Mandi Ahmedgarh residents flock to Uttarakhand temple for destination wedding

Triyuginarayan Temple in Rudraprayag of Uttarakhand is now emerging as a popular choice for destination wedding among many Hindu families living in Mandi Ahmedgarh.

In the Hindu mythology, the temple is considered as the wedding site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is a unique blend of tradition, divine blessings and cultural heritage.

However, they wish that an elaborate reception party should be held here so that all relatives and friends can celebrate the occasion.

Munish Vinayak, an entrepreneur from Ahmedgarh, acknowledged that his family had to wait for a few months for his son Vikram Singh Vinayak’s wedding due to long waiting period at the shrine.

“Having learnt about the significance of a sacred ceremony at Triyuginarayan Temple, we contacted chief organizer and got the booking done for a prior date,” said Vinayak, appreciating that no financial obligation was required at the time of registration.

Vinayak said the cost of wedding varied according to budget of the family as facilities of all levels were available at the destination.

Sanjiv Jain, another businessman from the region, is also among those who intends to have their wards’ wedding at the temple even if they might have to wait for at least six months as marriages are not solemnised during the Kedarnath Yatra.

The waiting list becomes extra longer in case of families seeking appointment on special days such as Shivratri and Akshaya Tritiya.

Inquiries from temple management revealed that the 2,000-year-old ancient shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have watched Lord Shiva’s celestial marriage with Goddess Parvati here during Satya Yug.

Besides being a famous Hindu pilgrimage site, the temple is also known as Abhimana Kshetram.

The sacred fire, believed to be perpetual since the solemnisation of the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is now fuelled by Jamloki Brahmins of Kedarghati. Due to the perpetual nature of sacred fire, the shrine is also known as Akhand Dhuni Temple.

Once popular among Hindus settled in various states of India, the venue has emerged as a global wedding destination as more NRI families have started coming here.

Ludhiana