Narayani Mata Temple Alwar is one of the most prominent tourist attraction in Alwar. Narayani Mata Temple is roughly 80 Kms from the main city of Alwar in Rajasthan. It is situated on the edge of the famous Sariska National Park.
The only temple of Sain Samaj in India, its sanctity is similar to temples in Mount Abu, Pushkar and Ramdevra. It is believed that Narayani Mata is the place where the incident of first sati (immolation by fire) took place prior to Rani Sati. As per the myth, after marriage Narayani was going to her in-laws place with her husband. On the way her husband was bitten by a snake and was dead. She was deep into grief and prayed to Lord Shiva sitting next to his unlit funeral pyre to give him back his life or allow her commit sati with her dead husband. Her prayer was answered by Lord Shiva who sent a holy fire to consume both of them. As per the local belief both Rani Sati and Narayani Mata are same. There is a holy spring nearby adding beauty to the temple. Baniyas (Agarwals) are not allowed in this temple. The priest is from Meena caste. There use to be a big Fair organized by the locals at the Temple site every year before 1993 which was banned by the Late Mr. Rajeev Gandhi who was the Prime Minister that time to ban 'sati' in the country.
The Narayani Mata Temple can be visited during timings 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM. The place remains open on all days of week.
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 the 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.
