Triyuginarayan Temple
Triyuginarayan Temple | |
---|---|
Triyuginarayan | |
State | Uttarakhand |
Country | India |
Architecture | |
Type | North Indian Architecture |
Creator | Unknown |
Completed | Ancient (unknown) |
Triyuginarayan Temple (
The temple courtyard is also the source of a water stream, which fills three sacred bathing ponds (kunds) nearby.
Etymology
The word "Triyugi Narayan" is formed of three words "tri" means three, "yugi" denotes the period of time – Yuga and "Narayan" is another name of Vishnu. Pilgrims have been offering wood to the fire in the havana-kund (fireplace) since the three Yugas – hence the place is given the name "Triyugi Narayan".[1] Yuga in Hindu philosophy is the name of an epoch or era within a cycle of four ages. The four Yugas are Satya Yuga (1,728,000 human years), Treta Yuga (1,296,000 years), the Dvapara Yuga (864,000 years) and finally Kali Yuga (432,000 years), which is the present Yuga.[4]
The name "Akhand Dhuni temple" also originates from the eternal flame legend, "Akhand" means perpetual and "Dhuni" means flame.
Legend
According to Hindu dharma, goddess Parvati was daughter of
Triyuginarayan is believed to be the capital of Himavat. It was the venue of the celestial marriage of Shiva and Parvati, during the
Structure
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Hinduism |
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The Triyuginarayan temple resembles the temple of Kedarnath in architectural style and hence attracts a lot of devotees. The present shrine is also called as Akhand Dhuni temple. It is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with building many temples in the Uttarakhand region. The shrine houses a silver, 2-foot image of god Vishnu (Narayana), accompanied with consort – goddess of wealth Lakshmi and the goddess of music and learning – Saraswati.[8]
In front of the temple, the havana-kund with the eternal flame - the witness of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati - is situated. Devotees add samidha (sacrificial offerings of wood) to the flame and collect the ashes as blessings. A stone called the Brahma Shila – in front of temple – is regarded as the exact spot of the divine marriage.[8] A water stream called Saraswati Ganga originates in the courtyard of the temple. It fills all the holy ponds in the vicinity.[3] The ponds of Rudra Kund, Vishnu Kund, Brahma Kund and Saraswati Kund are holy spots situated near the temple. Rudra Kund is for bathing, Vishnu for cleansing, Brahma for sipping and Saraswati for offering libations.
Geography
The Triyuginarayan Temple is located at an altitude of 1,980 metres (6,500 ft) about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) away from Sonprayag, the confluence of Mandakini and Songanga rivers.[6] The geographical belt is 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) away from Sonprayag that extends to 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) between Triyugninarayan and Toshi villages with an average altitude of 2,200 metres (7,200 ft) that has favourable agro-climatic conditions for growing horticultural crops such as apple and stone fruits. During the three winter months, the area is covered by snow.[10]
Access
Access to the Triyuginarayan village where the temple is located is about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Sonprayag on motorable road till the temple. There exist a few trek routes too, like a short trek of 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) via Sonprayag on the Ghuttur –Kedarnath bridle path that passes through thick forest area is involved to reach the temple precincts. From Kedarnath, which is to the north of this temple the total trekking distance is about 25 kilometres (16 mi). Ghuttur is around 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Sonprayag, which is connected by road with
The Triyuninarayan temple is also accessed by trekking. A popular trekking or excursion route followed is from
References
- ^ a b c "Places of worship: Vishnu Temple". Retrieved 25 July 2009.
- ^ a b c d "Triyuginarayan". National Informatic Centre. Retrieved 25 July 2009.
- ^ a b "Temples Attached to Shri Kedarnath Temple". Shri Badrinath Shri Kedarnth Temple Committee. 2006. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
- ^ Elphinston, Mount Stuart; Edward Byles Cowell (1866). History of India. J. Murray. p. 150. Retrieved 7 August 2009.
History of India by Elphinston.
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ignored (help) - ^ Gauri Kund
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- ^ a b "Triyuginarayan Temple". Kedarnath.com. Retrieved 25 July 2009.
- ^ ISBN 978-81-223-0997-3.
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- ISBN 0-415-21527-7.
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- ^ "Triyuginarayan". Retrieved 14 August 2009.
- ^ "Tourism Today The College of Tourism and Hotel Management Number 5 Autumn 2005" (PDF). Tourism pattern in Uttaranchal: cure for seasonality syndrome. pp. 79–90. Retrieved 14 August 2009.