MONUMENTS IN GARHWAL

Raghunath Temple The Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Ram, an incarnation of Vishnu, is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers at Dev Prayag. Named after Raja Devsharma of Maharashtra, Dev Prayag has a number of temples including a Devi Temple with a resonating bell. The sculptures on the walls display both Buddhist and South Indian influences. The presiding deities of the temple are Raghunath, Janki, and Lakshman. One quaint custom here is that all the pujas are conducted by Telgu speaking priests, descendants of centuries-old settlers. It is about 71 Kms. from Rishikesh.

Buda Kedar Temple This temple is situated at the confluence of the Bal Ganga and Dharam Ganga rivers, at a motorable distance of 59 Kms. from Tehri. It is believed that Duryodhan offered Tarpan here. According to legend, it is at this temple that the Pandavas encountered Rishi Balkhily at Bhrigu Parvat when they were on the lookout for Shiva after the Kurukhshetra battle. The Rishi directed them to the site of the confluence to meet an old man mediating there. But when the Pandavas got there, the old man vanished and instead, a Shivling appeared there. Rishi Balkhily instructed the Pandavas to embrace the Shivling in order to free themselves from their sins. Their impressions are stamped on this Shivling -the biggest Shivling in northern India.

Surkanda Devi The sacred shrine of Surkanda Devi is situated at an elevation of 3,030 Mts. above sea level near a small village -Kaddukhal. The temple, which is about 40 kms. from Mussoorie and 24 kms from Chamba is accessible through a walk of about 2kms from the motorable road connecting Kaddukhal. The entire route from Mussoorie to Chamba passes through a forest and is worth visiting .The snow covered Himalayas, seemingly within reach, add to the natural splendor of the place. A big local fair is held here in the month of June every year, attracting tourists from all over.

Kunjapuri The temple of Kunjapuri, clearly visible from Rishikesh, is surrounded by the eternal Himalayas. Situated at an elevation of 1,645 Mts., it is about 30kms. by a motorable road en route Yamunotri-Gangotri. A week long fair is held here during Durga Ashtami every year.

Chandrabadani Chandrabadani, the last of the holy triad, is perched atop a hill. One can approach the temple either from Kandikhal, en-route Srinagar-Tehri, from where one has to walk about 8 Kms. to the temple; or from Jamnikhal, en route Dev Prayag -Tehri via a link road upto Jurana (8 Kms.) and then take a bridle path (2 Kms.) upto the temple.