Panchprayag
‘Prayag’ or confluence in the Hindu tradition signifies confluence of two or more rivers where ablutions (bathing) before worship takes place. The Panch Prayag is the holiest of confluences after the Prayag in Allahabad. It is believed that a dip at the confluence cleanses the heart, mind and soul of a person and inches him closer to liberation or mukti.
Devprayag
Devprayag is the final and most important of the Panch Prayags, located about 66 km from Rudraprayag and 72 km from Rishikesh. It is where the Bhagirathi River, originating from Gangotri, meets the Alaknanda River. Interestingly, although the Alaknanda River is larger and deeper than the other tributaries at the earlier confluences, it still retains its name. However, at Devprayag, the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers are equally deep and wide, and from this point onward, the river is known as the Ganga.
Karnprayag
At Karnaprayag, the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers (originating from the Pindari Glacier) meet, making it the third of the Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand. Located 20 km from Nandprayag, Karnaprayag is named after the legendary Mahabharata figure, Karna, who performed penance to Lord Surya while under the protection of Goddess Uma. On the western side of the confluence is the site where Karna is believed to have meditated, while to the east lies the temple of Goddess Uma, a key attraction for visitors to Karnaprayag.
Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag, located 33 km from Karnaprayag, is where the Mandakini River (originating from the Chorabari Glacier) meets the Alaknanda River. This sacred confluence is named after Rudra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. Rudraprayag is also known as the meeting point of Lord Badri and Lord Kedar, as it marks the confluence of the Alaknanda River from Badrinath and the Mandakini River from Kedarnath. According to Kedarkhand, Maharishi Narada once performed penance here, standing on one leg to worship Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him in his Rudra form at this very site.
Vishnuprayag
At Vishnuprayag, the Alaknanda River (originating from the Satopanth Glacier near Badrinath) merges with the Dhauliganga River (originating from the Niti Valley). This confluence, named Vishnuprayag, is located 31 km from Badrinath and 13 km from Joshimath. According to Hindu mythology, Sage Narada meditated here to please Lord Vishnu. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before Narada, and the site was thereafter named Vishnuprayag. This Prayag is also considered the gateway to Badrinath, one of the four Char Dhams in India.
Nandprayag
Nandprayag is the second Prayag in Panchprayag, located 70 km from Vishnuprayag and 18 km from Gopeshwar. This Prayag is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers (source-Chorabari Glacier) coming from Vishnuprayag. The place is named after Lord Krishna’s father, Nanda, who completed his Mahayagya here in the latter part of his life. Major attractions around Nandprayag include Chandika Devi Temple and Gopal Ji Temple. The place is known for its sanctity and is one of the starting points for trekking and mountaineering.