Rudraprayag: Nestled in the serene mountains of Rudraprayag district, the Triyuginarayan Temple, revered as the sacred marriage site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, has swiftly transformed into a global wedding destination.
Drawing couples from India and abroad, the temple provides a divine and traditional backdrop for Sanatan-style weddings, making Uttarakhand a preferred choice for spiritual unions.
A sacred union in the lap of the Himalayas
Triyuginarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, holds deep religious significance. According to legend, Lord Vishnu played the role of Goddess Parvati’s brother (Kanyadaan) during her marriage to Shiva, and the Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame) in the temple courtyard has been burning since their holy union. Couples believe that marrying here under the divine flame bestows blessings of lifelong commitment and harmony.
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A boom in destination weddings
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promotion of Uttarakhand as a destination wedding hub, couples from all walks of life, including celebrities and professionals, have flocked to Triyuginarayan for their dream weddings. Interestingly, over 500 weddings have already taken place in the first few months of 2025, surpassing last year’s count of 600 marriages in total. Apart from this, more than 100 weddings occur each month during peak season. Prominent personalities, including an ISRO scientist, actress Chitra Shukla, singer Hansraj Raghuvanshi, and Garhwali folk artist Saurabh Maithani, have exchanged vows here.
Supporting local economy & tourism
The surge in destination weddings is boosting employment opportunities in the region, benefiting the priests conducting Vedic ceremonies and hoteliers offering accommodations for guests. Moreover, wedding planners manage traditional rituals along with mangal teams and dhol-damau musicians enhancing celebrations. Local businesses, including resorts, florists, and travel operators, are thriving, making Triyuginarayan an economic and cultural hotspot.
Advance registration & wedding procedures
Temple priest Sachchidanand Panchpuri states that all Sanatan-style weddings require mandatory advance registration. The ceremonies follow strict Vedic traditions, conducted in the presence of parents or guardians. Here, couples take seven sacred rounds (pheras) around the eternal fire, symbolizing their commitment. Meanwhile, other wedding rituals, receptions, and gatherings occur in nearby hotels, with local priests officiating ceremonies as far as Sitapur.
Government’s vision for Uttarakhand weddings
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured full government support in promoting Trijuginarayan as a premier wedding destination, ensuring top-tier infrastructure, seamless bookings, and cultural preservation. He said, “With Uttarakhand’s divine charm and growing interest in spiritually rooted weddings, Trijuginarayan is poised to become one of the most sought-after locations for holy unions worldwide.”
