Uttarakhand temple where Shiva-Parvati wedding fire still burns draws couples

The Triyuginarayan Temple in the Uttarakhand hills is a unique wedding venue where, according to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married. This sacred site is known for the ever-burning sacred fire, called the Akhand Dhuni, which has been burning since the wedding of Shiva and Parvati in the Treta Yuga. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, has become a popular destination for couples seeking a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony.

To get married at Triyuginarayan Temple, couples need to register with the local temple authority, the Tirtha Purohit Samiti, and select a date and time slot. They are required to provide documents such as Aadhaar cards or passports, address proof, and passport-sized photographs, as well as declare their intention to have the marriage conducted through the temple committee.

The ceremony, which follows traditional Hindu wedding rituals, usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes and includes the saat pheras around the Akhand Dhuni, sindoor and mangalsutra rituals. Upon completion, the temple issues a handwritten marriage certificate that can be used for legal marriage registration purposes.

The cost of a Triyuginarayan Temple wedding varies depending on the number of guests and the type of arrangements a couple desires. On average, couples spend around ₹30,000 for temple registration, pandit ji's charges, and a marriage certificate. Additional expenses, such as hotel stays for guests, photography, and makeup, can add to the total cost. Visiting the temple during the summer months of April to June is recommended, as temperatures are more moderate and ideal for both pilgrimages and weddings.