Panch Prayag: Five Holy Confluences of the Alaknanda River

What is Panch Prayag?

Panch Prayag forms the confluence of five holy rivers, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, merging with river Alaknanda.

Panch Prayag of Uttarakhand

Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag are the Panch Prayag rivers located in Uttarakhand, carrying profound spiritual significance and supporting the civilization.

Devprayag- Beginning of the Ganga

Devprayag river is where the Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi to form the holy Ganga River. It is the most famous and important of all the Panch Prayags.

Rudraprayag- Merger of Mandakini and Alaknanda

Rudraprayag is a getaway to Kedarnath and Badrinath, known for the ancient Rudranath temple and the confluence of the Alaknanda River with the Mandakini.

Karnaprayag- Confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar

Karnaprayag is the confluence of the Pindar and Alaknanda rivers. This Prayag is linked to Karna, the great warrior of the Mahabharata. It is believed that at this place he meditated to gain powers from the Sun God.

Nandaprayag- Alaknanda meets Nandakini

Nandaprayag is named after King Nanda, where he came to do a sacrifice to obtain blessings for his family. Here, Alaknanda meets Nandakini rivers at Nandaprayag.

Vishnuprayag- Dhauliganga meets Alaknanda

Vishnu Prayag is the first Prayag where the Alaknanda meets the Dhauliganga River, and the river is named after Lord Vishnu, who came to the place after being pleased by sage Narad’s devotion and penance.

Significance of Panch Prayag in Hinduism

The five Prayags are the vital stops for pilgrims en route to Badrinath and Kedarnath, and taking a dip into the hallowed water of these rivers purifies the soul, and their water is used for Vedic rituals.