BACKGROUND
The Northern state of Uttarakhand is referred to as ‘Devbhoomi’ or ‘Abode of Gods’.
Triyuginarayan is a small picturesque village in the district of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. This village is at an altitude of around 1980 meters and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas.
The word “Triyuginarayan” is formed by combining three words, “Tri” that stand for three, “Yug” that denotes a period of time and “Narayana” is one of the forms of Lord Vishnu known as one who is in yogic slumber on the celestial waters, he is also known as Purushottama and is considered as the Supreme being in Vaishnavism.
SIGNIFICANCE
The Triyuginarayan village host the Triyuginarayan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu the ‘Preserver’ is a popular Hindu pilgrimage location. This Vaishnavite shrine has existed for ‘three ages’ or ‘Triyug’ therefore the name ‘Triyugi.’ At a distance of Five kilometres from Gaurikund, the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath Temple, this famous ancient Temple Triyuginarayan is one of the many attractions of this village. Pilgrims have been offering wood to the fire in the havan-kund (fireplace) since the three Yugas – hence the place is given the name “Triyugi Narayan”, Yuga in Hindu philosophy is the name of an era within a cycle of four ages. The four Yugas are Satya Yug (1,728,000 human years), Treta Yug (1,296,000 years), the Dapara Yuga (864,000 years) and finally Kali Yuga (432,000 years), which is the present time.
ARCHITECTURE
The rulers of Uttarakhand have constructed some large temples given the terrain. The temples were made from wood and stones and decorated with intricate carvings. The statues of the deity’s wer made from metal or stone and adorned with the colourful clothes and jewellery. The temples in Uttarakhand are made in the Nagara style of architecture also called the Garhwali style architecture. With a striking spire or Shikara these styles of temples usually have a lotus-shaped roof and a projection of a lion standing upon an elephant over the lower Shikhara. The dynasties that left a lasting architectural imprints in the region are Katuyari, Pawar, Paun and Chand dynasties. The Kedarnath Temple is a fine example of the architectural riches of Uttarakhand. Another architectural example is the famous Baijnath Temple that is built in the signature Nagara style, with the curvilinear spire. Built by the Katyuri rulers, the sculptures, and the architectural details, represent ornate patterns of that time. The temple, like many others of the time, had a Pancharatha plan. The Triyuginarayan temple is built in a similar architectural style as the revered Badrinath Temple.
HISTORY
It is said that Sati the first wife of Lord Shiva was born as The Goddess Parvati and is said to be the daughter of HIMAVAT Or Himavan, the personification of the Himalayas. Sati was reborn as Goddess Parvati because she had sacrificed her life as he father had insulted Lord Shiva. The Goddess Parvati had initially tried to allure Lord Shiva with her beauty but she failed. She then performed a rigorous Penance at Gaurikund five kms from the Triyuginarayan temple. Happy with her penance Lord Shiva decided to marry her. According to Mythology it is said that Lord Shiva proposed to Goddess Parvati at Guptkashi, before they got married in the small Triyuginarayan village at the confluence of the Mandakini river and Sone-Ganga river.
The Triyuginarayan temple is famous for the divine marriage of Lord Shiva with the goddess Parvati. It is said that the marriage was witnessed by the creator Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu assumed the responsibilities of Parvati’s brother in the ceremonies and formalised the wedding, while the Lord Brahma acted as the priest. A rock called the Brahma Shila – in front of temple – is regarded to be the exact spot of the divine marriage. There is an eternal fire that burns in the Havan kund, thus the temple is also known as AKHAND DHUNI Temple.
The ponds of Rudra Kund, Vishnu Kund, Brahma Kund and Saraswati Kund are other holy spots situated near the temple. The stream Saraswati Ganga originates in the courtyard of the temple and fills all the four holy ponds. Pilgrims visiting Triyuginarayan temple also visit the Gaurikund temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, which is the base camp for trek to Kedar Nath Temple. According to Mythology it is said that Lord Shiva proposed to Goddess Parvati at Guptkashi, before they got married in the small Triyuginarayan village at the confluence of the Mandakini river and Sone-Ganga river.
Geography
The village of Triyuginarayan is 12 kms from the holy town of Sonprayag and is the confluence point of River Mandakini and Sone-Ganga. The geographical belt which connects Sonprayag and Triyuginarayan Mandir extends for 14 kms between the temple and Toshi village. The entire region has favourable agro-climatic conditions that is for the plantation and growing of apples, stone fruits and several others. During the winter months the entire area gets covered with a thick and white layer of snow making it unaccessible. The temple opens for Darshana early in the morning at 7 am and closes at 7 pm in the evening.
Getting there and around
Sonprayag is the closest road head twelve kilometers from Triyugiarayan village. Rishikesh the closest railhead to Sonprayag is 212 kms away. The closest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun about 251 kms. then from there you need to travel by road. If you are into adventure and are an avid trekker The Triyuginarayan temple may be reached by a popular trekker route from Mussoorie. The route from Mussoorie, passes through Theri, Mala (road point), Belak, Budakedar-Ghuttu-Panwali Kanta, to Triyuginarayan and then Kedarnath. This is a 17-day trek.
Wedding Destination
The Triyugunarayan Temple is an ideal spot to pledge your love and tie the knot. Getting married around the same fire where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were joined in holy matrimony and the fact that you get the blessings of the three Gods, Brahama Vishnu and Shiva at one location is extremely auspicious. The setting of the mountains, at a fraction of the cost of getting married, there can be no better way of stepping into married life.