Raghunathji Temple is situated at Devprayag in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
Temple Timings: Summer 6 am – 12 noon/5 – 9 evening, Winter 7 am – 12 noon/4 – 8 evening
Note: 100 plus steps to reach the temple and afternoon hours temple is closed.
Rudraprayag to Koteshwar Mahadev Temple Distance is 3.1 km approx.
Rudraprayag > Chopta/Pokhri Band (1.6 km)
Chopta/Pokhri Band > Koteshwar Mahadev Cave Temple (1.5 km)
Height: 549 m.
Click to learn more about Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.
Devprayag is in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
Santosh Bhatt – The priest and History of Devprayag shared.
Bhagirathi: Gaumukh, Gangotri – The source.
Alaknanda: Badrinath – The source.
With Alaknanda – Mandakini, Pindar Ganga, Dhauli Ganga, Saraswati, Garud Ganga, Patal Ganga, Rishi Ganga, Kanchan Ganga about one crore spring merging at various locations, and finally, Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merging at one point at Devprayag named as Ganga.
Bhagirathi is worshiped as Pitramukhi (salvation for ancestor’s soul) spring/river. It is said King Sagar’s 60,000 sons were turned into ash by the curse of sage Kapil. Raja Sagar’s grandson Bhagirath went to Gangotri and meditated for 10,000 years to bring down Bhagirathi on earth to liberate his ancestor’s soul.
(If any person has Pitra-dosh (ancestor’s curse) Bhagirathi should be worshiped at Devprayag)
During Tretayug when Lord Rama killed Ravana – Brahman (caste) sin was done. To remove sin Lord Rama meditated at Devprayag and Laxman at Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Shatrughan at Satyanarayan, and Bharat one km far from Devprayag.
(Bhagirathi – Grandson of Raja Sagar was the ancestor of Lord Rama)
Alaknanda is considered as Moksh Dayani (salvation) river. It is believed within India there are three major Pirtra places. One is Gaya i.e., ‘Charan’ (feet) of Lord Vishnu, the Second at ‘Devprayag’ i.e., Nabhi (navel) of Lord Vishnu, and the third at Badrinath ‘Mastak’ (Head) known as BrahmKapal. First, pind-daan should be done at Gaya then at Devprayag, and lastly at Badrinath.
14 times Gaya (Bihar), visit for pitra-puja/pind-daan, and visit once at Devprayag is equal.
Sage Dev Sharma meditated at Devprayag and an image was shown by Lord Vishnu later embossed into a rock present within Raghunath Temple. Lord Vishnu blessed the name of the location as Devprayag (Dev – Dev Sharma/Prayag – merging two rivers). Earlier Devprayag was known as ShriKhand Shetra. Devprayag and Panch-Prayag are considered as the top most prayag.
It is said during the early morning hours Devta visits Devprayag for a bath. More information is present within The Book – Kedarkhand – said the priest. Thank you – said I. Donations and dip into the merging point of both rivers.
Prakateshwar Panchanan Mahadev Shiv Gufa (Nagarmehargaon) is 7 km from Brahmakhal on the way towards Yamunotri. I stopped the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike. Shiv Gufa – The famous cave and I climbed stairs to reach the same to enter for a glimpse and prayers.
Bhagwati Prasad – The priest at the cave entrance. Queries, as usual, to know the History of Prakateshwar Panchanan Mahadev Shiv Gufa and narration by the priest as below:
In June 1998 there was an irrigation project within the village. Bhanu Prakash – elder brother was a member of the committee. Search to search for water was almost futile. Seven days of labor but the water wasn’t visible though the sound of water was heard numerous times by people.
22nd June 1998 Bhanu Prakash had a dream. Lord Shiva representing Sadhu said – Next day I will appear. And 23rd June water was discovered after the opening of the cave walls and was named Prakateshwar Panchanan Mahadev Shiv Gufa (cave).
Within the cave, Lord Ganesha, Panchmukhi Shivling, Parvati, Nandi, Crocodile, Lion Nails, and Sheshnaag are visible within rocks, and most important Gupt Ganga flows.
The cave is dark with a very narrow way to enter and rocky 4-5 stairs that reach below.
Too narrow but the visit is sure – said I. Cool water as feet touch the cave floor. Prayers.
Thanks to the priest for the narration.
Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh to Devprayag Distance is 66.5 Kms approx.
Laxman Jhula > Shivpuri Bridge (12 km)
Shivpuri Bridge > Vashisht Gufa, Gular (6.5 km)
Vashisht Gufa > Byasi (10 km)
Byasi > Devprayag (38 km)
(follow National Highway 58)
Chamba Chowk to Bhagirathi Jheel Distance is 15 km approx.
Chamba Chowk > Gram Chaupadi (10 km)
Gram Chaupadi > Bhagirathi Jheel (5 km)
Bhagirathi Jheel is at New Tehri in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
I was driving a Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike and the pillion rider was Mom. Yes, Mom and we stop at Bhagirathi Jheel. Mahendra Singh – Fitter at Tehri Hydro Development Corporation was standing along with his friend. I inquired about the Jheel (lake).
(Narrated by Mahendra Singh)
Tehri Dam is the current location. Earlier it was the location of Maharaja Manabendra Shah (BJP Member of Parliament) Palace and also of approx. 250 villages. The Palace is visible – The uppermost part is a little but mostly submerged into two rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangana that merge at the location and flow towards Rishikesh. The electricity generated from the Dam is sent to Meerut Zone for distribution. The road passing by is a route toward Srinagar, Kedarnath, and Badrinath for devotees. The water is known as Bhagirathi Jheel – a tourist attraction. The lake water spread far within the mountains.
Thank you – said I. Knowledge enhanced.