About Triyuginarayan Temple
The Triyuginarayan Temple is in the village of Triyuginarayan in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, at an altitude of about 1,980 m, on the route to Kedarnath. It is dedicated to Vishnu as Narayana, but it is best known as the place where, according to tradition, Shiva married Parvati. A fire burns continuously in a havan-kund in front of the temple, and it is believed to have been alight since the divine wedding; for this reason the shrine is also called the Akhand Dhuni temple. The name Triyugi refers to the three yugas, as pilgrims are said to have fed this fire through three ages.
According to legend, Parvati won Shiva as her husband through severe penance at Gaurikund nearby, and Shiva proposed to her at Guptakashi. The wedding took place here in the Satya Yuga, with Vishnu acting as Parvati's brother and Brahma as the priest, in the presence of many sages. A stone called the Brahma Shila in front of the temple is said to mark the exact spot of the marriage. The temple is traditionally credited to Adi Shankaracharya and is dated to the 8th century. Pilgrims add wood to the eternal fire and carry home its ash, which is believed to bless married life.
The temple is built of stone in the North Indian Himalayan style and looks much like the Kedarnath temple, with a stepped tower above the sanctum. Inside, a silver image of Vishnu about two feet tall is worshipped with Lakshmi and Saraswati. A stream called Saraswati Ganga rises in the temple courtyard and fills four sacred tanks: Rudra Kund for bathing, Vishnu Kund for cleansing, Brahma Kund for sipping and Saraswati Kund for offering libations. The village sits in a green valley with views of the surrounding peaks, and in recent years many couples have chosen to hold their weddings here.
Triyuginarayan Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning until evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Triyuginarayan Temple
By air
Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport, about 244 km away.
By train
Rishikesh is the nearest railway station, about 261 km away.
By road
The temple is about 12 km by motorable road from Sonprayag on the Kedarnath route; a shorter trek of about 5 km from Sonprayag is also possible.
Festivals at Triyuginarayan Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Kedarnath yatra seasonMay–Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest, traditional clothing; carry warm layers, as evenings are cool even in summer. Shoes are left outside the shrine.
- Entry
- Free.
- Combine the visit with the Kedarnath yatra, as Sonprayag is the base for both.
- Bring a little wood or buy it locally if you wish to make an offering to the eternal fire.
- Weddings at the temple need advance arrangements with the priests and local authorities; enquire well ahead.
- Mountain roads can be closed by landslides in the monsoon; keep spare days in your plan.
Places to visit near Triyuginarayan Temple
- SonprayagConfluence of the Mandakini and Sone Ganga, about 12 km away by road
- GaurikundStarting point of the Kedarnath trek and site of Parvati's penance, about 5 km away
- Kedarnath TempleJyotirlinga shrine, about 25 km away on foot
- GuptkashiTown with the Vishwanath temple, where Shiva is said to have proposed to Parvati
Frequently asked questions
Why is Triyuginarayan Temple famous?
It is believed to be the place where Shiva and Parvati were married, with Vishnu as Parvati's brother and Brahma as the priest.
What is the eternal fire at Triyuginarayan?
A fire in the havan-kund in front of the temple, said to have burned continuously since the divine wedding; pilgrims take its ash home as a blessing.
How far is Triyuginarayan from Sonprayag?
About 12 km by motorable road, or about 5 km on foot.
Can couples get married at Triyuginarayan Temple?
Yes, many couples now hold their weddings here, but arrangements must be made in advance; check locally.
What is the best time to visit Triyuginarayan?
April to June and September to November; the area is snowbound for about three months in winter.
What is the aarti time at Triyuginarayan Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Triyuginarayan Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning until evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Triyuginarayan Temple?
Modest, traditional clothing; carry warm layers, as evenings are cool even in summer. Shoes are left outside the shrine.
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