The *Umra Narayana Temple*, near Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located on the scenic banks of the Alaknanda River and holds great historical and religious importance.
The presiding deity, Umra Narayana, is the Isth Deva (tutelary deity) of nearby villages. People believe that Lord Vishnu protects their harvests, homes, and well-being.
The temple is built in the traditional North Indian Nagara style, featuring intricate carvings, a shikhara (spire), and a garbhagriha (sanctum).
The sanctum contains idols of Lakshmi Narayana (Lord Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi), Lord Shiva, and Infant Krishna (Bala Krishna). These idols are adorned with traditional jewelry and garments, symbolizing divine power and prosperity.
Two divine footprints are engraved on the temple premises, believed to belong to Lord Vishnu, which are worshipped with deep reverence.
The temple dates back to the 8th century when Adi Shankaracharya established many Vishnu temples in the Himalayan region while traveling to Badrinath Dham.
Historically, the temple was supported by local kings and devotees who valued it as a significant pilgrimage site and a protector of spiritual traditions.
According to legend, Lord Vishnu appeared here to bless devotees seeking liberation (moksha). The site is considered one of the places where Lord Vishnu rested during his descent to Earth (avatars).
The temple is regarded as a sacred place for attaining moksha. Bathing in the nearby Alaknanda River is believed to cleanse sins.
Devotees, after every harvest, the first portion of the crops is offered at the holy feet of the Isth Dev, whose blessings bring positivity and well-being to all his devotees.
Major festivals like Ram Navami and Vaikunta Ekadashi are celebrated with great devotion, attracting pilgrims from all over Uttarakhand.
The temple also served as a centre for Vedic learning and rituals, especially for nearby villages like Umrolla Sour, Sumerpur, and Sann.
