction of balcony view rooms that allow you to savor the beauty of the enthralling scenery that envelops you from every corner.

Triyuginarayan Temple: When to Visit

The Triyugi Narayan Temple is at an indomitable altitude with considerably adverse weather conditions and hence choosing the right time for the visit becomes important. The best time to visit will be summer time between October and March. Devotees usually flock during this time. The climate is pleasantly pleasant at all times, in summer, but the winters are freezing and unbearable with the weather oscillating between 0 degrees and -15 degrees Celsius.

The monsoons between July and September are also rather cold and prone to heavy rains. This temple is open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. The whole area is extremely favorable for agriculture and enables the planting of apples and stone fruits to grow in abundance.

Disclaimer: The information is based on assumptions and information available on the Internet and the accuracy or reliability is not guaranteed. Boldsky does not confirm any entry or information related to the article and our sole purpose is to provide information. Please consult the relevant expert before practicing or implementing any information and assumptions.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Article first published: Thursday, August 4, 2022, 10:00 a.m. [IST]