Discover Dev Prayag from Rishikesh: “Holy rivers Sangam in India”

Dev Prayag  Sangam is the confluence of holy rivers and the place where the name of the Holy river, Ganga derived. It lies in the Tehri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand. Devprayag Sangam is said to be the location of the Navel of God Vishnu.

Now, the place holds very important ritual significance among Hindu pilgrims while visiting the Char Dham Yatra in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. The Significance of the Pind Daan Ritual at Dev Prayag is found in the Hindu Vedic literature dating back to thousands of years.

Devprayag  Sangam River Name

Devprayag Sangam river name : The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet at Dev Prayag, a town near Rishikesh, and it forms the Ganges River. The name Dev Prayag literally translates to “Snagam” in Sanskrit,

Rishikesh to Dev Prayag

• Where is Devprayag? It is perched at the confluence of two holy Devprayag Rivers,  Alaknanda, and the Bhagirathi, the town of Devaprayag dots at an elevation of 472 m from the sea level on the Badrinath Highway road about  75km from Rishikesh.
• History reveals that Dev Prayag town is named after a famous Himalayan Sage “Dev Sharma “, a sage, who did penance here and succeeded in having a glimpse of God.

The Legend: Dev Prayag

According to the Hindu legend  Sury Vanshi king, Dilipa’s son Bhagirath was performing penance in the Himalayas. He wanted to bring down the river Ganga on the earth from heaven because the only mother the Ganges could liberate Bhagirath’s ancestors who were seeking liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Badrinath Pandas (Priest)

Dev Prayag town is the winter seat of the Pandas (Priests ) of Shri Badrinath Dham & temple. After closing the Badrinath Dham & Temple for six months, all priests, travel to Dev Prayag, at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers for the Pind Daan rituals.

Suggested Read – Why Pind Daan Ritual at Sri Badrinath Temple?

Who are the Pandas?

The Pandas who are experts traditionally officiate the Pind Daan ritual. Pind Daan is a specific and the most vital ritual of worshiping the departed souls of ancestors or bringing liberation for the ancestors. Pind is a kind of symbolic offering observing prescribed rituals in Vedic scriptures.

What is the Pind?

Pind is loosely translated as a ball of rice or barley flour mixed with milk, honey, and sesame seeds, and the ball symbolically represents the no-physical form of the soul.

Dev Prayag Town

The beautiful and godly beauty of this holy Devprayag Uttarakhand draws the attention of many tourists and foreigners as well here and according to Hindu legend, Lord Rama and King Dushratha meditated here. For visitors who have faith and devotion in their hearts, they must visit the divine Himalayan town.

Raghunath Temple

The ancient and stone-made temple of Raghunathji is said to have been built some 1000 years ago and massive Himalayan stones are used to build this temple.

It stands tall upon a plinth, in the upper section of the holy town of Dev Prayag, and comprises a cupola with a golden onion-shaped ball and spire.

The Bathing Ritual

The pilgrims travel here to take a dip  & perform rituals at these two holy rock-cut tanks at the juncture point of these two holy rivers namely, Bhagirathi River and Alaknanda – on the river Bhagirathi, it is known as the Brahm Kund and on the river  Alaknanda, it is known as Vasisht Kund.

Best Time to Visit Devprayag

Devprayag, a scenic town in Uttarakhand, India, is where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers meet to form the Ganges River. Known for its natural beauty, spiritual sites, and pleasant climate, Devprayag is best visited during specific seasons. Here’s a detailed look at each season:

Summer (April to June)

• Peak Tourist Season: Summer is the most popular time for visitors.
• Weather: Temperatures range between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), with clear skies and warm days.
• Activities: Ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and visiting temples. The spiritual atmosphere of the town is especially lively.

Monsoon (July to September)

• Heavy Rainfall: The monsoon season brings lush greenery and rivers at their fullest, creating beautiful views.
• Challenges: Rain can lead to landslides and road closures, making travel tricky.
• Nature Lovers: If you don’t mind the rain, this is an amazing time to enjoy Devprayag’s vibrant landscapes and waterfalls.

Post-Monsoon/Early Autumn (October to November)

• Cooler and Pleasant: With temperatures from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), the weather is comfortable as the rains fade.
• Green and Full Rivers: The greenery from the monsoon remains, and the rivers are still full, making it perfect for photography and spiritual reflection.

Winter (December to February)

• Cold Temperatures: Daytime temperatures range between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with possible sub-zero temperatures at night.
• Quiet Season: With fewer tourists, winter offers a tranquil experience at the temples and ghats.
• Unique Charm: The cold weath

How to Reach Devprayag

Devprayag, located in Uttarakhand, India, is a beautiful town where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganges River. Here are the ways to reach this spiritual destination:

By Air

• Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 94 km from Devprayag.
• Transfers: After landing, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Devprayag.

By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: The Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest, around 75 km from Devprayag.
• Train Connectivity: Rishikesh is well-connected by train to many major cities, and tickets can be booked online or at railway counters.
• Further Transport: From Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or local bus to Devprayag.

By Road

• Road Connections: Devprayag is easily accessible by road, whether by private vehicle or public bus.
• From Delhi: If you’re starting from Delhi, you can take the NH34 (Delhi-Dehradun highway) and then follow NH7 to reach Devprayag. The distance is around 300 km, with a travel time of 9-10 hours.
• Bus Options: There are overnight buses from Delhi to Rishikesh or Haridwar, and from there, you can take a local bus or taxi to Devprayag.
• Scenic Views: The road journey offers breathtaking views of Himalayan mountains and river valleys.

Travel Tips

• Check Weather: The region has varied weather, so check the forecast before traveling.
• Pack Properly: Bring suitable clothing, especially in winter, when temperatures can be quite low.
• Book Accommodations: Book your stay in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs, traditions, and the environment during your visit.

Conclusion

Devprayag, with its sacred river confluence and peaceful spiritual atmosphere, is a place that offers more than just a scenic view. It’s a destination for those seeking spiritual peace, natural beauty, and a deep dive into India’s cultural heritage.