Legend has it that Sri Alakhpuriji has been dwelling with his disciples high up in the Himalayan range between the holy pilgrim places of Kedarnath and Badrinath since Satya Yuga to help preserve and protect the world. He lives in his astral body which is capable of moving through any element. Although he only very rarely appears in physical form before pure spiritual bhaktas (devotees), his distinct presence can be felt in the vicinity of wherever he resides.
There are many references to Sri Alakhpuriji in Holy Scriptures. In the Shiva Puranas, he is known as one of the greatest Siddhas (divine incarnations) who was felicitated at the time of creation of our planet. In the epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas are advised to seek his blessings prior to departing for their heavenly abode. Further testament to his spiritual importance is the fact that the Alaknanda River bears his name. This river, which is also called the Vishnu Padi Ganga (Ganges that comes from the feet of Lord Vishnu), rises at the foot of Lake Satopanth ("way of truth"), a triangular, crystal-clear, green lake which is also called the Lake of the Divine Trinity since it is believed that Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, and Lord Vishnu meditate at the three corners of the lake. Significantly, it is mentioned in the Skanda Purana that on Ekadasi day, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, and Lord Vishnu still bathe and meditate here. The water that feeds the Alaknanda River comes from Satopanth glacier, the Bhagirath Kharak glaciers, and the Alakapuri mountain. After flowing 190 kms through the Alaknanda valley, it joins the Bhagirathi River at the sangam of Devprayag to form the holy Ganges River.