Prayags in Uttarakhand

The Prayag word is taken from Sanskrit, which defines the term “confluence” of rivers. When we talk about Panch Prayag, it refers to the five sacred places where the Alaknanda River meets five different rivers at various points; moreover, each confluence holds great spiritual significance. Whereas panch means “five”. These Prayags lie in the valley of Uttarakhand. Moreover, this region—also known as Dev Bhoomi—is famous for its scenic beauty. In hindu tradition the Prayag is the holy place where hindu visit to perform the rituals. Panch Prayag in Uttrakhand has a specific story in ancient periods. People of Garhwal visit these prayags during Makar Sakranti, Basant Panchmi and Ram Navmi. Ancient scriptures and the Puranas provide detailed references to these Prayags. Panch prayags play a vital role to form in Holy river Ganga, whereas Ganga originates from the confluence of Alakananda and Bhagirathi.Wherease Alaknanda is the Common river in all Prayags.

5 Prayags in Uttrakhand

These Panch Prayas are in the order Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, Devprayag. Panch prayags have their own history according to Hindu mythology. Their names define ancient history. These Prayags lie on the route to the Char Dham—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Route summary of 5 prayag is Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Nandaprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath → Vishnuprayag

VishnuPrayag: Alaknanda + Dhauliganga

Vishnuprayag is the first and uppermost confluence of Panch Prayag located near Joshimath in Chamoli district of Uttrakhanda. It lies between the routes of Joshimath and Badrinath. Pilgrims stop here during their yatra to Badrinath or Hemkund Sahib. They believe that taking a dip here washes away sins and brings peace of mind. Its Crystal-clear blue waters of the rivers, especially during summer, make it a stunning natural viewpoint. A small Vishnu temple stands near the confluence, and interestingly, the princess of Indore built it in the 19th century. Mythology says in this place Narada Muni did meditation penance to get blessing of Lord Vishnu to Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before Narada and granted him divine wisdom and celestial knowledge. As a result, the confluence came to be known as Vishnu-Prayag. Some Puranic traditions describe Vishnuprayag as a point where the cosmic energy currents of the Himalayas converge.

Nandaprayag: Alaknanda + Nandakini

Alaknanda and Nandakini river’s meeting point is known as Nandaprayag. It is the second confluence in the revered chain of the Panch Prayag of Uttarakhand and located in Chamoli. Traditional belief says that a dip in Nandaprayag helps one receive the grace of Lord Vishnu and Krishna.Pilgrims often stop here during their journey to Badrinath to offer prayers and purify themselves in the holy waters. Terraced hills, small villages, and scenic riverbanks surround the confluence. According to mythology, King Nanda, the foster father of Lord Krishna, gave this place its name. Moreover, legends say he performed a yajna here and received blessings for Krishna’s well-being. A small temple dedicated to Gopal (Krishna) stands at this confluence. Local folklore claims that the marriage of King Dushyant and Shakuntala (from the Mahabharata tradition and Kalidasa’s Abhijnana Shakuntalam) may have taken place near the banks of Nandakini. The riverbanks are especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.

Karnaprayag: Alaknanda +Pinder

Third Prayag of Karnaprayag is the confluence of Alaknand and Pinder river is known as Karnaprayag. The name of Karnaprayag is dedicated to the Karan “Surya Putra” in Mahabharata times. According to Mythology the Lord Krishna cremation of the Karana this place has ever since the this place is renowned to the Karnaprayag.This is the place where karana did meditation for many years. Karan-Krishna temple is located near the confluence. It lies on NH-58 that connects with Delhi. Karnaprayag is on the way to Badrinatha. It is 30 Km away from the Rudrapyag. Nearest places to visit here are Badrinatha, Phoolo ki Ghati, Aadibadri, Chandpuri gadh and Tungnath etc.

Rudraprayag : Alaknanda +Mandakini

This fourth Prayag is also a famous confluence in the Rudraprayag district. Moreover, the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet here. The Rudranath Temple stands at this sacred confluence. The name of “Rudraprayg” belongs to Lord Shiva. According to Mythology Narad Muni worshiped Lord shiva to learn music then Lord shiva taught him music. In which rock Narad Muni used to sit for meditation known as “Narad Shila”. Rudraprayag is the transit point of the pilgrims to bigger shrines such as Kedarnath. Dhari Devi Temple, Koteshwar Temple, Tungeshwar Mahadev Ji,Kartik Swami Temple, Augustmuni. The reasons for many home stay and best hotel Rudraprayag are available that make your journey easy and comfortable. Being the fourth Prayag and an important junction connecting major routes of the Garhwal Himalayas, Rudraprayag serves as a convenient and comfortable stopover.

Devprayag : Alaknanda + Bhagirathi

The fifth and final Prayag in Uttarakhand marks the meeting point of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which officially form the Holy River Ganga. Moreover, it is one of the Panch Prayags and a key stop on the Char Dham route. It is located in the Tehri Garhwal district and sits along the Rishikesh–Badrinath National Highway. Devprayag is a beautiful blend of river scenery and mountain views. 1,000-year-old Adi Shankaracharya established Raghunatha Ji temple, which is dedicated to Lord Rama. Mythology says that Shri Rama and Lakshmana worshiped here before killing Ravana. Some legends say Sage Dev Sharma penanced here, hence the town was named “Dev-Prayag.” Places to visit here are Sangam , Raghunath Ji Temple, Chandrabadni Temple, Dashrath Shila, Teen Dhara , Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev.

Conclusion:

The Panch Prayag of Uttarakhand symbolizes India’s spiritual heritage, natural beauty, and ancient cultural traditions. The confluence of Alakananda by the Dhauliganga,Nandakini, Pinder, Mandakini, Bhagirathi generates the prayags in order Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag. These holy sites hold immense religious significance for devotees, pilgrims. Each Prayag carries its own mythology, divine stories, and historical importance, making the journey through them not just a pilgrimage but a deeply enriching spiritual experience.