Marriage is more than just a union between two individuals; it is a significant bond that often symbolizes the joining of two families. In Hinduism, marriage is considered a sacred rite and is deeply revered. But have you ever wondered where and when the very first marriage took place? According to Hindu tradition, the world's first marriage is believed to have occurred in a place of profound spiritual significance in India.

The First Marriage According to Hindu Tradition
The concept of the first marriage in Hindu tradition is intricately linked to the divine figures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that the first celestial marriage took place between Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati, who is also known as Parvati in her later incarnation. This marriage, according to Hindu mythology, is considered the first union in the history of the universe, and the night of this sacred union is celebrated as Shivaratri.

Location of the First Marriage
The location associated with this historic event is the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, situated in the ancient town of Kankhal, near Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India. This temple is not only a site of religious importance but is also regarded as the place where the first marriage in the cosmos took place.

Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple:
Historical Significance: The Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is said to have been established during the Satya Yuga, the first of the four Yugas (ages) in Hindu cosmology. It is believed that this temple was set up at the very spot where Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati's wedding took place.

Sacred Shiva Lingam: The temple houses a self-manifested Shiva Lingam, which is believed to have a spiritual influence extending up to 1000 kilometers. This sacred Lingam is a central feature of the temple and draws pilgrims from various parts of the country.

Religious Importance: The temple is an important site for devotees, especially during the month of Sawan (Shravan), which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva resides here during this auspicious period to fulfill the longing of Goddess Sati.

The Significance of the Shiva Lingam
The Shiva Lingam at Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is considered self-manifested and is revered for its divine power. The Lingam symbolizes Lord Shiva and is an object of profound veneration. Devotees believe that this Lingam has an impact that extends far beyond the temple premises, making it a central focus of worship.

Rituals and Worship Practices
One of the most significant rituals performed at the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is the offering of Gangajal (water from the Ganges River) to the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva is depicted with the Moon and the Ganges on his head, making the ritual of pouring Gangajal especially important. Mondays are considered particularly auspicious for performing this ritual.

Shivaratri: The night of Shivaratri, which commemorates the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is celebrated with great fervor at this temple. Devotees engage in fasting, prayers, and night-long vigils to honor the occasion.

The Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple in Kankhal, Haridwar, stands as a testament to the historical and spiritual significance of the world's first marriage. This sacred site not only represents the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati but also continues to be a place of pilgrimage and reverence for countless devotees. The temple's rich history and ongoing rituals make it a unique and revered destination in Hindu religious practices.

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