 Rudraprayag, a celestial spot situated at the convergence of River Alaknanda and Mandakini at a distance of 34kms from Srinagar (Garhwal). Earlier, Rudraprayag was a part of Chamoli and Tehri district. In the year 1997, the Kedarnath valley and some parts of Pauri and Tehri district were combined to form Rudraprayag, a new and separate district. Rudraprayag is also adored as one of the five sacred confluences or the 'Panch Prayag.' Rudraprayag is named after Lord Shiva's incarnation as Rudra. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of Rudra, one of his major aspects to bless Narad Muni. Thenceforth Rudraprayag is of major significant importance for the pious pilgrims of Char Dham Yatra, as it is also the junction for visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham. In Rudraprayag, Shiva and Jagdamba temples are of significant importance.
History of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand Rudraprayag has derived its name from Lord Shiva, one of the trinity Gods. According to mythological legends, it is conceived that Narad Muni performed intense worshipping to please Lord Shiva and to master the mysteries of music. Lord Shiva got delighted by his sincerity and appeared in his Rudra avatar to bless Narad. Rudraprayag District is established in the former years on 16th September 1997. It was a part of the three regions Chamoli, Pauri and Tehri and it had been carved out from the whole of Augustmuni and Ukhimath block and part of Pokhri and Karnaprayag blocks from Chamoli, Jakholi and Kirti nagar parts fo4rm Tehri district, Khirsu part from Pauri. Places to Visit in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand With a series of holy shrines, serene locales and pulsating backdrop Rudraprayag is a small pilgrim town. Perched ideally on the holy confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini, Rudraprayag is as if a utopian land of sheer beauty. Koteshwar Temple Tucked away at a distance of 3 kms from the holy own Rudraprayag, it is located in a cave. This celestial cave shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the striking features of this temple is that the idols have been formed naturally. According to mythological legends, it is believed that Lord Shiva meditated here before ascending to the holy place of Kedarnath. This shrine is of huge religious importance for the pilgrims and during the months of August and September, flock of devotees approach here to worship Lord Shiva.  Hariyali Devi Perched at an altitude of 1,400meters at a distance of 38kms from the main town Rudraprayag, is the Siddh Peeth of the Hariyali Devi. This divine temple is exquisitely carved and possesses an ornate idol of the Goddess on a lion's back. She is depicted as a woman is dressed in yellow carrying a child, also popular as the Sitla Mata in Almora, Jageshwar and Srinagar. This temple houses a grandly festooned idol of Maa Hariyali Devi astride a lion. She is also worshipped as Bala Devi and Vaishno Devi. During the eve of Janmashtami and Deepawali, this place is filled with spirituality when cluster of devotees accommodate to worship the deity. This temple is enclosed with thick forests and high undulating peaks which overlooks as a majestic view for enthralling the visitors. This is a serene and peaceful place for taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life. According to the Hindu mythology, when Mahamaya was conceived as the seventh child of Devki, his cruel brother Kansa ferociously threw Mahamaya on the ground after which the body parts sprawled all over the Earth. One part, the hand fell at Hariyali Devi, Jasholi. Since then, this has become a adored Siddh Peeth. There are altogether 58 Siddh Peeths. Agatsyamuni This is the sacred temple dedicated to sage Agatsyamuni where he is apparently said to be meditated. It is located at a distance of 19kms. Guptkashi Located at a distance of 39kms, this is a holy pilgrim site which has the ancient temples of Vishwanath and Ardhaneshwar. Nearby the temple is the Manikarnik Kund which is said to bethe confluence of the two holy streams Ganga and Yamuna. It is believed that the place is also known as Gupt because Lord Shiva hided here for ignoring the Pandavas. Okhimath It lies en route to Kedarnath and is believed to be the winter residence of Lord Kedarnath as well as the seat of the Rawal, the head priest of the Kedarnath temple. Gaurikund This is a celestial shrine of Goddess Gauri (Parvati), wife of Lord Shiva and hot water springs. It is also the trekking base for to Kedarnath.  Son Prayag
This sacred site is about 5kms from Gaurikund and lies en route to Kedarnath. This is a sacred site on the confluence of rivers Basuki and Mandakini, the devotees have faith that just by mere touch of the holy water of Son Prayag, one attains the "Baikunth Dham." Trijuginarayan this spot is 12kms away from Son Prayag and is believed to be the sacred site of Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage. The sanctified eternal flame, around which the marriage was solemnized, still burns here. Panch Kedar This sacred site of the Panch Kedar lies in the valley between the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. According to Hindu mythological legend, post the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas repented their killings of their cousins; Kauravas and came here in search of forgiveness from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva evaded them and took shelter at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. When Pandavas saw him, he submerged into the ground leaving behind his hump, which is worshipped at the shrine of Kedarnath. His arms are believed to have appeared at Tungnath, his face at Rudranath, navel at Madmaheshwar, his matted hairs and head at Kalpeshwar. All these five most sacred Shiva temples of Garhwal are called as Panch Kedar. Accessibility By Air The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun located at a distance of 159km. By Railway The nearest railway station is Rishikesh at a distance of 142km. By Road Rudraprayag is well connected by road to all the major places of Garhwal division. Local transport facilities of bus are frequently available. (Last Updated on : 10-04-2013) |
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