The Ganga is one of India’s most important rivers. River Ganga is not called the Ganga throughout its upper Himalayan course. Before reaching Devprayag in Uttarakhand the river is known as the Bhagirathi. At Devprayag the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda and forms a confluence and is known as the Ganga from there. Keep reading to know in detail.
What Is the Ganga River Called Before Devprayag?
Before Devprayag the river is called the Bhagirathi River. The Bhagirathi is one of the two major rivers that meet at Devprayag. The other major river is the Alaknanda. The Bhagirathi flows through the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda. After this confluence, the combined river is known as the Ganga.
Where Does the Bhagirathi River Originate?
The Bhagirathi is associated with the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. The river emerges from the Gangotri Glacier region. Gaumukh is known as the main source of the Bhagirathi. The river then flows through the Himalayan valleys of Uttarakhand. It passes through places including Gangotri and Uttarkashi before reaching Devprayag.
What Is Gaumukh?
Gaumukh is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. It is located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The Bhagirathi emerges from the Gangotri Glacier at this location.
Where Does the Bhagirathi Meet the Alaknanda?
The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet at Devprayag. Devprayag is located in Uttarakhand. It is one of the important river confluences in the Himalayan region. The meeting point of the two rivers is known as the Devprayag Sangam. After the confluence the river is called the Ganga.
What Are the Panch Prayag of Uttarakhand?
The Alaknanda is associated with five major confluences in Uttarakhand, collectively known as Panch Prayag.
| Panch Prayag | Confluence Details |
| Vishnuprayag | Alaknanda meets the Dhauliganga |
| Nandprayag | Alaknanda meets the Nandakini |
| Karnaprayag | Alaknanda meets the Pindar |
| Rudraprayag | Alaknanda meets the Mandakini |
| Devprayag | Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi |
What Is the Difference Between Bhagirathi and Ganga?
| Feature | Bhagirathi | Ganga |
| Location | Upper Himalayan course | Downstream from Devprayag |
| Important point | Flows towards Devprayag | Continues from Devprayag |
| Major confluence | Meets Alaknanda | Formed after their confluence |
| Name used | Bhagirathi | Ganga |
| State | Uttarakhand | Flows through several Indian states |
Ganga River Journey From Source to Devprayag
The upper journey can be understood in simple steps:
| Location / Stage | Significance |
| Gangotri Glacier | Source region of the Bhagirathi |
| Gaumukh | Traditional source of the Bhagirathi |
| Gangotri | Important pilgrimage location |
| Uttarkashi | Major town along the Bhagirathi |
| Devprayag | Bhagirathi meets Alaknanda |
| After Devprayag | River is known as the Ganga |