Devprayag, Rishikesh - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 20 Km from Chamoli, and 69 Km from Rishikesh, Devprayag is a picturesque town set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas in the Tehri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand. It is one of the must-include places in Rishikesh tour packages.

The term 'Devprayag' translates to 'Godly Confluence' in Sanskrit. As per Hindu texts, Devprayag is the last of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of the Alaknanda River, where it merges with the Bhagirathi River, subsequently flowing together as the Ganges or Ganga. Located on a 5 km long horseshoe ridge at the southern edge of the Kashyap hills, Devprayag was historically the capital of the Chand dynasty. Notable figures such as Govind Ballabh Pant, a prominent freedom fighter and the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, as well as the later Home Minister of India, were born in this town.

Devprayag, adorned with ancient temples, serves as a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus. According to the Ramayana, both Lord Rama and King Dasharatha performed penance in Devprayag to atone for the sin of Brahmahatya. The Pandavas also conducted ritual ablutions here before their journey to Badrinath, seeking salvation during their Svargarohana. Furthermore, the town serves as the winter residence for the priests of the Badrinath Dham temple.

Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, distinctive handicrafts, and delectable cuisine, Devprayag's main attraction is the Raghunathji Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama. This temple is situated on a terrace in the upper section of the town and features an irregular pyramid topped with a white cupola, adorned with a golden ball and spire. Although the temple and other structures in the town were severely damaged by an earthquake in 1803, the restoration was made possible through the generosity of Daulat Rao Sindhia. Each year, the temple draws a significant number of pilgrims.

In addition to the Raghunathji temple, visitors can explore several other significant sites, including Baital Kund, Brahm Kund, Surya Kund, and Vasisht Kund, as well as the Indradyumna Tirth, Pushyamal Tirth, and Varah Tirth. Notable attractions also include Pushpavatika, Baitalshila, and Varahishila, along with the shrines dedicated to Bhairava, Bhushandi, Durga, and Vishveshvara, as well as a temple honoring Bharata in Devprayag. It is believed that bathing at Baithalshila can cure leprosy. Close by is the Dasharathachal Peak, which features a rock known as Dashrathshila, where Raja Dasharath is said to have performed penance. A small stream, named Shanta after Raja Dasharath's daughter, flows from Dasharathachal and is regarded as sacred.

The town also serves as a gateway for numerous trekking routes, including Jageshwar, Pindari, Mornaula, Mukteshwar, Binsar, and Ranikhet, among others. Additionally, it offers an exhilarating rafting experience along a 70 km stretch that includes rivers such as Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Yamuna, Bhilangana, and Kalisor. Various local resorts organize camps to provide tourists with a range of services and hiking opportunities in the area.