Panch Prayag

Karnaprayag is among the five confluences of river Alaknanda (Panch Prayag). It is present at the point where both rivers namely, Alaknanda with Pindar unify. The meeting point of the two rivers is in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. A string of peaks like Trisul, Drona Giri, Narad Ghunti, Mrigathuni and Maiktoli wrap around the place.

Devotees believe Karnaprayag to be the place where Karna of Mahabharata rigorously worshipped the Sun God. Moreover, it is a famous pilgrimage destination that falls in the holy pilgrimage of Char Dham Yatra.

Karnaprayag is third among the five holy confluences of Alaknanda river starting from Vishnuprayag. Also, other confluences of river Alaknanda surpassing it are Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

Chronicles of Karnaprayag

There are a few mythological tales that relate to Karnaprayag like:

The first tale highlights the confluence as the place where Karna worshipped the Sun god. Hence, the Sun god granted him an impregnable armour.

However, the second story foretells that after the use of Anjalika Astra on Karna. Krishna found that Arjuna had wounded him, however, Karna was still alive. Hence, Krishna told Arjuna that Dharma Devta or the Goddess of Righteousness protected Karna for the charities he did in his lifetime.

So to break through the protective shield, Krishna put up the disguise of a brahmin and went to Karna. Further, he asked Karna for all his abilities as a warrior in charity. Hence, being how he was Karna respected the Brahmin’s wishes and donated his blood to him along with all his skills.

Hereafter, Karna requested Krishna to cremate him in a land that was still virgin. Hence, beliefs are that in honour of Karna’s wish Krishna cremated him at Karnaprayag. Also, we have a temple on that land dedicated to the great warrior, Karna.

Essence of the Confluence

Karnaprayag has a holy essence to it. The place has a mythological attachment to the epic occurrence of Mahabharata. Hence, we have a temple dedicated to Karna by the banks of Karnaprayag. Moreover, the place also flaunts a famous Uma temple, dedicated to Goddess Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Furthermore, Sati’s reincarnation as Goddess Parvati is quite popular.

Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated here along with Guru Turianand Ji and Akharanand Ji for eighteen days in a row. Moreover, Karnaprayag lies on the pathway of the major shrines of the Charm Dham Yatra namely, Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Apart from religious strings, Karnaprayag stands out for its lush green scenic beauty that captures every eye-crossing the Prayag. So, it affirms its positions as a major stop on the tour of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

Ways to Reach Karnaprayag

Different modes to reach Karnaprayag:

• Air: Nearest airport, Jolly Grant is at a distance of 192 km.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is 172 km away from the place.
• Bus: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Hereafter, one can avail state as well as private transport for commuting to Karnaprayag.

Stays nearby Karnaprayag

Stays near Karnaprayag that devotees can hail during the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand are:

• The Kedar Dev’s: The hotel offers a blend of all the modern facilities. Hotel rooms are given unique designs and have cozy interiors. Moreover, the rooms offer exclusive facilities and services.
• Shri Krishna Palace Hotel and Restaurant: The hotel is set amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Moreover, it offers a comfortable and hygienic stay to its guests.
• Hotel Riverview: Hotel River view offers comfortable accommodation with spic and span rooms. Also, the view from the rooms opens up to the soulful confluence.

Other Panch Prayags

The other Panch Prayag destinations are:

• Vishnuprayag: Vishnuprayag is present 1372 metres above sea level and is the first Prayag falling on the route of river Alaknanda. It is 91 km away from Karnaprayag.
• Nandaprayag: It is the second Prayag among the Panch Prayag. It is present at the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Nandakini. It is 20.9 km away from the Alaknanda-Pindar confluence.
• Rudraprayag: It observes the confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini, in Uttarakhand. This place is at a height of 895 metres above sea level. Rudraprayag is the holy confluence number four starting from Vishnuprayag. It is 33.2 km away from Karnaprayag.
• Devprayag: It maps the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, in Uttarakhand. Hereafter, the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify and flow under the name Ganga or Ganges. It is 98.9 km away from Karnaprayag.

The Panch Prayag are a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Karnaprayag

Rudraprayag is the fourth among the five confluences of river Alaknanda (Panch Prayag). It observes the confluence of the river Alaknanda and Mandakini. The place maps in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Moreover, the place is elevated at a height of 895 metres.

The place of holy confluence flaunts its temples like Kedarnath Temple, Omkareshwara Shiva temple, Madmaheshwara Temple and Trijuginarayan temple.

Originating from Kedarnath, Holy Mandakini is the major river of the area. This place is also a famous pilgrimage destination on the route of the four holy Dham pilgrimage.

Chronicles of Rudraprayag

The first legend talks about the creation of Rudraprayag. The tale dots a mythological king named Putraka. Putraka is believed to have brought Rudraprayag to life using magic for his beloved wife Patali. Hence, the place was earlier known as Pataligram, in which ‘Gram’ stood for the village. Further, the city was Kedarnath ‘Patliputra‘ in the honour of Patali’s son.

There are also stories revolving around Ajatshatru, the king of Magadh. Beliefs are that around 490 BC Ajatshatru took up Rudrapur as his capital instead of Rajgarh. Apparently, he also fortified this place for the same. Moreover, Gautam Buddha also graced the place during his nearing time.

Essence of the Confluence

Rudraprayag is known after the Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva. There also stands a temple of Rudranath by the banks of the holy confluence. Also, the place is home to various Shiv temples other than Rudranath.

Rudraprayag also happens to be the spot where Pandavas came for repentance after killing their brothers in the battle of Mahabharat. Hereafter, they left for heaven.

The significance of Rudraprayag is that the name of this confluence has been derived from ‘Rudra‘, which is a form of Lord Shiva. Hence, one can spot many Shiva temples in the vicinity of Rudraprayag. As per epics, Lord Shiva appeared here to bless sage Narad.

Devotees often refer to the place as ‘Abode of the Gods’ because of its beauty and serenity. Moreover, Agastamuni is present at a distance of 18 km from Rudraprayag. Rishi Agastya meditated at Agastamuni for many years which added up religious significance to the place.

Ways to Reach Rudraprayag

Here’s how to reach Rudraprayag:

• Air: The nearest airport to the holy confluence is Jolly Grant Airport. It stands 155.9 km away from Rudraprayag.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh railway station. It is at a distance of 140 km from the holy confluence.
• Road: Rudraprayag is present on NH58. Hence, buses going from New Delhi to Badrinath, via Haridwar and Rishikesh pass through Rudraprayag.

Stays nearby Rudraprayag

Some of the places where one can stay near Rudraprayag while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

• Chopta Meadows: The place has got an ideal location along with a package of all the amenities to offer to its guests. Moreover, it’s also budget-friendly.
• V Resorts Pauri: This resort is a perfect retreat for the devotees on the Char Dham Yatra. It’s available with all the modern amenities and is light on the guest’s budget.
• Riverside Resorts: This place has got beautiful interiors and the perfect hilltop view. Also, guests can avail all the luxuries here.

Other Panch Prayags

The other Panch Prayag destinations are:

• Vishnuprayag: Present 1372 metres above sea level, this is the first Prayag, as per the route of Alaknanda. It is 123.4 km away from Rudraprayag.
• Nandaprayag: Mythology predicts the place to have been the capital of Yadu Kingdom in ancient times. It is the second confluence following Vishnuprayag. It is at a distance of 53.3 km from Rudraprayag.
• Karnaprayag: This place observes the confluence of river Alaknanda and Pindar, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is third of the Panch Prayag. It is 33.2 km away from the fourth Prayag.
• Devprayag: Placed at the last confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, in Uttarakhand. This is the spot from where the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify and flow as Ganga or Ganges. It is at a distance of 67.3 km from Rudraprayag.

The Panch Prayag are a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand

Frequently Asked Questions About Rudraprayag

Devprayag is the last confluence of river Alaknanda (Panch Prayag) in the descending order. The place is rooted in the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. Moreover, the holy confluence occurs in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand. From this Prayag, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify and flow as Ganga river.

The place draws its name from sage Dev Sharma from Satyug. Beliefs suggest that sage Dev Sharma worshipped Lord Vishnu at this place. Hence, being impressed by him, Lord Vishnu gave him the boon that his place of worship will be known by his name in the coming times.

Bhagirathi originates from Gaumukh and Alaknanda from Satopanth and the two merge right at this place. Devprayag is a famous pilgrimage destination on the Char Dham Yatra route.

Chronicles of Devprayag

Hindu mythology highlights Devprayag as the place where Lord Ram meditated for repentance after killing Ravana. Since Brahmin murder was a considerable sin during the time. Hence after killing Ravana, Lord Ram came here to wash his sins away on the advice of the sages of his court.

Moreover, traditional tales talk about another river that belongs to this confluence named Saraswati. It is predicted to be originating from Mana Village in Badrinath. However, in Devprayag, the river descends from the feet of Lord Rama in Raghunath Temple. Also, there is evidence of footprints of Lord Rama at “Ram Kunda“.

Essence of the Confluence

Devprayag is highlighted in History as the land of late Acharya, Pt. Chakradhar Joshi. Acharya set up Nakshatra Veda Shala on the mountain Dashrathanchal on top of Devprayag in 1946. This observatory is packed with the latest equipments.

Other than that ancient equipment like Surya Ghati, Dhruv Ghati is also present here. This observatory is the living pride of progress of Indians in Astronomy.

Devprayag is significantly known for being surrounded by 3 heavenly peaks, named Giddhanchal Parvat, Dashrathanchal Parvat, and Narsinghancal Parvat.

Moreover, devotees worship Lord Shiva here in the form of Tondeshwar Mahadev and Dhaneshwar Mahadev. The devotees also flock here to visit Mata Bhuvneshwari temple in village Pundal. Other popular temples nearby are Danda Nagaraja (Lord of Snakes) temple and Chandrabadni temple

Ways to Reach Devprayag

Here’s how to reach Devprayag:

• Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport. It is at a distance of 91 km from Devprayag.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is at a distance of 72 km from Devprayag. The
• Road: Buses to Devprayag and Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. However, The last Prayag is on NH58.

Stays nearby Devprayag

Stays near Devprayag that one can undertake during Char Dham Yatra are:

• The Ramkund Resort: The hotel is absolute divinity for the guests. Apart from the availability of all luxuries, it provides beautiful interiors and exteriors to them. Also, the staff is very cordial.
• Hotel Chakasha Govindam: The hotel offers a comfortable and hygienic stay to its guests. Moreover, there is a 24/7 help desk only a call away. Nonetheless, the stay here is budget-friendly.
• Moteldev:  It offers all the modern facilities to its guests. Additionally, the guests can also avail recreational activities like trekking, yoga and meditation. The guests can also avail a village safari here.

Other Panch Prayags

The other Panch Prayag destinations are:

• Vishnuprayag: Vishnuprayag is present 1372 metres above sea level and is the first Prayag considering the route of river Alaknanda. It is at a distance of 189.1 km from Devprayag.
• Nandaprayag: It is the second confluence after Vishnuprayag. The place observes the Sangam of Alaknanda with Nandakini here. It is at a distance of 119 km from final Prayag.
• Karnaprayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda with river Pindar, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is the third confluence in line after Nandaprayag. It is 98.9 km away from Devprayag.
• Rudraprayag: Located at the confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini, in Uttarakhand. It has an average elevation of 895 metres and is fourth among the Prayag. It is 67.3 km away from Devprayag.

The Panch Prayag is a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Devprayag

Vishnuprayag is a pocket-sized city rooted at the Sangam of the river Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Placed 1372 metres above the sea level, Vishnuprayag falls in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Alaknanda flowing from Badrinath merges into Dhauliganga flowing from the Niti Valley at this place.

Beliefs suggest that sage Narada meditated at this Sangam to please Lord Vishnu. Eventually, Lord Vishnu did appear before him and bestowed him with the cosmic energy. Hence, 2 km away from the confluence of the two rivers is the Vishnu temple from which the Sangam derives it’s name i.e. Vishnuprayag.

It is a famous pilgrimage destination on the route to the Four Dhams of  Uttarakhand. Other confluences following it are Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

Chronicles of Vipshnuprayag

Tales of the Hindu mythology point to the story of sage Narada and Lord Vishnu. So, once sage Narad meditated at this place to please Lord Vishnu. Consequently, Lord Vishnu appeared to bless the sage with cosmic energy. However, the incident occurred in a spot, 2 km away from the Sangam where a Vishnu temple was then constructed.

Credits for the construction of Vishnu Temple near the Vishnuprayag is held by the Maharani of Indore, Ahalyabai. Further, the royal highness constructed this temple of the octagonal structure near the holy confluence back in 1889.

Formerly built for the installation of a Shiva linga, it now has an idol of Lord Vishnu. A path of stairs in the temple leads to Vishnu Kund. The water of the holy confluence pours in the Vishnu Kund.

Essence of Vishnuprayag

Vishnuprayag is the holy intersection where Alaknanda and Dhauliganga unify. Also, this stretch of Alaknanda goes by the name ‘Vishnu Ganga’. Hindu traditions state that ‘Prayag‘ is the confluence of two or more rivers. Moreover, it is also where the river is worshipped as well as death rites are performed.

It’s a popular belief that Panch Prayag on the way to Badrinath is the ‘Svargarohana Route’ taken by Pandavas on their journey to heaven

Ways to reach Vishnuprayag

Here’s how to reach Vishnuprayag:

• Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is 280 km away from Vishnuprayag.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is 261 km away from Vishnuprayag.
• Bus: One can avail taxis or buses from Rishikesh railway station to Joshimath. At Joshimath, there is the availability of local transport to reach Vishnuprayag.

Stays near Vishnuprayag

Here are some of the places where one can stay near Vishnuprayag while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

• Hotel Grand Kailash: Its a blend of luxurious amenities offered in Joshīmath. Guests can eat at the on-site restaurant. Moreover, free private parking is also available on site.
• Hotel Mount View Annexy: The place accommodates all the modern luxuries for the guests. Also, the hotel’s window opens up to a beautiful mountain view.
• Panchavati Inn: The place is a good holidays retreat. Rooms provide all the luxuries. Also, the hotel staff is very cordial.

Other Panch Prayag Destinations

Other Panch Prayags:

• NandaPrayag: Devotees believe that a holy dip in the confluence of Nandaprayag can absolve one of his/her sins. It is the second confluence following Vishnuprayag.
• KarnaPrayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda and river Pindar. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Also, it is the third confluence after Vishnuprayag and Nandaprayag.
• Rudraprayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda and river Mandakini, in Uttarakhand. It is at a height of 895 metres from the sea level. It is the fourth confluence following Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag and Karnaprayag.
• DevPrayag:  It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, in Uttarakhand. From Devprayag both rivers unify and flow as Ganga or Ganges. Moreover, Devprayag draws its name from sage Devsharma who led his life here.

The Panch Prayag are a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vishnuprayag