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Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple

The first Divyadesam on the route from Haridwar to Badrinath is Devprayag. Also known as "Thirukkandam" and "Kadi Nagar," this sacred site is located approximately 45 miles from Rishikesh and sits around 1,700 feet above sea level. Devprayag is where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers converge, forming the Ganges, often referred to as "Aadi Ganga" at this confluence.

Timings

6.00 am to 8.00 pm

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-



The temple has a long history, dating back to the 9th or 10th century, and is believed to have been originally established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It underwent expansion later under the Garhwal dynasty. The name "Garhwal" first appears in a copper plate inscription in the temple from the reign of Raja Man Shah in 1610.

The temple received significant contributions from various rulers of the Garhwal dynasty. Sahaj Pal, a ruler from the dynasty, donated a bell to the temple in 1551, as noted in the inscriptions. Raja Man Shah, another significant contributor, is mentioned in inscriptions from 1610 CE. Raja Prithvi Pat Shah, who ruled the region, is commemorated in inscriptions on the door and doorways of the temple, dating to 1664. King Jai Kirthi Shah, who ruled in 1780, ended his life in the temple after being betrayed by his courtiers.


Puranic Significance :-


In the Ramayana, the intense battle between Dharma and Adharma culminates with Bhagavan Rama defeating the Asura king Ravana, who had kidnapped Sita, Rama’s wife. However, Rama faced a significant dilemma as Ravana was a Brahmin by birth, being the son of the sage Vishravasa and Kaikasi, daughter of Sumali, which implicated Rama in the sin of Brahmahatya (the killing of a Brahmin).

To atone for this grave sin, Sri Rama undertook penance at Devprayag. During his devotion in the sacred waters, an apsara named Pushpamala sought his help to escape a crocodile that threatened her. Rama vanquished the crocodile with his sword, which then vanished into the heavens.

The site became renowned as Prayaga, meaning the ultimate place for penance, because Brahma, the creator, also performed penance there. The Pandavas similarly performed penance at this location before the Mahabharata war. Additionally, Sage Bharadwaja did penance at this spot, earning his place as one of the Saptarishis.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear attire that covers the body respectfully.
  2. Remove Shoes: Take off shoes before entering the temple.
  3. Observe Silence: Maintain a quiet demeanour.
  4. Follow Rituals: Adhere to the temple’s customs and rituals.
  5. Offer Prayers: Approach the deity with reverence.
  6. Respect Temple Etiquette: Follow any specific guidelines.
  7. Show Respect to Deity Images: Do not touch the deity’s idols.
  8. Donate Generously: Use designated donation methods.
  9. Mind Photography Rules: Follow restrictions on photography.
  10. Participate in Events: Join in temple festivals and activities.


  1. Avoid Disrespectful Behaviour: Don’t disturb others with loud conversations.
  2. Don’t Enter Restricted Areas: Respect off-limits zones.
  3. Refrain from Eating/Drinking: Avoid consuming food or drink inside the temple.
  4. Don’t Use Mobile Phones: Keep phones off or silent.
  5. Avoid Touching Sacred Objects: Don’t handle sacred items without permission.
  6. Avoid Distractions: Don’t engage in disruptive activities.
  7. Respect Local Customs: Follow unique temple practices.
  8. Don’t Bring Pets: Leave pets outside unless they are service animals.

Dress Code

Men: Clothing: Wear a shirt and pants or a traditional dhoti. Avoid shorts or sleeveless shirts.

Women: Clothing: Wear a dress, sari, or salwar kameez that covers the arms and legs. Avoid short skirts, shorts, or sleeveless tops.

How to reach

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By Bus :

  1. From Haridwar: By Road: Route: Take NH 34 or NH 7. Details: Drive from Haridwar to Rishikesh, then continue on NH 58 directly to Devprayag. Estimated Travel Time: About 2 to 3 hours.
  2. From Rishikesh: By Road: Route: Take NH 58 directly to Devprayag. Details: This is a direct route and the shortest path. Follow the highway signs to reach Devprayag. Estimated Travel Time: About 1 to 2 hours.

By Air: From Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport: Route: Hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to Devprayag. Estimated Travel Time: About 3 to 4 hours. 

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Alaknanda River: Flows through Devprayag and is one of the major tributaries of the Ganges. It merges with the Bhagirathi River at Devprayag to form the Ganges.
  2. Bhagirathi River: Another primary tributary of the Ganges that joins the Alaknanda River at Devprayag.
  3. Ganges River: Formed by the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag, this river is considered sacred and flows downstream through various regions.


Cities and Towns:

  1. Rishikesh: Located approximately 45 miles south of Devprayag, Rishikesh is a major pilgrimage destination and gateway to the Himalayas, known for its spiritual atmosphere and yoga centres.
  2. Haridwar: About 75 miles south of Devprayag, Haridwar is a significant religious city where the Ganges River exits the Himalayan foothills and is famous for its ghats and temples.
  3. Badrinath: Situated approximately 295 miles north of Devprayag, Badrinath is a prominent pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the higher reaches of the Himalayas.
  4. Rudraprayag: About 35 miles northwest of Devprayag, Rudraprayag is another important confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers and a key stop on the Char Dham Yatra.