Rivers attract mysteriously with their subtle sounds and drops of glory!. One among them is the Alaknanda that meets different rivers to create epitome of beauty, the Panch Prayags. Rudraprayag is one such place where Alakandna meets Mandakini to create a peace loving confluence Rudraprayag! Located in Uttarakhand and named after Shiva, who lives in this holy abode, Rudraprayag hides the soothing spiritual songs of nature.
Rudraprayag is considered a stopover for devotees going for Char Dham Yatra. Situated at a height of 610 meters from sea level it is connected to both Shiva and Vishnu, the two pillars of Hinduism. Kedarnath is only 86km away via NH 109 while Badrinath is only 70 km away via NH 58.
Rudraprayag was created by King Putraka for his queen Patali and was called Pataligrama. It was also referred as Pataliputra to honor the first born of the queen. In 490 BC, the King of Magadh, Ajatashatru fortified this place as he wanted to shift his capital from Rajagriha to some safe and strategic location to combat his enemies, the Licchavis of Vaishali.
During the last years of his life, Gautam Buddha traversed through this area predicting its great significant future but also ruin from fire, flood and fued.
Later, this area was part of the Tehri region ruled by Nagavanshi Kings and called Nagpur. Later in 1804 it came under the reign of Gurkhas and was taken over by British in 1805. Post-independence, it included parts of Chamoli, Tehri and Pauri regions. However, in 1997, it was established as a separate district that included parts of Kedarnath valley and some regions of Pauri and Tehri districts.
If you think Rudraprayag is only about confluence and the river, no you are taken wrong! It has many more luring places to see and a lot more activities to do. One can enjoy the thrill of adventure by taking a trekking trip at Chopta with the mesmerizing Chandrashila and the alluring Deoria Tal. Camp under the magical night sky with twinkling stars or simply walk through the lush green welcoming meadows, Rudraprayag offers a bagful of wonderful things to do!!
The very prominent is Rudranath Temple in Rudraprayag District, mesmerizes you with divinity! Prayers at this holy serene temple located in natural caves, instill a positive energy in our minds to help us lead a happy prosperous life. Shiva did his Tandava at this place and also played the Rudra Veena enticing Vishnu with its sound. When Lord Vishnu came there, he turned him into water for the welfare of the people there.
Not only that, it is also known that after Sati, wife of Lord Shiva, immersed herself in yagna fire, she was reborn here as Parvati, daughter of the Himalaya Parvat. She did severe austerities to get Shiva as her husband.
Another interesting fact is that, Lord Narada was blessed to learn music from the Lord Shiva all by himself in disguise as Rudra (Lord Of music). Narada used to play Veena but got enamored by his own skills. The other Demigods saw this and asked Krishna to intervene. Krishna told Narada that he had impressed even Shiva and Parvati with his skills. So, Narada set out to meet Shiva. At Rudraprayag, he met beautiful raginis, who were actually embodiments of different musical notes. However, their bodies were disfigured and they told Narada, it was all because of him not playing these notes too well on his Veena. Narada realized his doing and felt humbled. He decided to become Shiva’s disciple. There is also a hill named Naradashila where Narada performed his sacred rituals and meditation and did penance to please Shiva standing on one leg. Pleased, Shiva not only taught him music but also gave him a Veena called “Mahati”. Isn’t this a triggering factor to spell bound and witness the history?
The one visiting Rudraprayag should never miss to visit Chamundadevi Temple; where Goddess Chamunda, wife of Lord Rudra is manifested. Believe me it’s a holy treat for pilgrims to witness Lord Shiva –Parvati at the same place. Rudraprayag as name suggests spell bounds you with unique carvings of Lord Shiva. One of many is Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, where the Lord resides in natural caves. The holy fragrance of the Divine temple will leave you mesmerized especially in Maha Shivratri that is celebrated with great revelry in this temple.
History and Rudraprayag has a great connection, One such connections in this Prayag is Phalasi, well known for Tungeshwar Mahadev Ji Temple where Pandavas stayed during their penance and offered prayers to Lord Shiva for wellbeing of the Kingdom. Shiva Parvati figuisines and several seals of terracotta style adorn the walls of this shrine. We are not done yet, Basudekhar Temple, which was built by Pandavs surprises you to know the fact that it is the place where Lord Shiva stayed before going to Kedarnath. And yes very importantly to trigger, If you are a meditation and yoga lover, this is the place for you! The calmness around the place inspires you to feel the divinity in meditation and parallel carved idols on the temple glorifies the archeological beauty, which is still significant! So, during your visit to Basudhekar don’t forget to feel the artistry of idols, they are more than 1000 years old ready to tell you lot many stories!
Travelling is always fun and deep inside it gives a self-consciousness, knowledge, and a chance to explore the real you! More than a positive motivational speech, more than a good book, your footsteps that explore new parts of the world inspire and conspire your inner soul! So travel as much as you can and do Tick Mark Rudraprayag in it for a different handshake with nature!
Are you ready? Then why late, bag up buddy! It is the right time to experience soothing music and not horns or traffic volumes of your cities!