Yogesh Goswami – one of the Rudranath temple priests was present. Upon request, he narrated the History of Rudranath Temple as follows:

Devarshi (sage) Narad meditated for 100 years at this very location. Lord Shiva taught Devarshi Narad Sama Veda i.e., The knowledge of music – for example, Taal, Mridang, Dhwani, Chhand, Chattis (36) raag raginiya.

It is said Sage Narad requested Lord Vishnu for the same but was suggested that only Lord Shiva has the knowledge of Sama Veda thus, Sage Narad learned the music and later was gifted Veena by Lord Shiva. It is also said Rudra Nath (born from Brahma‘s mind) after taking birth at this very location started crying a lot and was named Rudra Nath by Lord Shiva because of his crying nature.

Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers merge where sage Narad meditated thus, the area is named Rudraprayag (Rudra because of Rudra Nath and Prayag because of the two holy rivers’ confluence). Alaknanda is flowing from Badrinath and Mandakini from Kedarnath.

Sound knowledge – said I. Thanks for sharing.

And towards Prayag – Snaan (bath) is important they say. Will do – said I to myself.