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Sri Parampurusha Perumal Temple

Sri Paramapurusha Perumal Temple, also known as Narsingh Mandir, is located in Joshimath, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand. This temple is revered as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also referred to as ‘Thiruppirudhi’ and holds significant spiritual importance in Vaishnavism. The temple is a major pilgrimage site, deeply connected to the devotion between the Lord and His devotees.

Timings

Morning: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM & Evening: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

The Sri Paramapurusha Perumal Temple is believed to have been established by the Katyuri rulers, who governed the region from the 7th to the 11th centuries CE. King Vashudev Katyuri, the founder of the Katyuri dynasty, is credited with building the Basdeo temple at Jyotirmath. Originally of Buddhist origin, Vashudev later embraced Sanatana Dharma, influenced by Adi Shankara. The Chand kings, who succeeded the Katyuris, continued this tradition. It is also said that Adi Shankara performed intense penance under a tree at this site, gaining enlightenment and establishing the hermitage known as ‘Jyothirmutt,’ which eventually became ‘Joshimutt.’ According to legend, Goddess Parvati also worshipped the Lord at this sacred place.


Puranic Significance:



King Nandar is believed to have resided in this Kshetram, performing numerous Yagams for the well-being of humanity, leading to the place being called "Nandprayag." Kanva Maharshi is also said to have lived here. During the winter season, when the Badrikashram temple is closed, the Badrinath Utsavar idol is brought to this temple, where the Lord gives His darshan as Badri Narayanan for six months. Among the 108 Divya Desams, there are two where only the soul (Aathma) can reach: Paramapadham and Thirupparkadal. However, in Thiruppirudhi, the Lord gives darshan in His reclining form (Kidantha kolam) as He is in Thiruparkadal. Only Thirumangai Alwar has sung Mangalasasanam on this Perumal, and in three of his ten Paasurams, he compares the Lord to the avatars of Rama, Krishna, and Narasimha. Adi Shankaracharya constructed a temple here, where Sri Narasimhar and Nindra Kola Vasudevar are worshipped. It is said that Adi Shankaracharya also performed penance here and established a Peetam, gaining enlightenment and writing the "Sankara Bhashyam."

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Before embarking on your pilgrimage, offer prayers to your personal deity to seek blessings for a safe and fulfilling journey.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam: Reach out to the temple’s information centre for inquiries, detailed information about the temple, and pooja arrangements.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation Early: Book your travel and stay well in advance to ensure a smooth visit and avoid last-minute hassles.
  4. Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple to maintain purity and respect for the sacred space.
  5. Focus on the Deity: Concentrate on the deities inside the temple, fostering a spiritual connection during your visit.
  6. Maintain Silence and Recite Mantras: Observe silence and quietly recite your personal mantras while inside the temple to enhance your spiritual experience.
  7. Observe Customs and Traditions: Respect and follow the ancient customs and traditions upheld by the temple to honour its heritage.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments: Be mindful and respectful of the religious practices and sentiments observed within the temple.
  9. Deposit Offerings in the Hundi: Contribute your offerings directly into the temple's hundi (donation box) as a gesture of devotion.
  1. Avoid Non-Worship Activities: Do not visit the temple for reasons other than worshipping the deities.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited within the temple premises.
  3. No Alcohol: Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed inside the temple.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Eating non-vegetarian food is forbidden within the temple area.
  5. Avoid Mediators: Do not seek quick darshan through intermediaries, as it may disrupt the experience for others.
  6. No Weapons: Carrying weapons into the temple is strictly prohibited.
  7. No Headgear: Remove headgear such as helmets, caps, turbans, or hats before entering the temple premises.
  8. No Sastang Pranam in Sanctum: Do not perform full-body prostrations (Sastanga Pranama) inside the sanctum sanctorum.
  9. Quick Sparsa Darshanam: Avoid spending excessive time during the sparsa darshan (touching the deity) in the garbhagriha (inner sanctum).
  10. Avoid Spurious Prasadams: Do not purchase prasadams (offerings) from unauthorised street vendors.
  11. No Beggars: Refrain from encouraging beggars within the temple premises.
  12. No Spitting or Nuisance: Maintain cleanliness and avoid creating any disturbance or nuisance within the temple area.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear traditional attire such as dhoti, kurta, or casuals like pants and shirts. Avoid wearing headgear and ensure clothes are clean and modest.

For Women: Opt for traditional dresses like sarees, salwar kameez, or modest dresses. Ensure attire is clean, and avoid wearing revealing or flashy clothing.

How to reach

By Air: The nearest airport to the shrine is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 262 kilometres away. L

By Rail: The closest railway station is Rishikesh, located about 247 kilometres from the temple.

By Road: Regular bus services are available connecting Jyotirmath Temple to Rishikesh.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Alaknanda River: Flowing near Joshimath, the Alaknanda is one of the major rivers in the Ganges river system. It is a sacred river in Hinduism and plays a significant role in the pilgrimage route to Badrinath.
  2. Dhauli Ganga River : This river, a tributary of the Alaknanda, flows through the region around Joshimath. It is known for its scenic beauty and is important for the local ecology.


Cities :

  1. Joshimath: The city where the Jyotirmath - Thiruppirudhi Temple is located. It serves as a base for pilgrims heading to Badrinath and other Himalayan treks. Joshimath is known for its religious significance and as a centre of the Jyotirmath monastery.
  2. Rishikesh: Located about 254 km south of Joshimath, Rishikesh is a major pilgrimage town and gateway to the Himalayas. It is famous for its spiritual atmosphere, yoga centres, and as the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage.
  3. Haridwar: Situated approximately 154 miles (around 248 km) from Joshimath, Haridwar is a major pilgrimage city on the banks of the Ganges. It is renowned for its ghats and as a place where the river leaves the mountains and enters the plains.
  4. Dehradun: Located about 289 km south of Joshimath, Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and serves as an administrative and educational centre. It is a significant urban hub in the region.