Char Dham Yatra
BADARINATH: Abode of Lord Vishnu: Badarinath Dham is considered as one of the most sacred centers of pilgrimage situated in the lofty Himalayan heights in the Garhwal hill tracks (Uttarakhand) at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level. The route to Badarinath is one of the most fascinating one due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the earth.
Throughout the route to Badarinath there are numerous pilgrimage sites at Deo Prayag, Rudraprayag, Karana Prayag, Nanda Prayag, and Vishnuprayag; as well as Pandukeswar where king Pandu observed Tapasya with his queen Madri and where his sons Pandavas stayed during their pilgrimage to heaven, and the site where Bhima and Hanuman (sons of Vayu) met.
At Badarinath Lord MahaVishnu is believed to have done his penance. Seeing the Lord doing his penance in the open, Goddess Mahalaxmi is believed to have assumed the form of Badari tree to provide him shelter to face the onslaught of the adverse weather conditions, therefore the name Badari Narayan. It is believed that Lord Vishnu revealed to Narad rishi that Nar & Naryans forms were his own. It is also believed that Narad rishi, who also did his penance here, is even now worshipping the supreme God in the form of Nar and Narayan with Ashtakshara mantras.
The image of Badarinarayan here is fashioned out of Saligramam. Badarinarayan is seen under the Badari tree, flanked by Kuber and Garuda, Narad, Narayan and Nar. Mahalakshmi has a sanctum outside in the parikrma. There is also a shrine to Adi Sankara at Badarinath. For more information on Badarinath, please click here.
KEDARNATH: The Celestial Jyotirlingam: Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificent temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually renovated over the centuries. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mt. It is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
At the approach of winters in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is carried down from Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who flock from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage. The shrine closes on the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopens in Vaishakh (Apr-May) every year. During its closure the shrine is submerged in snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath. For more information on Kedarnath, please click here.
BADARINATH: Abode of Lord Vishnu: Badarinath Dham is considered as one of the most sacred centers of pilgrimage situated in the lofty Himalayan heights in the Garhwal hill tracks (Uttarakhand) at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level. The route to Badarinath is one of the most fascinating one due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the earth.
Throughout the route to Badarinath there are numerous pilgrimage sites at Deo Prayag, Rudraprayag, Karana Prayag, Nanda Prayag, and Vishnuprayag; as well as Pandukeswar where king Pandu observed Tapasya with his queen Madri and where his sons Pandavas stayed during their pilgrimage to heaven, and the site where Bhima and Hanuman (sons of Vayu) met.
At Badarinath Lord MahaVishnu is believed to have done his penance. Seeing the Lord doing his penance in the open, Goddess Mahalaxmi is believed to have assumed the form of Badari tree to provide him shelter to face the onslaught of the adverse weather conditions, therefore the name Badari Narayan. It is believed that Lord Vishnu revealed to Narad rishi that Nar & Naryans forms were his own. It is also believed that Narad rishi, who also did his penance here, is even now worshipping the supreme God in the form of Nar and Narayan with Ashtakshara mantras.
The image of Badarinarayan here is fashioned out of Saligramam. Badarinarayan is seen under the Badari tree, flanked by Kuber and Garuda, Narad, Narayan and Nar. Mahalakshmi has a sanctum outside in the parikrma. There is also a shrine to Adi Sankara at Badarinath. For more information on Badarinath, please click here.
KEDARNATH: The Celestial Jyotirlingam: Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificent temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually renovated over the centuries. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mt. It is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
At the approach of winters in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is carried down from Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who flock from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage. The shrine closes on the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopens in Vaishakh (Apr-May) every year. During its closure the shrine is submerged in snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath. For more information on Kedarnath, please click here.
GANGOTRI: The Eternal Gift of Baghirath's Penance: The shrine of Gangotri situated at an altitude of 3042 m above sea level amidst captivating surroundings, along the right bank of Bhagirathi is 100 km from Uttarkashi. The temple was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa. The existing temple is said to be the one reconstructed by the Jaipur dynasty. Every year hundred thousands of pilgrims throng the sacred shrine between May & October.
Like Yamunotri the shrine of Gangotri opens every year on the auspicious day of Akshaya-Tritiya & closes on the day of Diwali.
Location: Right Bank of River Bhagirathi
Altitude: 3042 M
Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga
Built in: 18th Century
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 226 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 249 kms.
Road: Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi.
YAMUNOTRI: The Sacred Jewel of the Himalayas: The Shrine of Yamunotri at the source of river Yamuna is the western - most shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas. Atop is a flank of Bandar Poonch peak (3615 m). The actual source, a frozen lake of ice and glacier (Champasar Glacier) located on the Kalind Mountain at the height of 4421 m above sea level is about 1 km further up is not easily accessible. Hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. The Temple of divine mother Yamuna was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The tiny Yamuna has icy cold water and its absolute innocence & the infantile purity heightens that deep feeling of reverence, which Yamunotri has for the devout. According to the legend ancient sage Asit Muni had his hermitage here. The trek to Yamunotri is truly spectacular, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense forests.
The Yamunotri Temple opens every year on the auspicious day of the Akshaya - Tritiya ( in April - May ) & closes on the sacred day of Diwali ( Oct. - Nov. ).
Location: Left Bank of River Yamuna
Altitude: 3235 M
Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 196 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 213 kms.and Dehradun 172 kms.
Road: Dharasu, 107 kms. Tehri, 107 kms. Rishikesh, 213 kms. and Dehradun, 172 kms.
PANCH KEDAR
Lord Shiva eluded the Pandavas repeatedly and on being detected by them assumed the form of a bull. The second Pandavas Bhima tried to pick him up, but Shiva sank into the earth and only the hump came in Bhimas's hand. Seeing their determination the lord was so pleased that he freed the Pandavas from their sin and asked them to worship his hump at Kedarnath which is the heights among the twelve Jyotirlingas. The other parts of Shiva's body, arms, face, nevel and hair locks appeared at Tungnath, Rudranath, Madmaheswar and Kalpeshwar. These four shrines along with Shri Kedarnathji are worshipped as "Panch Kedar". The Panch Kedar are the holy destination for all the Hindus. Five Kedars are:
KEDARNATH: Kedar is also another name for lord Shiva - the protector and the destroyer. There are 200 ancient shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important is Kedarnath. Shrine of Kedarnath lying at the altitude of 3584 Mts. on the head of river Mandakini is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus.
The origin of revered temple can be found in great epic Mahabharat. After the wars, the Pandavas lost their peace of mind after committing the great sin of slaying their Guru and brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. Lord Shiva avoided them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of bull. On being followed, He dived into the ground, leaving behind His hump on the surface. The hump is worshipped in the temple of Kedarnath in the conical Shiva pinda form. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva are worshipped at other places.
TUNGNATH: the arm of Lord Shiva came out at this place as per Kedarnath myth. The Tungnath temple is situated at an altitude of about 3680 m above sea level, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the highest Shiva Shrine among the Panch Kedar, 3 km uphill from Chopata. The sancity of the region of Tungnath is considered unsurpassed.
The peak of Tungnath is the source of three springs that form the river Akashkamini. Tungnath is reached through a path that wends through alpine meadows & rhododendron thickets. An hour's climb from here leads to Chandrashila with its panoramic views.
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun 232 kms.
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 215 kms.
Road: Tungath can be reached on the Kund-Gopeshwar road up to Chopta, 212 kms. from Rishikesh via Chamoli-Gopeshwar-Chopta route. Buses and taxis ply along the route. From Chopta, the Tungnath temple is 3 kms. trekaway.
RUDRANATH: The shrine is 23 km from Gopeshwar at 2286 m. The Mukhor face of Lord Shiva os worshipped as Neelkanth Mahadev here. The temple site provides splendid views of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Trishuli and other peaks. Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund, etc. are the holy kunds situated nearby. The scenic beauty and the spiritual piousness of the place make it scenically beautiful as well as enchanting.
Anusuya Devi temple is located on the trek to Rudranath involving an additional trek of 3 km. Another route 13 km from Gopeshwar to Mandal then trek 6 km to reach Anusuya Devi. Devi Anusuya is revered as the Goddedd who blesses her devotees in their difficulties.
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 258 km.
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh is 241 km.
Road: Rudranath is located on Gopeshwar-Kedarnath Road. From Rishikesh, the entry point, Sagar is 219 km. A 22 km trek from Sagar will end at Rudranath. Accommodation available at Dharamshala.
MADMAHESWAR: It is said that the navel of Lord Shiva reappeared at this shrine after disappearing at Kedarnath. Shiva is worshipped Madmaheshwar in the form of a navel shaped lingam. This Shrine is 31 km from Guptkashi at an altitude of 3289 m. The temple can be approached by a trek through the famous Sidha Peeth of Kalimath. Wild, unparalleled scenic beauty and incredible landscapes distinguish the distance from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar. Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks are visible from here. Gaundar, at the conflux of Madmaheshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last place that is worth a visit before one reaches this shrine.
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 244 kms.
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 227 kms.
Road: To reach Madmaheshwar, the distance of 196 kms. from Rishikesh to Kalimath is motorable. The balance 31 kms. has to be covered on foot.
KALPESWAR: the hair locks (Jata) of Lord Shiva are worshipped in this small rock temple at the height of 2134 m before the matted, tresses of Shiva enshrined in rock in the sanctum and sanctorum. The sanctum is preceded by a natural cave passage. This temple is located in Urgam valley. This shrine is a delight for the tourists with striking views of valley with terraced fields and lush green forests. The temple is reached after a trek of 12 km from Helang which is the motor head on Rishikesh - Badarinath route.
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun 272 kms
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh is 255 kms
Road: Kalpeshwar can be reashed up to Helang, 243 kms. on the Rishikesh - Badrinath road by bus and taxis. From Helang, the 12 kms. trek is off the main road.
PANCH PRAYAG
The Prayag means the confluence of two (or more) rivers. And in India there are only six most sacred Prayags. The last Prayag, the great confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna & the mythical Saraswati is at Allahabad. Other the most revered confluences are the Panch (five) prayags of the Garhwal region. In Hindu mythology, rivers are personified as goddesses and even today, Hindus hold them in high veneration. The water of a holy river is supposed to wash away the sins. The confluence of two or more rivers makes them much more sacred. Five Prayags are:
DEO PRAYAG: Deoprayag is situated on the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. It is commonly believed to be the birthplace of earthly Ganga. It comprises the oldest route to Badrinath and Gangotri. The famous Raghunath Math (another name for Lord Rama's Temple) is situated here. Important pilgrim spots are Shiva Temple and Raghunath Temple. These temples are roughly 70 Kms from Rishikesh on Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road.
RUDRA PRAYAG: Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 140 km from Rishikesh and 70 km from Deoprayag on Rishikesh Badari-Kedar motor road. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, the sage Narad worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra incarnation to bless the sage. It was here, also, that Shiva's wife Sati, was reborn after her self immolation because her father humiliated her husband. In her new life, as the daughter of Himalaya, she did penance here to ask the boon of Shiva as a husband once again. The ancient temple of Rudranathji is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rudraprayag is the point where the two roads branch off to the holy Shrines of Kedarnath (84 km) & Badarinath (159 km).
KARAN PRAYAG: Situated at 12 km from Gauchar and 31 km from Rudraprayag, the icy flow from the Pindari Glacier becomes the Pindari river, and when it meets the Alaknanda at 788 m, the confluence is known as Karnaprayag. The wooded thickets of the hills surrounding Karnaprayag were the meeting ground for Shakuntala & Raja Dushyanta, immortalised in Kalidasa's immortal classic and a favourite ballad ever since. The place derives its name from Karna, the son of the Queen Kunti and Lord Surya (sun). Besides the temple dedicated to Karna, the temple dedicated to Goddess Umadevi at Dimmer village, Narayan & Gopal also stand at the confluence.
NAND PRAYAG: 20 km from Karna Prayag, Nand Prayag at 914 m forms the confluence of the Alaknanda & Mandakini (flowing from a glacier near Nanda Devi Peak) rivers. It is said that confluence is named for the pious Raja Nanda. According to one legend, the king had been promised the boon of Vishnu as a son. Unfortunately, the same boon had been granted to Devki, the sister of the tyrant king, Kansa who imprisoned her. Ultimately, the gods found an ingenuons solution: Vishnu would be born as Krishna to Devki but would be brought up by Raja Nanda's wife, Yashodha.
VISHNU PRAYAG: Formed by the confluence of the impetuous Vishnu Ganga (known after this point, as the Alaknanda) and the Dhauliganga river, Vishnu Prayag, 1372 m, has an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu. This temple stands here next to a pool called Vishnu Kund. It is at a distance of 13 km from Joshimath on Badarinath route. It is said that the sage Narad worshipped Vishnu at this sanctified spot. The Kagbhusandi Lake bewitching with its emerald green depths giving it a still surface, while on the banks, blossoms evoke the colours of nature in all her glory. The lake can also be approached from Vishnuprayag besides from Bhundhar village near Ghangaria.
Like Yamunotri the shrine of Gangotri opens every year on the auspicious day of Akshaya-Tritiya & closes on the day of Diwali.
Location: Right Bank of River Bhagirathi
Altitude: 3042 M
Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga
Built in: 18th Century
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 226 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 249 kms.
Road: Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi.
YAMUNOTRI: The Sacred Jewel of the Himalayas: The Shrine of Yamunotri at the source of river Yamuna is the western - most shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas. Atop is a flank of Bandar Poonch peak (3615 m). The actual source, a frozen lake of ice and glacier (Champasar Glacier) located on the Kalind Mountain at the height of 4421 m above sea level is about 1 km further up is not easily accessible. Hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. The Temple of divine mother Yamuna was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The tiny Yamuna has icy cold water and its absolute innocence & the infantile purity heightens that deep feeling of reverence, which Yamunotri has for the devout. According to the legend ancient sage Asit Muni had his hermitage here. The trek to Yamunotri is truly spectacular, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense forests.
The Yamunotri Temple opens every year on the auspicious day of the Akshaya - Tritiya ( in April - May ) & closes on the sacred day of Diwali ( Oct. - Nov. ).
Location: Left Bank of River Yamuna
Altitude: 3235 M
Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 196 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 213 kms.and Dehradun 172 kms.
Road: Dharasu, 107 kms. Tehri, 107 kms. Rishikesh, 213 kms. and Dehradun, 172 kms.
PANCH KEDAR
Lord Shiva eluded the Pandavas repeatedly and on being detected by them assumed the form of a bull. The second Pandavas Bhima tried to pick him up, but Shiva sank into the earth and only the hump came in Bhimas's hand. Seeing their determination the lord was so pleased that he freed the Pandavas from their sin and asked them to worship his hump at Kedarnath which is the heights among the twelve Jyotirlingas. The other parts of Shiva's body, arms, face, nevel and hair locks appeared at Tungnath, Rudranath, Madmaheswar and Kalpeshwar. These four shrines along with Shri Kedarnathji are worshipped as "Panch Kedar". The Panch Kedar are the holy destination for all the Hindus. Five Kedars are:
KEDARNATH: Kedar is also another name for lord Shiva - the protector and the destroyer. There are 200 ancient shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important is Kedarnath. Shrine of Kedarnath lying at the altitude of 3584 Mts. on the head of river Mandakini is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus.
The origin of revered temple can be found in great epic Mahabharat. After the wars, the Pandavas lost their peace of mind after committing the great sin of slaying their Guru and brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. Lord Shiva avoided them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of bull. On being followed, He dived into the ground, leaving behind His hump on the surface. The hump is worshipped in the temple of Kedarnath in the conical Shiva pinda form. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva are worshipped at other places.
TUNGNATH: the arm of Lord Shiva came out at this place as per Kedarnath myth. The Tungnath temple is situated at an altitude of about 3680 m above sea level, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the highest Shiva Shrine among the Panch Kedar, 3 km uphill from Chopata. The sancity of the region of Tungnath is considered unsurpassed.
The peak of Tungnath is the source of three springs that form the river Akashkamini. Tungnath is reached through a path that wends through alpine meadows & rhododendron thickets. An hour's climb from here leads to Chandrashila with its panoramic views.
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun 232 kms.
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 215 kms.
Road: Tungath can be reached on the Kund-Gopeshwar road up to Chopta, 212 kms. from Rishikesh via Chamoli-Gopeshwar-Chopta route. Buses and taxis ply along the route. From Chopta, the Tungnath temple is 3 kms. trekaway.
RUDRANATH: The shrine is 23 km from Gopeshwar at 2286 m. The Mukhor face of Lord Shiva os worshipped as Neelkanth Mahadev here. The temple site provides splendid views of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Trishuli and other peaks. Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund, etc. are the holy kunds situated nearby. The scenic beauty and the spiritual piousness of the place make it scenically beautiful as well as enchanting.
Anusuya Devi temple is located on the trek to Rudranath involving an additional trek of 3 km. Another route 13 km from Gopeshwar to Mandal then trek 6 km to reach Anusuya Devi. Devi Anusuya is revered as the Goddedd who blesses her devotees in their difficulties.
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 258 km.
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh is 241 km.
Road: Rudranath is located on Gopeshwar-Kedarnath Road. From Rishikesh, the entry point, Sagar is 219 km. A 22 km trek from Sagar will end at Rudranath. Accommodation available at Dharamshala.
MADMAHESWAR: It is said that the navel of Lord Shiva reappeared at this shrine after disappearing at Kedarnath. Shiva is worshipped Madmaheshwar in the form of a navel shaped lingam. This Shrine is 31 km from Guptkashi at an altitude of 3289 m. The temple can be approached by a trek through the famous Sidha Peeth of Kalimath. Wild, unparalleled scenic beauty and incredible landscapes distinguish the distance from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar. Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks are visible from here. Gaundar, at the conflux of Madmaheshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last place that is worth a visit before one reaches this shrine.
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 244 kms.
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 227 kms.
Road: To reach Madmaheshwar, the distance of 196 kms. from Rishikesh to Kalimath is motorable. The balance 31 kms. has to be covered on foot.
KALPESWAR: the hair locks (Jata) of Lord Shiva are worshipped in this small rock temple at the height of 2134 m before the matted, tresses of Shiva enshrined in rock in the sanctum and sanctorum. The sanctum is preceded by a natural cave passage. This temple is located in Urgam valley. This shrine is a delight for the tourists with striking views of valley with terraced fields and lush green forests. The temple is reached after a trek of 12 km from Helang which is the motor head on Rishikesh - Badarinath route.
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun 272 kms
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh is 255 kms
Road: Kalpeshwar can be reashed up to Helang, 243 kms. on the Rishikesh - Badrinath road by bus and taxis. From Helang, the 12 kms. trek is off the main road.
PANCH PRAYAG
The Prayag means the confluence of two (or more) rivers. And in India there are only six most sacred Prayags. The last Prayag, the great confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna & the mythical Saraswati is at Allahabad. Other the most revered confluences are the Panch (five) prayags of the Garhwal region. In Hindu mythology, rivers are personified as goddesses and even today, Hindus hold them in high veneration. The water of a holy river is supposed to wash away the sins. The confluence of two or more rivers makes them much more sacred. Five Prayags are:
DEO PRAYAG: Deoprayag is situated on the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. It is commonly believed to be the birthplace of earthly Ganga. It comprises the oldest route to Badrinath and Gangotri. The famous Raghunath Math (another name for Lord Rama's Temple) is situated here. Important pilgrim spots are Shiva Temple and Raghunath Temple. These temples are roughly 70 Kms from Rishikesh on Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road.
RUDRA PRAYAG: Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 140 km from Rishikesh and 70 km from Deoprayag on Rishikesh Badari-Kedar motor road. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, the sage Narad worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra incarnation to bless the sage. It was here, also, that Shiva's wife Sati, was reborn after her self immolation because her father humiliated her husband. In her new life, as the daughter of Himalaya, she did penance here to ask the boon of Shiva as a husband once again. The ancient temple of Rudranathji is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rudraprayag is the point where the two roads branch off to the holy Shrines of Kedarnath (84 km) & Badarinath (159 km).
KARAN PRAYAG: Situated at 12 km from Gauchar and 31 km from Rudraprayag, the icy flow from the Pindari Glacier becomes the Pindari river, and when it meets the Alaknanda at 788 m, the confluence is known as Karnaprayag. The wooded thickets of the hills surrounding Karnaprayag were the meeting ground for Shakuntala & Raja Dushyanta, immortalised in Kalidasa's immortal classic and a favourite ballad ever since. The place derives its name from Karna, the son of the Queen Kunti and Lord Surya (sun). Besides the temple dedicated to Karna, the temple dedicated to Goddess Umadevi at Dimmer village, Narayan & Gopal also stand at the confluence.
NAND PRAYAG: 20 km from Karna Prayag, Nand Prayag at 914 m forms the confluence of the Alaknanda & Mandakini (flowing from a glacier near Nanda Devi Peak) rivers. It is said that confluence is named for the pious Raja Nanda. According to one legend, the king had been promised the boon of Vishnu as a son. Unfortunately, the same boon had been granted to Devki, the sister of the tyrant king, Kansa who imprisoned her. Ultimately, the gods found an ingenuons solution: Vishnu would be born as Krishna to Devki but would be brought up by Raja Nanda's wife, Yashodha.
VISHNU PRAYAG: Formed by the confluence of the impetuous Vishnu Ganga (known after this point, as the Alaknanda) and the Dhauliganga river, Vishnu Prayag, 1372 m, has an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu. This temple stands here next to a pool called Vishnu Kund. It is at a distance of 13 km from Joshimath on Badarinath route. It is said that the sage Narad worshipped Vishnu at this sanctified spot. The Kagbhusandi Lake bewitching with its emerald green depths giving it a still surface, while on the banks, blossoms evoke the colours of nature in all her glory. The lake can also be approached from Vishnuprayag besides from Bhundhar village near Ghangaria.
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