Devprayag (Tehri Garhwal): When you reach Devprayag amidst the mountains, an amazing sight appears. Two differently colored rivers one greenish-blue, the other slightly muddy embracing each other. And this is where begins that sacred stream we call Ganga.
This isn’t just a confluence of rivers. This is a place where every stone, every step, every ghat has some mythological tale attached. Here Lord Rama did penance, Brahma worshipped Lord Vishnu for ten thousand years, and through King Bhagirath’s efforts, Ganga descended to earth.
When Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Meet
Devprayag is situated in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district at about 2723 feet above sea level. Here two rivers meet Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. And only after this union does Ganga begin.
Bhagirathi originates from Gomukh Glacier. Its water is clear, slightly green. Alaknanda comes from Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers. Its water appears somewhat muddy due to sediments it carries.
Standing at the confluence, when you look, the color difference in both rivers’ water is clearly visible. For some distance, both appear to flow separately, then gradually merge.
Locals also call these rivers ‘Saas-Bahu’ (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law). Some say Alaknanda is the mother-in-law because it has more water. Some say Bhagirathi is the mother-in-law because it’s considered the real source of Ganga. But whatever the dispute, both together form Ganga that’s certain.
Abode of 330 Million Deities
The name Devprayag itself explains ‘Prayag of Gods’. The story is that when pleased by King Bhagirath’s severe penance, Ganga descended from heaven to earth, 330 million deities made this their home.
That’s why this place is given the highest importance among Panch Prayag (five confluences). The other four are Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, and Rudraprayag. But Devprayag is most special because Ganga is born here.
Ram Did Penance Here
Raghunath Temple Devprayag’s most famous temple is built on the hill right above the confluence. This temple has a special idol of Lord Rama a solitary idol, no one else with him.
According to mythology, after killing Ravana, Lord Rama got the sin of Brahma-hatya (because Ravana was a Brahmin). To get rid of this sin, he did penance here. He also performed his father King Dasharatha’s pind-daan here.
Raghunath Temple is considered one of Lord Vishnu’s 108 Divya Desams (sacred places). Adi Shankaracharya also came here and is said to have special connection with this temple.
Brahma Obtained Sudarshan Chakra
In Skanda Purana’s Kedarakhand, 11 entire chapters are written about Devprayag. This itself indicates the importance of this place.
According to one tale, Brahma did severe penance here for ten thousand years worshipping Lord Vishnu. Pleased, Vishnu gave him the Sudarshan Chakra. That’s why Devprayag is also called ‘Sudarshan Kshetra’ and ‘Brahma Tirtha’.
There’s another story of Sage Dev Sharma. It’s said he did penance here for 11 thousand years. The place is named Devprayag after him this is also believed.
Crowds of Devotees at Sangam Ghat
Every day hundreds of devotees come to take holy dip at the Sangam Ghat here. Especially for pind-daan, this place is very famous.
When you descend the steps to reach the confluence, mountains all around, union of two rivers in the middle, and blue sky above the mind gets a strange peace. Water is cold, flows fast, but devotees don’t miss taking the dip.
Pandits conduct puja-paath at the ghat. Sound of mantras, ringing of bells, and sound of flowing river all together give a different experience.
Giddhanchal Mountain: Jatayu’s Penance Ground
The hill on which Devprayag is situated is called Giddhanchal. In mythology, it’s described as Jatayu’s penance ground the same Jatayu who fought Ravana to save Sita Mata.
The view of confluence from here is spectacular. It’s like heaven for photographers. The beauty here during sunrise and sunset is just amazing.
Nearby Attractions
There are some other beautiful places around Devprayag:
Danda Nagaraj Temple: Dedicated to the serpent deity. Local people have great faith in this temple.
Chandrabadni Temple: This Devi temple is also nearby and very famous.
Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple: Beautiful view of Ganga’s stream is visible from here too.
How to Reach
Devprayag is about 70 kilometers from Rishikesh. Can be easily reached by road. Can take bus or taxi from Rishikesh.
Nearest railway station is Rishikesh. Airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport which is about 90 kilometers away.
Best time to visit is March to June and September to November. Coming during monsoon can be slightly risky due to landslide danger in mountains.
Science Also Acknowledges Importance
River confluence sites are very important for geological and hydrological studies. Here two different hydrological systems meet.
Only after Devprayag does the real expansion of Ganga river valley begin. From here Ganga begins its long journey from Uttarakhand through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand to Bengal.
Must Visit Once
If you’re interested in spirituality, nature and history all three then Devprayag is the perfect place for you. The peace here the beauty here and the sanctity here everything is different.
Unlike crowded tourist spots, this place has still preserved its authenticity. Coming here you’ll feel that some places still exist where time has stood still.
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