Narayani Mata Mandir in Alwar, Rajasthan

History of Narayani Mata Mandir

As per the historical records the first sati in India took place in Narayani Mata Mandir Alwar even before Rani Sati. It is believed that Narayani after marriage was going to her in-law's place and on the way, her husband was bitten by a snake and died then and there. Narayani was in deep sorrow and prayed to Lord Shiva either to give back life to her husband or let her commit sati with her dead husband. Lord Shiva answered her prayers and the holy fire was sent to them to consume both Narayani and her husband.

The path to the temple also is full of scenic beauty, you will cross Tehla Lake on the way, on the entry of the temple find a fort-like gate. There used to be a big fair in Narayani Mata Mandir in the early ’90s but was banned by Late Mr. Rajeev Gandhi, Prime Minister of India while he was in the office. Since then many efforts have been made by the local authorities to start the fair again but so far the permission has not been granted.

Significance of Narayani Mata Temple

Narayani Mata Temple in Alwar is famous as the first sati site in India. It was here only when the first sati ritual was performed by Narayani upon the death of her husband. There is also a spring here whose water is considered to be holy. 

Inside Narayani Mata Temple

There is a fort-like massive gate once the Tehla Lake is crossed and to the right of the gate is located Narayani Mata Mandir. There is also a spring, the water of which is considered to be holy. Monkeys can be seen inside the temple as tourists and local people feed them. 

Highlights of Narayani Mata Temple

There are 2 Narayani Mata Temples in India, one is in Alwar, Rajasthan and another is in Lonavala, Maharashtra. 

The priest of the temple is from Meena caste and the temple belongs to the sain caste, therefore, baniya caste people are not allowed to enter the temple.

Narayani Mata Temple in Alwar is the temple in India where sati was performed for the first time.

There is a natural spring coming in this temple in semi-amid area and the water of the spring is considered to be holy.

A big fair was conducted at this temple before 1993 which was later banned by Rajeev Gandhi.