Rudraprayag

Rudraprayag is the fourth among the five confluences of river Alaknanda (Panch Prayag). It observes the confluence of the river Alaknanda and Mandakini. The place maps in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Moreover, the place is elevated at a height of 895 metres.

The place of holy confluence flaunts its temples like Kedarnath Temple, Omkareshwara Shiva temple, Madmaheshwara Temple and Trijuginarayan temple.

Originating from Kedarnath, Holy Mandakini is the major river of the area. This place is also a famous pilgrimage destination on the route of the four holy Dham pilgrimage.

Chronicles of Rudraprayag

The first legend talks about the creation of Rudraprayag. The tale dots a mythological king named Putraka. Putraka is believed to have brought Rudraprayag to life using magic for his beloved wife Patali. Hence, the place was earlier known as Pataligram, in which ‘Gram’ stood for the village. Further, the city was Kedarnath ‘Patliputra‘ in the honour of Patali’s son.

There are also stories revolving around Ajatshatru, the king of Magadh. Beliefs are that around 490 BC Ajatshatru took up Rudrapur as his capital instead of Rajgarh. Apparently, he also fortified this place for the same. Moreover, Gautam Buddha also graced the place during his nearing time.

Essence of the Confluence

Rudraprayag is known after the Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva. There also stands a temple of Rudranath by the banks of the holy confluence. Also, the place is home to various Shiv temples other than Rudranath.

Rudraprayag also happens to be the spot where Pandavas came for repentance after killing their brothers in the battle of Mahabharat. Hereafter, they left for heaven.

The significance of Rudraprayag is that the name of this confluence has been derived from ‘Rudra‘, which is a form of Lord Shiva. Hence, one can spot many Shiva temples in the vicinity of Rudraprayag. As per epics, Lord Shiva appeared here to bless sage Narad.

Devotees often refer to the place as ‘Abode of the Gods’ because of its beauty and serenity. Moreover, Agastamuni is present at a distance of 18 km from Rudraprayag. Rishi Agastya meditated at Agastamuni for many years which added up religious significance to the place.

Ways to Reach Rudraprayag

Here’s how to reach Rudraprayag:

• Air: The nearest airport to the holy confluence is Jolly Grant Airport. It stands 155.9 km away from Rudraprayag.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh railway station. It is at a distance of 140 km from the holy confluence.
• Road: Rudraprayag is present on NH58. Hence, buses going from New Delhi to Badrinath, via Haridwar and Rishikesh pass through Rudraprayag.

Stays nearby Rudraprayag

Some of the places where one can stay near Rudraprayag while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

• Chopta Meadows: The place has got an ideal location along with a package of all the amenities to offer to its guests. Moreover, it’s also budget-friendly.
• V Resorts Pauri: This resort is a perfect retreat for the devotees on the Char Dham Yatra. It’s available with all the modern amenities and is light on the guest’s budget.
• Riverside Resorts: This place has got beautiful interiors and the perfect hilltop view. Also, guests can avail all the luxuries here.

Other Panch Prayags

The other Panch Prayag destinations are:

• Vishnuprayag: Present 1372 metres above sea level, this is the first Prayag, as per the route of Alaknanda. It is 123.4 km away from Rudraprayag.
• Nandaprayag: Mythology predicts the place to have been the capital of Yadu Kingdom in ancient times. It is the second confluence following Vishnuprayag. It is at a distance of 53.3 km from Rudraprayag.
• Karnaprayag: This place observes the confluence of river Alaknanda and Pindar, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is third of the Panch Prayag. It is 33.2 km away from the fourth Prayag.
• Devprayag: Placed at the last confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, in Uttarakhand. This is the spot from where the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify and flow as Ganga or Ganges. It is at a distance of 67.3 km from Rudraprayag.

The Panch Prayag are a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand

Frequently Asked Questions About Rudraprayag