Wed In Uttarakhand: Trijuginarayan Emerges As Global Wedding Destination

Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand – Nestled in the serene hills of Rudraprayag district, the ancient Trijuginarayan Temple—believed to be the divine wedding site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati—is rapidly gaining fame as a global hotspot for destination weddings steeped in Sanatan tradition. This sacred site has seen a remarkable surge in matrimonial ceremonies, with over 500 weddings already solemnized in 2025.

Each month during the peak wedding season, more than 100 couples—including many from overseas—choose this sacred venue to tie the knot. Advance bookings are now routine, with the area bustling with priests, planners, musicians, and hoteliers who are all benefiting from the growing influx of wedding tourism.

Endorsement by Prime Minister Modi Boosts Destination Appeal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently highlighted Uttarakhand as an ideal destination for weddings. This national spotlight has helped temples like Trijuginarayan gain international recognition. Local businesses and cultural custodians are now witnessing the direct economic and social benefits of this attention.

Wedding planner Ranjana Rawat shared that between May 7–9, Indian-origin doctor Prachi, working in Singapore, has scheduled her wedding here with arrangements at GMVN TRH. Notably, the year 2024 recorded 600 weddings, and the 2025 numbers are expected to surpass that.

Several high-profile personalities have chosen Trijuginarayan for their nuptials, including ISRO scientists, actress Chitra Shukla, TV personalities like Kavita Kaushik, Nikita Sharma, singer Hansraj Raghuvanshi, and Garhwali YouTuber Adarsh Suyal.

Vedic Rituals, Mandatory Registration, and Sacred Traditions

According to temple priest Sachchidanand Panchpuri, all marriages follow Vedic rituals, with pre-registration and presence of parents or guardians being mandatory. A permanent altar (vedi) has been constructed within the temple for the saat phere (seven sacred rounds) around the eternal akhand jyoti (sacred fire) believed to have been witness to Shiva and Parvati’s union.

While the main ritual takes place at the temple, other wedding functions are conducted in nearby hotels and resorts, often with assistance from local priests. Standardized rates for rituals (dakshina) have been established, extending as far as Sitapur.

Historical Significance of Trijuginarayan Temple

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Trijuginarayan Temple holds immense mythological significance. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself performed the kanyadaan (giving away the bride) of Goddess Parvati here. The temple, architecturally akin to Kedarnath, is home to the eternal flame around which the divine couple is said to have taken their vows.

Government Support and Local Impact

The Government of Uttarakhand, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is actively promoting such sacred destinations to boost tourism and local employment. Speaking on the development, the Chief Minister stated: “After the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, people from across the country and abroad are reaching Uttarakhand for destination weddings. This is creating livelihood opportunities for local people. The government is extending all possible support to promote destination weddings in the state. Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is ready to welcome you.”