Prayag is a sanskrit word which means "confluence". It include Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag. These are one of the most revered pilgrimage site on India and is an integral part of Chota char dham yatra. Read this article to know more about it.
The word panch means "five," and prayag means "confluence.". This means 5 prayag of Uttarakhand are the collection of five confluences that occur in the Alaknanda river and finally make the holy river Ganga at Devpryag. Originating from Satopanth Glacier, which is located near the Satopanth peak, an integral part of the Gangotri group of mountains. The first prayag in this route is Vishnu prayag, located near the famous town of Joshimath. Here the River Dhauliganga meets the river Alaknanda. The second prayag in the route is Nandaprayag, where river Nandakini meets with river Alaknanda. The third prayag is known as Karnaprayag, as it is believed that here Karn, son of Lord Sun, did penance here to please him. At this place, the river Pindar meets with the river Alaknanda. The fifth and last prayag is Rudraprayag, where the river Mandakini coming from Kedarnath Valley meets the river Alaknanda, and the fifth and last prayag is Devprayag, where the river Alaknanda meets finally with the river Bhagirathi coming from Gangotri Valley to create the river Ganga. As per the holy scriptures, it is said that when Lord Shiva had to release Maa Ganga on earth, he divided her into multiple channels as there was great force in the water of the river. And these channels meet together to form the Ganga River at Devprayag. 5 prayag holds a great importance in Hindu tradition, and most of the people prefer to go on panch kedar yatra. So let's dive deep into this topic and discuss each prayer in detail.
Originating from snowcapped mountains, the Alaknanda River meets the Dhauli Ganga River, creating a stunning and dramatic confluence. This confluence is located at an altitude of 4501 feet above sea level in the scenic town of Joshimath. It is named Vishnuprayag on the name of Lord Vishnu, as the river Alaknanda originates near the temple of Vishnu or Lord Badri (Badrinath Temple). It is believed that this is the same place where Sage Narada meditated at this place to appease Lord Vishnu. In addition to its cultural and spiritual importance, Vishnu Pag is also a center of attraction for most of the adventure enthusiasts around the world. Some of the other places to visit around Vishnu Prayag are the Valley of Flowers National Park, Hemkund Sahib, Auli, and Hanuman Chatti, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Second, Prayag of Uttrakhand is Nandaprayag, which is located at an altitude of 1610 meters (5282 feet) above sea level in the lap of the Himalaya. It is a confluence of the river Alaknanda with the Nandakini river. The view of this confluence with the Himalayan ranges in the background makes it a most beautiful place. Various legends show it's association with various dieties and historical events. Out of these most important and well known is that the king of Yadava nanda meditated here for a longer period. Lord Vishnu, please, with his penance, bless him with a son like Lord Vishnu. It is also said that the marriage of King Dushyant and Shakuntala happened at this place. This place also acts as a gateway to the Badri region and an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra circuit and do dham yatra. The natural charm of this region makes it an idle stopover for all those on the Char Dham Yatra.
The third sangam of this series is Karnaprayag, which is on the confluence of the river Pindar, originating from the Pindar Glacier and the Alakanada River. This place got its name from the name of the legend of Mahabhartha, Karna. Located at an altitude of 1451 meters (4760 feet) above sea level in the lap of the Himalaya, creating a very scenic view with civilization all along the river bank. As per the mythological story, it is said that Karna did penance here for very long, and hence it holds a great importance in Hindu tradition. In fact, Karnaprayag is one of the best treats for all those undertaking char dham yatra. Here you will get a vast religious experience with peaceful experience in the lap of nature.
Forth confluence of the Panch Prayag circuit to Rudrarayag, where the river Alaknanda meets the Mandakini river coming from the Kedar valley, originating from the Chorabari glacier or chorabari lake behind Kedarnath temple. Located at an altitude of 895 meters (2940 feet) above sea level, Rudraprayag is well known for it's natural beauty and religious importance. It is also one of the most important parts of the Char Dham Yatra and one of the districts of Uttarakhand. As per the mythological stories, it is said that, here at Rudraprayag, he meditated to master the music. Here is a rock present in Rudraprayag that is known as the Rudrashila. It is also said that Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of Rudra to bless him.
Last but not least, development is the most important prayer in this circuit. It is a place where rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini meet together to form the most holy river of India, Maa Ganga. Located at an altitude of 830 feet above sea level, the amalgamation of two holy rivers with snowcapped mountains in the background creates a divine view. This confluence is considered to be very auspicious, attracting thousands of pilgrims visiting this place every year to take a holy dip in the Ganga. It's also considered the starting point of kedarnath yatra having strategic importance.
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