Devprayag

Alaknanda river confluences with Bhagirathi river at Devprayag. The holy confluence lies in Pauri Garhwal district of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand state in India on Rishikesh-Rudraprayag road, only 73Km from Rishikesh. Situated 618 meters above sea level, houses a temple Devprayag where Hindu pilgrims pay devotional visit. Char Dham tourists and other religious tourists take a dip at the holy confluence Devprayag, perform shradda (last rites of their late ancestors) at the holy confluence and offer worship to the temple. Raghunath temple dedicated to lord Rama, the incarnation of lord Vishnu is the attraction of Devprayag. Other popular shrines in Devprayag are Shiva temple, Kaal Bhairav temple, Hanuman temple, Badrinath temple and Shandrashil temple.With high faith and devotion, Hindu pilgrims from around the world pay visit to Devprayag, the confluence which originates holy Ganga from her two tributaries Alakhananda and Bhagirathi. Bhagirathi who began her journey from Gangotri unites with Alakhananda who retains her name till Dev Prayag uniting with other three tributaries Dhauli Ganga, Pindari and Mandakini. The enchanting beauty of fierce Bhagirathi uniting with placid Alakhananda to form the gigantic and placid Ganga at Devprayag fascinates the spectators.

Devprayag is a beautiful showcase of traditions, myths and mysticism. This is the place where the holy rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet, making it a unique pilgrimage like the Prayag of Allahabad. From here onward two rivers merge into one and take the name 'Ganga'.

Devprayag though situated, at an altitude of 618 m, is endowed with abundant natural beauty. According to a belief, Lord Ram and his father King Dasharath did penance here. The main temple of the town is the 'Raghunath Temple', dedicated to Lord Rama.The bathing ghat at Devprayag is built with multiple levels to accommodate different water levels during the monsoon. It is also the winter home of the priests of Badrinath. Devprayagis a pilgrimage centre of great significance. In Treta-yuga, Lord Ram and Lakshman performed a yajna here to atone for killing Ravan, who was a Brahmin. The ancient Raghunath Temple here with a 15-foot tall statue of Sri Ram (Sri Raghunath) is one of the 108 most important temples in India. In front of the temple is a statue of Garuda. Behind the temple and slightly up a hill is Vamana's cave and nearby is Lord Ram's stone throne.

Devprayag city is of immense spiritual significance and is located in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is located on the banks of the major Rivers: Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River. Being nestled beautifully in the lap of Himalayas, the city is a complete package of quietude and tranquility. It is here in Devprayag that the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi takes place and the unified stream is known as Ganga.