History

Triyugi Narayan temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The current structure of the temple is believed to be constructed by Adi Shankaracharya. The word “Tri” means “three”, “yugi” connotes “yuga” or “era,” and “Narayan” is another name for Lord Vishnu.

Mythology says that Triyugi Narayan, the capital of Himavat, was the marriage venue of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Vishnu, Goddess Parvati’s brother, did the Kanyadaan. The priest who conducted the wedding was no other than the ultimate Lord Brahma.

So, this truly is a place to visit. Just in front of the temple is Brahma Shila, which is the exact spot where the marriage took place.

What’s Special

The very fact that this is the marriage spot of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati makes the temple special. An astonishing feature of this temple is that the remnants of the celestial fire are still burning in front of the temple!

That’s the reason Triyugi Narayan temple is also called Akhand Dhuni temple.

It is believed that the celestial marriage took place in the Sat yuga. Now is the Kal yug. So, the remnants of the fire have been burning since three yugs: Sat yug, Dwapar Yug, and Kal Yug! No wonder the temple is called “triyugi.”

Pilgrims offer wood to this inextinguishable fire in the Havana kund. They then collect the ashes, which are regarded as blessings.

The temple also features 3 kunds:

• Rudra kund
• Vishnu kund
• Brahma kund

It is believed that the Devtas (Gods) bathed in these kunds during the Divine wedding.

The chief source of the three kunds is Saraswati Kund. According to a legend, the water of this kund originates from Lord Vishnu’s navel. It is also believed that the water of this kund can cure infertility problem in women.

The temple’s architecture is similar to that of Kedarnath temple. The sanctum features a silver idol of Lord Vishnu, 2 feet in height, along with an idol of Goddess Lakshmi. You can also see idols of Sita Ramchandra, Badrinarayan, and Kubera. The sanctum also has a burning “akhand jyot” (flame that never goes off).

In front of the “akhand jyot” is an idol of newly wed Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in their blessing avatar.

Outside of the sanctum, you will see a “shaligram shila” of Lord Vishnu. He is in a sleeping posture. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are with him.

There is also a tiny temple devoted to Panchanama Devtas viz; Lord Ganesha (just at the gate of the temple), Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ishaneshwar, and Goddess Annapurneshvari.

Every year, in Bhadrapad (Hindu month that falls in August/September), on the Shukla Paksh Dwadasi, which is the 12^th day of waxing moon, an annual mela is held here.

Things To Do

When you come to Triyugi Narayan temple, the main thing you do is explore the temple and awe at the terrific panoramic views of the majestic snowcapped mountains.

You must offer some wood to the “akhand” flame burning in the Havana kund. Don’t forget to collect the ashes. Meanwhile, you can have the “darshan” (sighting) of each God and Goddess present here and take their blessings.

Visit all the three kunds. In case somebody you know is suffering from infertility problem, you can collect water from the Saraswati Kund for them.

The temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm.

Why You Must Visit This Temple?

You must come here to seek Divine blessings. The place has Divine vibrations and you can actually feel them.

The ashes that you collect after offering wood to the akhand flame is believed to bring conjugal bliss.

Newly weds should certainly come here to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Also, women who are suffering from infertility problem should visit this place.

It is advised that you spend some time here and do not rush into doing the “darshan” and going back. Stay here for atleast 20-30 minutes to absorb the Divine energies of the place.

In January 2017, a well-known TV actress Kavita Kaushik (of FIR serial fame), got married here. This place has become a famous wedding destination.

From Triyugi Narayan to Kedarnath

Kedarnath is just 27 km from Triyugi Narayan temple. You must start your trek journey from Gaurikund, which is 13 km from the temple and is the base camp for Kedarnath trek.

Accommodation

There are hotels and lodges near Triyugi Narayan temple. Accommodation suits all budgets.

Essentials To Carry

• Warm clothes, if you are coming here in winter.
• Good camera.
• If you are going to Kedarnath from here, then pack all essential trekking equipment, shoes, first aid kit, emergency medicines, and others.
• Bring along a litter bag to keep the environment clean.
• Pack a small box for the ashes to take home and an empty container to collect water from Saraswati Kund to take home.

How to Reach?

The nearest railway station is in Dehradun and in Rishikesh. The nearest airport is in Jolly Grant, near to Dehradun. Triyugi Narayan temple is well connected through road. Traveling to this temple through road is easier. From Delhi, Rudraprayag is at a distance of 370 km.  If you are coming from Sonaprayag, then the temple is 12 km off road from the main Kedarnath road. You can also reach the temple through the main road by trekking 7 km from Sitapur village.

The best time to visit is in summer and winter. Please avoid visiting in the rainy season.

Time to visit God’s wedding destination!