Varsha PandeyPaanch Prayag refers to the five confluences of rivers in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
These confluences hold immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus. The Paanch Prayag are as follows:
Devprayag-Paanch Prayag
Devprayag is the first and the most important Prayag among the five.
Location
It is at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which merge to form the river Ganges (Ganga).
Devprayag is the starting point of the Ganges, and the Sangam (confluence) is the historic Raghunath Temple.
Devprayag is to be the place where Lord Rama performed penance to cleanse his sins.
Rudraprayag-Paanch Prayag
Rudraprayag is the second Prayag.
Location
It is at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
Its name is after Lord Shiva, and there is a famous Rudranath Temple of Lord Shiva near the confluence.
Rudraprayag is also for its scenic beauty and serves as a gateway to the famous Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines.
Karnaprayag-Paanch Prayag
Karnaprayag is the third Prayag.
Location
It is at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers.
It is the place where Karna, a legendary figure from the epic Mahabharata, worships the Sun God.
There is a temple of Goddess Uma (Parvati) near the confluence.
Nandaprayag
Nandaprayag is the fourth Prayag.
Location
It is at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers.
Its name is after Lord Nanda, the foster father of Lord Krishna.
The famous Gopalji Temple, of Lord Krishna, is at Nandaprayag.
Vishnuprayag
Vishnuprayag is the fifth and final Prayag.
Location
It is at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers.
Its name is after Lord Vishnu, and there is a temple of Lord Vishnu known as the Vishnu Temple.
Vishnuprayag is known for its scenic beauty and serves as a starting point for the trek to the famous Valley of Flowers.
Conclusion
The Paanch Prayag holds great religious significance, and many devotees visit these confluences to offer prayers and take part in religious rituals. These confluences not only have spiritual importance but also showcase the natural beauty of Uttarakhand, making them popular tourist destinations.
