Raghunathji Temple, Devprayag

Introduction

Raghunathji Temple is dedicated to the Rama Avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is located in the Himalayan mountain ranges of Devprayag, in Uttarakhand state, at a height of about 1,700 feet above sea level. This temple has been referred to as Tirukantamenum Kadi Nagar by the Azhwar saints in the hymns they have sung and is regarded as a Divya Desam, a sacred abode of the Lord. The principal deity here is Lord Raghunathji, the other name for Rama, and his consort is Goddess Sita. The temple remains at a picturesque location, at the confluence of two rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, which subsequently flow together as the holy Ganga. Saraswati, a mythical river, is also said to be flowing under the deity here. That this temple finds mention in sacred texts like Padma Purana, Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, and Agni Purana, shows its significance.

Temple Legends

As per the legends, Rama, after destroying demon Ravana and his army, performed severe penance here to cleanse himself of the sin of killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin. Lord Brahma is also said to have performed penance here, which got the name Prayaga to this place, meaning ‘the most suitable place for doing penance.’ The Pandava princes too performed penance here, while sage Bharadwaja also did penance and became one among the celebrated Saptarishis, the seven sacred sages. A banyan tree found in the vicinity of the temple is said to be very old and believed to be capable of withstanding even natural calamities. There is a belief that Vishnu resides in its leaves, and blesses the people.

The History and Architecture of Raghunathji Temple, Devprayag

It is believed that the temple was originally built by Saint Adi Shankara in the 8th century CE, and expanded later by the Garhwal kings. The copper plate inscriptions of King Raja Man Shah of 1610, refer to the temple’s region as Garhwal for the first time, while the temple has been patronized by kings Sahaj Pal, Man Shah, and Raja Prithvi Pat Shah. As an unfortunate happening, it is also said that King Jai Kirthi Shah, betrayed by his courtiers, killed himself in this shrine, in the 18th century. The temple, which was damaged during an earthquake in 1893, was rebuilt by the local king.

The temple is constructed in the Deula style of architecture. Inside the sanctum Sanctorum, which has a conical roof, Lord Raghunathji can be worshipped in the standing position. The temple has a single precinct and contains shrines for Lord Badrinath, Sage Adi Shankara, Lord Shiva, Goddess Sita, and Lord Hanuman.

Temple Festivals

Basant Panchami, Shivaratri, Navratri, Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Deepawali, and Holi are celebrated prominently. New Year day is also observed as Nav Samvatsar Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. Vishnu Sankranti or Baisakhi, Vaman Dwadashi, Shradh Govardhan Puja, Bhaiya Dooj, Kartik-Snan, Baikunth Chaturdashi are also celebrated with piety here.

Benefits of worshipping Lord Raghunathji

Since Lord Rama is believed to have performed the Shrarda ceremony for his father here, people perform rituals for their deceased forefathers in this temple. This is said to bring welfare to the performer and his family while granting salvation to the souls of the departed ancestors. It is also a belief that praying to this Lord can bring relief from the effects of the sins committed.