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Panch Prayag

panch prayag

Ganga, that most sacred of Indian rivers, is worshipped as the life-giving goddess who brought salvation to this land. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganga on auspicious days and her waters are used for purification rituals. This great river, emerging from the icy glaciers of the Himalayas, descended to earth with such force that the gods had to be called in to prevent a complete deluge. The mighty Ganga was split into 12 channels to temper her force and the siblings again unite into one single stream after Devprayag, where the two great streams of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet. Four other confluences higher up add up to form the five holy confluences or Panch Prayag, which pilgrims visit for worship.

Vishnu Prayag :
An ancient temple of Lord Vishnu is located at the confluence at Alaknanda and Dhauliganga River. This temple stands here next to a pool called Vishnu Kund.
It is at a distance of 73 Kms from Nand prayag and 265 Kms from Rishikesh.

Karna Prayag :
It is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers in district Chamoli. Karna and Uma Devi temples that are situated here are worth a visit.It is situated at a distance of 31 kms from Rudraprayag.

Nand Prayag :
The Nand Prayag is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Mandakini Rivers. The place derives its name from a legend about Nanda, the Yadav King. It is located in the district of Chamoli. It is located at a distance of 21 Kms from Karna Prayag and 192 Kms from Rishikesh.

Rudraprayag :
The Rudraprayag is located at the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini River. This place is named after Rudra (Shiva) and according to local tradition, it was here that he humbled the garrulous sage Narad. Another legend associates the place with the penance of Sati, who was reborn as Parvati after self - immolation. The Rudraprayag is situated at a distance of 140 kms from Rishikesh and 70kms from Deoprayag on Rishikesh Badri-Kedar motor road.

Deoprayag :
Deoprayag is situated on the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. It is commonly believed to be the birthplace of Ganga. It comprises the oldest route to Badrinath and Gangotri. The famous Raghunath Math (another name for Lord Ram's Temple) is situated here and it is at this place the priests of Badrinath abide in winter.Important pilgrim spots are Shiva Temple and Raghunath Temple. These temples are roughly 70 Kms from Rishikesh on Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road. Badrinath is considerably far at a distance of 307 Kms from Rishikesh and can be reached by bus.

When to go

The area which encompasses the Panch Prayag is one of high mountains, with low temperatures through much of the year. Although all the Prayags can be reached by road throughout the year, it’s better to give them a miss during the winter months, when it gets very cold.

Getting There

Rishikesh is the best starting point for the Panch Prayag Yatra. The town is well connected by road and rail to much of northern India, with regular trains and buses coming from Dehradun, Delhi and other cities.

From Rishikesh, state transport buses, private coaches and special `pilgrim’ buses do the Panch Prayag circuit. In addition to this, private taxis and vehicles may be hired at Rishikesh to do the trip.

Accommodation

Dharamshalas (the very inexpensive rest houses for pilgrims) and the tourist homes run by the State Tourist Department are some places to stay in while in the area. The accommodation is basic but it does very well for those in search of redemption. Liquor and non-vegetarian food is hard to find but excellent vegetarian north and south Indian food is found in plenty at the small cafés and restaurants along the Panch Prayag.