Devprayag

History at a glance

1. Satyug (mythological)
   Sage Dev Sharma is said to have performed penance here, and the town's name is derived from him. Rama and Dasharatha are described as having meditated at this confluence.
2. Mythological
   One belief holds that King Bhagirath pursued Ganga as far as this prayag, making Devprayag the definitive point where her earthly journey as the Ganga begins.
3. 8th century (attributed)
   The Raghunath idol is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya.
4. 9th-10th century
   The present temple structure is dated to this period by one source, with later extensions under the Garhwal kings.
5. After Himalayan earthquakes
   One source notes the temple has been rebuilt multiple times following earthquakes.
6. 1946
   Acharya Pt. Chakradhar Joshi establishes the NAKSHATRA VEDH SHALA observatory atop Dashrathanchal Parvat, equipped with two telescopes and a research library.
7. Present day
   Devprayag is the first major stop on every standard Char Dham itinerary from Rishikesh or Haridwar, with most operators allowing a 30-45 minute halt.

Best time to visit