Apr 06 2009
Things to do in Devprayag
by Deepali Sharma
Start the day with a visit to the famous Raghunath temple. Some inscriptions carved are supposed to be from around 5th century. If you go there during the festive seasons of Basant Panchmi, you can witness the famous fair in the temple courtyard where people from near by places come to pray and enjoy. During the navratras, one can see the Ramayana being enacted. This tradition has been on for years and mostly the best acting talents are reserved for it. The dasharas of Garhwal and Kumaon are very famous and worth a watch. The colors, music and dances can be seen everywhere and music echoes in the hills during the festive season. If it’s the marriage season, one may get a chance to see the bride who goes to the temple before entering her in-laws’ place. The big nose ring, made of gold and at times weighing up to few kilograms, must not be missed, which the bride would be adorning. For those wanting to indulge in gossip or stories, just settle down in shops where locals will entertain you with stories of ghosts, wildlife and everything that is interesting in their lives.
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Walking down the eighty steps of the temple, one can see the sangam, the point of confluence of rivers and take a dip in the cold water of the Ganges. However, one has to be cautious of the strong current of water at sangam. Be sure not to test your swimming skills and hold on to the iron chains while inside the water. It is said that only the strongest of swimmers can beat the waves and whirlpool.
An excursion from Devprayag can take one to Chandrabadni temple, 22 km away. A 10 km trek from Kandi khal, the temple is considered very scared by the local and visited frequently after the conclusion of any important chore. Located at a height of 2277 meters, there is a magnificent view of the valley below. Though the road can take one right to the temple steps, a trek is the most enthralling experience to enjoy the forest and the nature. And if you are lucky enough, you might spot a tiger. Tigers were a rare sight in days of thick forest and often used to come to villages to find prey of cattle and dogs. A common local parlance “Baagh laga hai” implies there is a tiger in the area.
A small drive from here is the Tehri Dam. A sight worth seeing that demonstrates how man, with the help of science and technology, can change the direction of strongest of rivers and cut through the mightiest of mountains. A small part of the old Tehri town that got submerged in water could still be seen when I went there last summer. It gives a mixed feeling of astonishment, joy and some sense of loss. Heart goes out to those who have given up their sense of identity, belongingness and homes for a better and brighter future of thousands who benefit from such large projects. The residents of old town are now rehabilitated into a modern “New Tehri” town.
For those interested in astrology, a visit to Nakshatra Vedshala and Observatory is a treat. It is located at a small walking distance from the bus stand. One can find a rich collection of old manuscripts dating back to 17th century and hundreds of books on astrology. The place also has vast collection of sun dials, moon dials and water clocks. The place is generally full of life when the purohit, Shri Bhaskar Pandit, Guruji as he is popularly known, is at home. Lots of young can be seen there who are keen to learn about the nuances of astrology and palm reading.
If you are in a mood for more adventure, a trek to the famous Danda Naggarja temple can consume one full day. So whether you wish to pray to the Lord of Snakes, as the locals do or just want to trek, this is a highly recommended activity.
One can also go for rafting. Depending on how long one wants to raft for, different packages are provided. The evening can be spent quietly at sangam where one can witness daily prayer being offered to the river, which has been the source of livelihood and life to thousands of people who reside along the banks of the Ganges all through the huge Gangiatic plane. There are many caves on the sides where many sages stay and meditate. On my visit, I met a young boy from Orissa who had taken a break from corporate life to “find peace and inner self”, as he put it. Just then his cell phone rang and it was a call from his mother who was coaxing him to get married. As the sun sets right in front and the day draws to an end, the only sounds one can hear are those of the strong waves of the river and chirping of the birds returning to their homes. So if you are in a mood to just relax or meditate, this is the ideal place.
About the author:
Deepali Sharma is an economist by profession and is a professor at an indian university. An avid travller, she loves to travel whenever she gets to. She dabbles in travel writing and photography as hobbies.
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