Devprayag Sangam: Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi
Devaprayag Sangam is a town located at meeting point of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. It sits at an altitude of 472 meters and is along the main road connecting Rishikesh to Badrinath, about 87 km from Narendra Nagar.
- This town is the administrative center of its tehsil and is considered one of the five sacred confluences (Prayags) of the Alaknanda river.
- According to tradition, Devaprayag is named after Sage Dev Sharma, who spent years in meditation here and was blessed with a vision of God. Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, giving birthname to the mighty Ganges River. This meeting point is fondly referred to as Devprayag Sangam.
Why Famous ( Devprayag Sangam)
- Pancha Prayag of Uttarakhand: Devaprayag is one of the five sacred confluences in Uttarakhand, known as the Pancha Prayag. The other four are Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag.
- Sage Dev Sharma’s Penance: The town is named after Sage Dev Sharma, who meditated here and achieved a vision of God.
- Presence of Sri Rama: According to tradition, King Dasharatha and Sri Rama meditated in Devaprayag.
- Divya Desam: Devaprayag is also one of the Divya Desams, which are revered holy places mentioned in ancient texts. (Thirukandamennum Katinagar).
- Alaknanda river starts its journey from the Satopanth Glacier near Badrinath, the Alaknanda River joins forces with the Bhagirathi River, which originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas.
- Devprayag Sangam river name are Bhagirathi and Alkananda: The union of these two rivers at Devprayag is holy and soul cleansing place.
Raghunath Temple
- Devprayag isn’t just spiritually significant; it’s also a place of natural beauty, surrounded by lush hills and clear skies. The town is famous for ancient temples and shrines are constructed around the 17th century by Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu, this temple pays homage to Lord Rama.
- As you stand within its walls, you’re treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the rivers merging and the breathtaking landscape that envelops them.
Suggested Read – The Significance of the Pind Daan Ritual at Dev Prayag
Exploring Beyond the Devprayag Sangam
- Amidst the allure of Devprayag lies another notable gem, the Chandrabadni Temple, gracefully positioned a mere 15 kilometers from the town’s heart. This temple stands as a tribute to Goddess Chandrabadni, and the faithful firmly believe that a pilgrimage here can transform their wishes into reality.
- Yet, the tapestry of Devprayag’s charm extends beyond Chandrabadni Temple. The town beckons with a tapestry of intriguing sites awaiting discovery.
- Among them are the venerable Danda Nagaraja Temple, the reverent Mata Murti Temple, and the majestic Dashrathshila Temple. Each of these sanctuaries and spiritual retreats possesses its own distinct aura, promising an enriching experience that beckons exploration
Chandrabadni Temple Devprayag Uttarakhand
Devprayag: The Sacred Confluence
Hey everyone! We recently learned about Devprayag in our geography class, and it’s such a fascinating place that we wanted to share it with you all.
So, Devprayag is this holy town in Uttarakhand, India, where two of the holiest rivers, the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi, meet. This meeting point is super special because from here onwards, the river is called the Ganga, which is worshipped all over India.
What’s really cool is that Devprayag is one of the significant points in the Panch Prayag of India. It’s perched at an elevation of about 2,265 meters above sea level, so not only is it spiritually significant, but it’s also a fantastic place for an adventure holiday!
Religious Significance
Devprayag holds a high place in Hindu pilgrimage. Many devotees visit here, especially because it’s part of the Panch Prayag Yatra circuit. There’s also the ancient Raghunathji Temple, which dates back to the olden times and adds to the town’s spiritual vibe.
Did you know that Devprayag is considered the seat of the pundits from Badrinath Dham? Since the holy river Ganga starts from here, the town’s religious importance is just unparalleled.
According to legends, Lord Ram and King Dashrath meditated here, making it even more sacred. Pilgrims believe that taking a holy dip at the confluence can grant them Moksha, or liberation. But a word of caution—the currents are pretty strong!
Historical Account
Back in the 7th century, Devprayag was known by several names like Brahmapuri, Brahm Teerth, and Srikhand Nagar. Unfortunately, a massive earthquake in 1803 devastated the town. But thanks to a Hindu sage named Dev Sharma, who is said to have had a vision of Lord Vishnu, the town was rebuilt. Ever since, Devprayag has been a central spot for pilgrims and devotees.
Pathway of the Rivers
- Bhagirathi: This river is known for being one of the most turbulent Himalayan rivers, stretching about 205 km before it meets the Alaknanda. It originates from the Gaumukh glacier and is named after King Bhagirath, who performed severe penance to bring Ganga to Earth.
- Alaknanda: Originating at the foot of the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers, it meets the Saraswati River near Mana Village close to Badrinath. It travels around 195 km before joining the Bhagirathi at Devprayag.
How to Reach Devprayag
- By Road: The most convenient way! You can catch buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. Devprayag is connected via NH 58 and is accessible from places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, about 72 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or cab.
- By Air: The closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Taxis and cabs are readily available from the airport to Devprayag.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit is during the summer months from April to June. The weather is pleasant, and it’s perfect for sightseeing and taking a dip in the holy waters. Avoid the monsoon months (July and August) due to the risk of landslides. If you don’t mind the cold, the winter months from September to February are also good, but pack warm clothes—the Himalayan chill is no joke!
Things to Do
- Pilgrimage: Being a part of the Panch Prayag, it’s a must-visit for spiritual seekers. It also falls on the way to Badrinath Dham.
- Trekking and Adventure: For those who love the outdoors, there’s trekking, river rafting, and camping opportunities. The terrain is perfect for some adventure!
- Meditation and Yoga: The serene environment makes it an ideal place for meditation and finding inner peace.
Places to Visit
- Raghunathji Temple: Dedicated to Lord Ram, this temple is nestled between two massive rocks at the confluence point. Built in 1839 by Maharaja Gulab Singh, it showcases a unique blend of Buddhist and South Indian architecture.
- Dashrathshila: This sacred rock is where King Dashrath is believed to have performed penance. Nearby is the Dashrathanchal Peak, named in his honor.
- Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev Temple: An 8th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to be established by Adi Shankaracharya. It offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
- Teen Dhara: A popular stop on the Rishikesh-Devprayag highway, named after three nearby streams. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy some delicious food, and take in the beautiful scenery.
We hope this gives you a glimpse into the beauty and spirituality of Devprayag. It’s definitely a place we’d love to visit someday!
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FAQ
- Where is Devprayag: Devprayag is near Rishikesh 75 km more north to Rishikesh
- Which rivers meet at Devprayag; Bhagirathi and Alaknanda river meet at Devprayag
- Where is Devprayag Sangam : It is situated just 75 km from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh Badrinath Highway up in the Himalayas.
- Why Devprayag is famous: it is famous for confluence of holy rivers and temples
- How to reach Devprayag Sangam: You can reach via Rishikesh or Dehradun , taking public bus or private transport.
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