Rudraprayag

Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 kms. from Srinagar (Garhwal). The presence of two separate routes for Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham from Rudraprayag render great importance to the place. The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religious importance, lakes & glaciers.

Excursion
Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar)
Only 2 kms trek away from Kedarnath. Floating-ice on the crystal clear waters of the lake fascinates the visitors.
Vasuki Tal ( 6 kms)

A picturesque lake, 4, 135 mts above sea level is encircled by lofty mountains and offers a commanding view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

Gaurikund
It's the trekking base for to Kedarnath. The village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and hot water springs.

Son Prayag
At an elevation of 1829 mts and on the main Kedarnath route, Son Prayag lies at the confluence of river Basuki and Mandakani. The holy site of Son Prayag is of immense religious significance. It is said that a mere touch of the holy water of Son Prayag helps one to attain the " Baikunth Dham".

Trijuginarayan
According to legend, this was the place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnised. In front of the Shiva Temple is an eternal flame, which is said to be a witness to the marriage. It can be reached by a 12 km drive from Sonprayag.

Ukimath
Winter home of the deity at Kedarnath temple and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath. Connected by bus services to Rudraprayag and other major centres.

Agastyamuni
The temple of sage Agastya is the main attraction here.

Panch Kedar
Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpnath with Kedarnath form the Panch Kedar, the five most important temple of Lord Shiva in Garhwal Himalayas.

Madmaheshwar
One of Panch Kedars, the temple of Madmaheshwar is located at an altitude of 3,289 mt above sea-level, on the slope of a ridge, 25 km north-east of Guptkashi. There is a motorable road from Guptkashi to Kalimath. The best statue of Har Gauri in India measuring over a metre high is found in the Kali temple. The trek from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar is distinguished by wild unparalleled scenic beauty and engulfed by Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks. Gaundar at the confluence of Madmeshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last settlement before one reaches Madmaheshwar, the place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of belly.

Tungnath
The arms of Lord Shiva came out as per the Kedarnath myth at Tungnath. He is worshipped here as one of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath Temple at an altitude of 3,680 mt, is the highest Shiva shrine among the Panch Kedars but the easiest to reach from Chopta, the nearest roadhead.

Kedarnath
According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

Shankaracharya Samadhi
The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.

Koteshwar Temple
At a distance of 3 kms. from Rudraprayag and on the holy bank of river Alaknanda is situated the Koteshwar temple. The Koteshwar temple is in the form of a cave temple. There are many idols which have been formed naturally. It is belived that before going to Kedernath, Lord Shiva meditated here. During the months of August and September, thousands of devotees come here to worship Lord Shiva.

Guptkashi
Guptkashi has a great importance quite like of Kashi. The ancient Vishwanath temple, Ardhnareshwar temple and Manikarnik Kund, where the two streams of Ganga and Yamuna are believed to meet, are the main places of attraction in Guptkashi.

It is believed that after the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas wanted to meet Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. But Lord Shiva evaded from Guptkashi to Kedarnath as He did not want to meet the Pandavas, the reason being that although they had fought for the right cause, they were also responsible for destroying their own dynasty.

Guptkashi is situated at an elevation of 1319 mts. The one Stupa is situated in Nala which is quite close to Ukhimath. Some local people call it the grave of Rana Nal. 3 kms. from Guptkashi, the remains of ramgarh (in Ronitpur) still seem to echo the love between Lord Krishna's son Anniruddha and Vanasur's daughter Usha.

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Getting There
By Air
Nearest Airport, Jollygrant, 159 kms.

By Rail
Nearest Railway station, Rishikesh, 142 kms.

By Road
Well connected by road to all the important places of Garhwal Divison. Regular bus services are available.

General Information
Best Season: Round the year.
Clothing: Summer - Cotton, Winter - Woollen

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