Devprayag is a town in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which merge to form the sacred Ganga River. It lies at an altitude of approximately 830 meters (2,723 feet) above sea level and is about 70 km from Rishikesh on the way to Badrinath.
Interesting Facts:
One of the Panch Prayags: Devprayag is one of the five sacred confluences (Panch Prayag) of the Alaknanda River, which are crucial in Hindu mythology.
Formation of the Ganga: It is considered the official starting point of the Ganga River, where the two main tributaries, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, merge.
Raghunath Temple: The town is home to the Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, believed to be over 1,000 years old.
Distinct River Colors: The Bhagirathi River has a blue-green hue, while the Alaknanda appears muddy or brownish, making the confluence visually striking.
Seismic Zone: The region is located in a high seismic activity zone, making it prone to occasional tremors.
Legends & Mythology:
1. The Legend of Sage Dev Sharma
Devprayag derives its name from Sage Dev Sharma, a devout Brahmin who is said to have performed intense penance at this very confluence. Pleased by his unwavering devotion, the gods granted him divine wisdom, and the town was named “Devprayag”, meaning the “Godly Confluence”. His descendants, known as Pandits of Devprayag, continue to perform rituals and religious ceremonies to this day.
2. The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Myth
According to Hindu scriptures, King Bhagiratha undertook a thousand-year-long penance to bring the heavenly Ganga to Earth to cleanse the sins of his ancestors. Lord Shiva, unable to bear the river’s force, tamed its descent in his matted locks and released it gradually. The Bhagirathi River is considered the direct celestial descent of the Ganga, while Alaknanda, originating near Badrinath, is revered as the river of penance and devotion. Their confluence at Devprayag marks the moment when the celestial and earthly waters merge, creating the holiest river in Hinduism.
3. The Hidden Saraswati River
Many believe that Saraswati, the lost river of Vedic times, secretly flows underground and joins the confluence at Devprayag. Though unseen, her presence makes this sangam (confluence) a Triveni Sangam, a divine meeting of three rivers. It is said that only those with pure hearts and deep devotion can feel her presence.
4. Dashrath Shila: The Penance of Lord Rama’s Father
A large rock near the confluence, known as Dashrath Shila, is believed to be the spot where King Dasharatha (father of Lord Rama) meditated and performed penance. According to legend, he sought forgiveness for his unintentional act of killing a young ascetic (Shravan Kumar), which later led to a curse causing his untimely death. The site is now a sacred pilgrimage spot, where devotees seek repentance and divine blessings.
5. The Eternal Flame at Raghunath Temple
The Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, is believed to be over 1,000 years old and was built by Adi Shankaracharya. It houses an eternal flame that has never extinguished, symbolizing the presence of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that Lord Rama himself meditated here after defeating Ravana, seeking spiritual cleansing.
6. Devprayag’s Connection to the Char Dham Yatra
It is believed that a pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri (the Char Dham) remains incomplete without visiting Devprayag. Saints and sages claim that bathing in the confluence purifies the soul and prepares a devotee for a higher spiritual journey.
How to Reach Devprayag?
Devprayag, located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, is well connected by road and accessible from major cities in North India. Here’s how you can reach this sacred town:
By Air ✈️
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED), about 90 km from Devprayag.
From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Devprayag.
Travel time: 3–4 hours by road.
By Train 🚆
The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station (114 km), which has better connectivity with major Indian cities.
From Haridwar, taxis and buses are available for Devprayag.
Travel time: 3–4 hours from Haridwar.
By Road 🛣️
Devprayag is well connected by NH-58 (Delhi–Badrinath Highway) and can be reached via road from:
Delhi (315 km) – 8–9 hours by car/bus
Rishikesh (72 km) – 2–3 hours by car/bus
Haridwar (114 km) – 3–4 hours by car/bus
Dehradun (100 km) – 3–4 hours by car/bus
Bus Services:
Regular Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses operate between Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Devprayag.
Private and shared taxis are also available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.