Rudraprayag - A small pilgrim town on the holy confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini which is venerated as one of the five sacred confluences or the 'Panch Prayag'.
Rudraprayag It is named after Rudra, an aspect of Lord Shiva. According to a legend Lord Shiva appeared here as 'Rudra' to bless Narad Muni. An ancient shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of 'Rudra'. Rudraprayag is of immense significance for the pilgrims of Char Dham Yatra, as it is the junction for visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham.
Rudraprayag Stats
Area: 1896 sq km
Total Population: 227,439
Literacy: 74.23%
Koteshwar Temple (3 kms) :
The cave temple of Lord Shiva is located on the banks of river Alaknanda. There are several idols which have been formed naturally. It is believed that Lord Shiva meditated here before going to Kedarnath. Large number of devotees visit the shrine during the months of August and September.
Agatsyamuni (19.2 kms) :
It is believed that sage Agatsyamuni meditated here. There is a temple dedicated to him.
Guptkashi (39.3 kms) :
This important pilgrim site has the ancient temples of Vishwanath and Ardhnareshwar. The Manikarnik Kund here is said to be the confluence of two streams of Ganga and Yamuna. It is believed that the place is named Gupt or hidden as Lord Shiva hid here for some time to evade the Pandavas.
Okhimath (40 kms) :
It lies on the route to Kedarnath and is the winter residence of Lord Kedarnath, as well as the seat of the Rawal (head priest) of the Kedarnath temple.
Gaurikund (72.3 kms) :
It 's the trekking base for to Kedarnath. There is a temple of Gauri (Parvati) and hot water springs.
Son Prayag :
The sacred site on the confluence of river Basuki and Mandakani lies on the main Kedarnath route, about 5 kms from Gaurikund. The devotees believe that by mere touch of the holy water of Son Prayag, one attains the "Baikunth Dham".
Trijuginarayan :
It is 12 kms from Son prayag and is believed to be the site of Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage. The eternal flame around which the marriage was solemnised, still burns here.
Panch Kedar:
The 'Panch' or five Kedar lie in the valley between the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. According to a mythological legend, after the battle of Mahabharta, the Pandavas repented the killings of their cousins Kauravas and came here seeking forgiveness from Lord Shiva. But, Shiva eluded them and took refuge at Kedarnath in the forlJl of a bull. When Pandavas sighted 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. These five most sacred Shiva temples of Garhwal are called as Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath:
Kedarnath, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrim site is perched at an altitude of 3584 metres amidst towering snowclad Himalayan peaks on the head of river Mandakini. It is 86 kms from Rudraprayag.
Kedarnath Temple:
The 8th century temple built by Adi Shankracharya is a stark grey stone structure enshrining one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The Jyotirlinga in the sanctum resembles a hump of a bull. In front of the temple door is a large statue of Nandi as a guard. The mandapa walls are adorned with idols of the five Pandavas and Draupdi. There is also an image of Lord Ganesha
The shrines closes for the winters on the first day of Kartik (Oct. - Nov.) and re-opens in Baisakh (Apr-May).
Shankaracharya Samadhi :
It is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. Adi Shankaracharya after establishing four sacred Dhams is said to have gone into his samadhi here at an early age of 32 years.
Chorbari Glacier:
The snout of the 6 kms long glacier is about 3 kms from Kedarnath temple. River Mandakini emerges from he~e and later merges into the Alaknanda at Rudraprayag.
About 2 kms from the temple is the glacial lake of Gandhi Sarovar between the rock face and right lateral moraine of the glacier. The sight of floating-ice on the crystal clear waters is enchanting.
Vasuki Tal (6 kms) :
The charming lake at a height of 4135 metres is surrounded by lofty peaks. It affords an awe inspiring view of the Chaukhamba peaks.
Madmaheshwar :
It is one of the Panch Kedar site set at an altitude of 3,289 metres, about 25 kms north-east of Guptkashi. It can be reached by road from Guptkashi upto Kalimath, from where one has to trek upto Madmaheshwar.
Tungnath :
This another Panch Kedar site nestles at a height of 4090 metres, which makes it the highest Shiva shrine among the Panch Kedars. The nearest road head is Chopta (4 kms), from where one can trek or hire a sturdy pony.
How to Reach Rudraprayag
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Ariport at Dehradun (159.5kms)By Rail: The nearest rail head is at Rishikesh (142 kms)
By Road: Rudraprayag is well connected by road with important towns of the region.
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