DEO Rudraprayag

The district of Rudraprayag is located at the confluence of River Alaknanda and Mandakini (Both Tributaries of River Ganges) in the state of Uttaranchal. Various pilgrimages sites are popular within the district inviting a large number of devotees every year. Koteshwar temple on the bank of Alaknanda River is the finest example of this. Little quaint towns situated on the river banks like Son Prayag and Okhimath have their own charm.

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. This city is venerated as one of the five sacred confluences or the ‘Panch Prayag’.
Rudra Prayag District Stats

District Headquarters: Rudraprayag
Area: 1896 sq km
Total Population: 2,36,857
Literacy: 74.23%
Altitude: 895 m
Languages: Hindi
Best Season: Oct – Mar

Places to Visit in Rudraprayag

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.
Agatsyamuni (19 kms) : It is believed that sage Agatsyamuni meditated here. There is a temple dedicated to him.
Guptkashi (39 kms) : This important pilgrim site has the ancient temples of Vishwanath and Ardhnareshwar.
Ukhimath (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 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.
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.
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.
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 Airport at Dehradun (159 kms)
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.