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'''பஞ்ச பிரயாகை''' ('''Panch Prayag''') பஞ்ச எனற வட மொழிச் சொல்லிற்கு ஐந்து என்றும், பிரயாகை என்பதற்கு [[ஆற்றுச்சந்தி]] எனப்பொருளாகும்.இந்தியாவின் [[உத்தராகண்ட்]] மாநிலத்தின் [[கார்வால் கோட்டம்|கார்வால் கோட்டத்தில்]] [[சமோலி மாவட்டம்]] மற்றும் [[டெக்ரி கார்வால் மாவட்டம்|டெக்கிரி மாவட்டங்களில்]] பாயும் [[கங்கை ஆறு|கங்கை ஆற்றின்]] [[துணை ஆறு]]களான [[பாகீரதி ஆறு]], [[அலக்நந்தா ஆறு]], [[மந்தாகினி ஆறு]], பிந்தர் ஆறு மற்றும் [[தௌலி கங்கை ஆறு]]கள் [[தேவபிரயாகை]], [[ருத்திரப்பிரயாகை]], [[கர்ணபிரயாகை]], [[விஷ்ணுபிரயாகை]] மற்றும் [[நந்தபிரயாகை]] ஆகிய இடங்களில் [[ஆற்றுச்சந்தி|சங்கமம்]] ஆகிறது. ஆறுகள் சங்கமம் ஆகும் இடத்தில் குளிப்பது புனித நீராடுவது என்பது இந்துக்களின் தொன்ம நம்பிக்கையாகும்.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Badam |first=Gyani Lal |title= River valley cultures of India |work=Panch Prayag |page=20 |accessdate=3 August 2009 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x3R-AAAAMAAJ&q=Panch+Prayag&dq=Panch+Prayag&lr=|publisher= Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya |year=2008 |isbn=9788173053009 <!--|ISBN=81-7305-300-6 -->}}</ref>
'''பஞ்ச பிரயாகை''' ('''Panch Prayag''') இந்தியாவின் [[உத்தராகண்ட்]] மாநிலத்தில் [[அலக்நந்தா ஆறு]], [[மந்தாகினி ஆறு]], [[பிந்தர் ஆறு]] மற்றும் [[தௌலிகங்கை ஆறு]]கள் (Pañca prayāga) is an expression in [[Hindu]] religious ethos, specifically used to connote the five sacred river confluences in the [[Garhwal Himalaya]]s in the state of [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]]. The five ''prayag''s - prayag meaning "place of confluence of rivers" in Sanskrit - also termed as "Prayag pentad" are [[Vishnuprayag]], [[Nandaprayag]], [[Karnaprayag]], [[Rudraprayag]] and [[Devprayag]], in the descending flow sequence of their occurrence.
==பஞ்ச பிரயாகைகள்==
==Path==
# [[தேவபிரயாகை]]
It starts with the Vishnu Prayag on the [[Alaknanda River]], which is one of the two source streams of the river [[Ganga]] in the Garhwal Himalayas; the other streams are the [[Dhauliganga]], [[Mandakini River|Mandakini]], [[Pindar]] and the [[Bhagirathi]] - the head stream of the Ganges.
# [[ருத்திரப்பிரயாகை]]
# [[கர்ணபிரயாகை]]
# [[விஷ்ணுபிரயாகை]]
# [[நந்தபிரயாகை]]
==உத்தரகாண்டத்தின் பஞ்ச பிரயாகைகள் ==
{{location map+|India Uttarakhand|width=260|caption=The five Prayags in [[Uttarakhand]]|places=
{{location map+|India Uttarakhand|width=260|caption= [[உத்தராகண்ட்]] மாநிலத்தின் பஞ்ச பிரயாகை|places=
{{location map~|India Uttarakhand|label=Vishnuprayag|position=top|lat=30.33|long=79.34}}
{{location map~|India Uttarakhand|label=Nandaprayag|position=right|lat=30.19|long=79.18}}
}}
==போக்குவரத்து வசதிகள் ==
Alaknanda descending from the foot of the Satopanth (a triangular lake, which is located at a height of {{convert|4402|m|ft|abbr=on|1}}, above the sea level and named after the [[Trimurti|Hindu trinity]]: [[Brahma]], [[Vishnu]], [[Shiva]] and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers near the [[Nanda Devi]] peak, in Uttarakhand cascades over a length of {{convert|229|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} encompassing the five prayags and is joined at Dev Prayag by the Bhagirathi, a shorter river source vis-à-vis Alaknanda to form the main stream of the Ganges. It flows down south towards [[Rishikesh]] and [[Haridwar]], two holy places on the bank of the Ganges in [[Uttarakhand]].
At each of the confluences, with large influx of pilgrims who visit the state for the pilgrimage of the [[Panch Kedar]] and [[Sapta Badri]] temples, large religious towns have developed. Pilgrims take a dip in the river at these locations before embarking on visiting the holy shrines in the "Deva Bhumi" (god's land) as Uttarakhand is commonly known. The religious towns are named after the confluence sites as: [[Devaprayag]], [[Nandprayag]], [[Karnaprayag]], [[Rudraprayag]], except [[Vishnuprayag]], where there is no town but it is about {{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} from [[Joshimath]] town another famous Hindu religious centre), along a winding road that further leads to [[Badrinath Temple]] and beyond.<ref name =Rawat>{{Cite book |last=Rawat |first=Ajay.S |title= Garhwal Himalaya |work=River Systems |pages=12–13 |accessdate=3 August 2009 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=olP_A60L-CMC&pg=PA13&dq=Panch+Prayag&lr=#v=onepage&q=Panch%20Prayag&f=false |publisher=Indus Publishing |year=2002 |isbn=9788173871368 <!--|ISBN=81-7387-136-1 -->}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/225359/Ganges-River/48076/Physical-features#ref=ref495827 |title= Ganges River |accessdate=4 August 2009 |publisher=Britannica.com}}</ref><ref name=vikas>{{cite web |url=http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/districts/chamoli/prayags.aspx |title=Prayags |accessdate=3 August 2009 |publisher=Garhwal Manadal Vikas Nigam: A Government of Uttarakhand Enterprise |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520150732/http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/districts/chamoli/prayags.aspx |archive-date=20 May 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=kishore>{{Cite book |last=Kishore |first=Dr. B.R. |author2=Dr Shiv Sharma |title=India - A Travel Guide|work= The Panch Prayag of Uttaranchal |pages=259–260 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=COHI7LlpkSAC&pg=PA259&dq=Panch+Prayag#v=onepage&q=Panch%20Prayag&f=false|publisher= Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd. |year=1905 |isbn=9788128400674 <!--|ISBN=81-284-0067-3 -->}}</ref> Some pilgrims do ablution at all the five prayags before worshiping Vishnu at Badrinath.<ref name=Bansal>{{Cite book|last=Bansal|first=Sunita Pant |title=Hindu Pilgrimage|work= Badrinath (Panch Prayag) |pages=34–35 |accessdate=10 August 2009 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F303Zb7EC0kC&pg=PT34&dq=panch+prayag&as_brr=3&client=firefox-a#v=onepage&q=panch%20prayag&f=false |publisher=Pustak Mahal |year=2008 |isbn=9788122309973 <!--|ISBN= 81-223-0997-6 -->}}</ref>
ரிஷிகேஷிலிருந்து சாலை வழியாக பஞ்ச பிரயாகையின் தொலைவு:
==Meaning==
* {{convert|256|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} to[[ஜோஷி Vishnuமடம்]] Prayagவழியாக [[விஷ்ணு பிரயாகை]] via Joshimath which is{{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} away; ▼[[Prayag]] in Hindu tradition signifies confluence of two or more rivers where ablutions (bathing) before worship, religious rites called the [[Śrāddha|Shraddha]] (the last rites) for the departed and worship of the river itself as manifestation of God are a prevalent practice. While the Prayag at [[Prayagraj]], where the three rivers namely, the Ganges, the [[Yamuna]] and the [[Saraswati]] confluence, is considered the holiest, the Panch Prayag of Garhwal Himalayas are the next in the order of piety. The Prayags are rich not only with stories from puranas and legend but also in scenic beauty of the Himalayan snow-covered peaks and enchanting valleys.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}} It is also deduced that the Panch Prayag located on the road to Badrinath refer to the ''Swargarohana'' (ascend to heaven) route followed by the [[Pandavas]] to attain salvation after they completed circumambulation of the earth.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Badam |first=Gyani Lal |title= River valley cultures of India |work=Panch Prayag |page=20 |accessdate=3 August 2009 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x3R-AAAAMAAJ&q=Panch+Prayag&dq=Panch+Prayag&lr=|publisher= Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya |year=2008 |isbn=9788173053009 <!--|ISBN=81-7305-300-6 -->}}</ref>
* {{convert|190|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} to Nanda Prayag[[நந்தபிரயாகை]]; ▼* {{convert|169|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} to Karna Prayag[[கர்ணபிரயாகை; ▼* {{convert|140|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} to [[ருத்திரபிரயாகை]]; மற்றும்
* {{convert|70|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} to [[தேவபிரயாகை]] Dev Prayag.<ref name =Vishnu>{{cite web|url= http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/content-badari.aspx?id=23|title=Vishnu Prayag|accessdate=7 August 2009|publisher=Office web site of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee}}</ref><ref name =nand>{{cite web|url= http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/content-badari.aspx?id=22|title=Nand Prayag|accessdate=7 August 2009|publisher=Office web site of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee}}</ref><ref name =Karn>{{cite web|url= http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/content-badari.aspx?id=21 |title=Karan Prayag|accessdate=7 August 2009|publisher=Office web site of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee}}</ref><ref name =Rudra>{{cite web|url= http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/content-badari.aspx?id=20 |title=Rudra Prayag|accessdate=7 August 2009|publisher=Office web site of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee}}</ref><ref name =Deo>{{cite web|url= http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/content-badari.aspx?id=19|title=Deo Prayag|accessdate=7 August 2009|publisher=Office web site of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee}}</ref> ▼
==Description of the five Prayag==
People of Garhwal, in particular, gather at the five prayags during [[Makara Sankranthi]], [[Uttarayan]], [[Basant Panchami]] and [[Ram Navami]] festivals for a holy dip in the sacred river confluences.<ref name =Bisht>{{Cite book |last=Bisht |first=Harshwanti |title=Tourism in Garhwal Himalaya |work=Panch Prayags |page=86 |accessdate=7 August 2009 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6C6DGU73WzsC&pg=PA86&dq=panch+prayag&lr=&as_brr=3&client=firefox-a#v=onepage&q=panch%20prayag&f=false |publisher=Indus Publishing |year=1994 |isbn=9788173870064 <!--|ISBN=81-7387-006-3 -->}}</ref>
===Vishnuprayag===
[[File:Dhauliganga at Vishnuprayag.jpg|thumb|right|Confluence of the [[Dhauliganga River|Dhauliganga]] (right) with the [[Alaknanda River|Alaknanda]] (left) at Vishnuprayag]]
The Alaknanda River, which originates from Satopanth glacier is joined by the Dhauli Ganga River near Joshimath (on Joshimath - Badrinath route). Alaknanda flows in front of the Badrinath temple, one of the most revered Hindu shrines. Dhauli Ganga originates from the Niti Pass, after traveling a distance of {{convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} from its source to the Vishnu Prayag {{nowrap|({{coord|30.5626|79.5754|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline|format=dms|name=Vishnu Prayag}}).}} This stretch of the Alaknanda River is called the Vishnu Ganges. Legend narrates the worship offered by sage [[Narada]] to god Vishnu at this confluence. An octagonal shaped temple - located near the confluence - dated to 1889, is credited to Maharani of [[Indore]] - Ahalyabai. Though originally built to install a Shiva [[linga]], it now houses a Vishnu image. A stairway from this temple leads to the Vishnu kund (kund means pool of water or lake) at the confluence, which is seen in a tranquil state.<ref name=Rawat/><ref name=vikas/>
===Nandaprayag===
[[File:NandprayagConfluence.JPG|thumb|right|The Nandakini River (foreground) meets the [[Alaknanda River]] (background) in [[Nandprayag]], in the Garhwal Himalayas, [[Uttarakhand]], India.]]
Nand Prayag {{nowrap|({{coord|30.3321|79.3154|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline|format=dms|name=Nand Prayag}})}} is the second prayag in the cascade sequence of the confluences where the Nandakini River joins the main Alaknanda River. According to one tale, a noble King Nanda performed [[Yagnya]] (fire-sacrifice) and sought blessings of God. Hence, the confluence is named after him. The other version of the legend states that the confluence derives its name from the [[Yaduvanshi|Yadava]] king [[Nanda (mythology)|Nanda]], the foster-father of god [[Krishna]]. According to the legend, Vishnu granted a boon of the birth of a son to Nanda and his wife [[Yashoda]] and also the same boon to [[Devaki]], wife of [[Vasudeva]]. Placed in a dilemma, since both were his disciples, he ensured that Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, was born to Devaki and Vasudeva but was fostered by Yashoda and Nanda.<ref name=Rawat/><ref name=vikas/> There is temple for [[Gopal (Krishna)|Gopal]], a form of Krishna, here.<ref name=kishore/> The legends also narrate that sage [[Kanva]] did penance here and also that wedding of King [[Dushyanta]] and [[Shakuntala]] took place at this venue.<ref name=Bansal/>
===Karnaprayag===
[[File:KarnPrayag.jpg|thumb|right|Karna Prayag confluence of [[Alaknanda]] and [[Pindar River]]s]]
Karn Prayag {{nowrap|({{coord|30.2637|79.2156|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline|format=dms|name=Karn Prayag}})}} is the location where Alaknanda River is joined by the [[Pindar River]] that originates from the Pindar glacier, below the Nanda Devi Mountain range.<ref name= Rawat/> The epic [[Mahabharata]] legend narrates that [[Karna]] did penance here and earned the protective gear of ''Kavacha'' (armour) and ''Kundala'' (ear rings) from his father, the [[Surya|Sun god]], which gave him indestructible powers. The name of the confluence is thus derived from the name of Karna.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}} There is reference to this site in [[Meghaduta]], a [[Sanskrit]] lyrical poetic drama written by the legendary poet [[Kalidasa]], which attributes that Satopanth and Bhagirath glaciers joined here to form the Pindar River. Another classic work by the same author called the [[Abhijñānaśākuntalam|Abhijnana-shakuntala]] also mentions that [[Shakuntala]] and king Dushyanta's romantic daliance occurred here.<ref name=Nigam>{{Cite book |last=Nigam |first=Devesh |title=Tourism, environment, and development of Garhwal Himalaya |work=Prayag |pages=123–124 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MK1nAp5hTWsC&pg=PA123&dq=Panch+Prayag#v=onepage&q=&f=false |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=2002 |isbn=9788170998709 <!--|ISBN=81-7099-870-0 -->}}</ref> It is also mentioned that [[Swami Vivekananda]] mediatated here for eighteen days.<ref name=vikas/>
Next to the confluence site there is a large pasturage on the bank where cows are seen grazing. According to a local legend, a local [[zamindar]] (landlord) inadvertently killed a cow (''go-hatya'') in this pasture land, which according to Hindu religion was considered a religious offence. The contrived zamindar, who did not have adequate money to do reparatory acts to atone for this sin, requested a visiting pilgrim from [[South India]] to help him out. With the help of the philanthropic pilgrim, the zamindar bought the pasture land, dedicated it to Lord Badrinath, a form of Vishnu, with the vow that the land so acquired would be used only for the purpose of grazing by cows.<ref>Foster p. 411-12</ref>
The stone seat where Karna did penance is also seen here. A temple built in recent times to commemorate Karna has the deity of goddess Uma Devi (daughter of the [[Himalayas]]) here. The stone temple was rebuilt by guru [[Adi Shankara]]charya. In the sanctum, the images of goddess [[Parvati]], her consort [[Shiva]] and her elepahant-headed son [[Ganesha]] are installed, next to that of Uma Devi, apart from Karna’s image. A steep row of steps from the temple along a spur leads to the confluence point. And, down these steps, small shrines of Shiva and the ''Binayak Shila'' (the Ganesha stone) - that is believed to provide protection from danger - are located. Once in 12 years, a procession of the image of Uma Devi is taken round a few villages in the sub-divisional town of Karnaprayag.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
===Rudraprayag===
[[File:Rudraprayag - Confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini.JPG|thumb|Rudraprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda (foreground) and the Mandakini rivers.]]
At Rudra Prayag {{nowrap|({{coord|30.2878|78.9787|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline|format=dms|name=Rudra Prayag}})}} the Alaknanda meets the [[Mandakini River]]. The confluence is named after god Shiva, who is also known as [[Rudra]].{{citation needed|date=August 2012}} According to a widely narrated legend, Shiva performed the [[Tandava]] here, Tandava is a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. Shiva also played his favourite musical instrument the [[Rudra veena]] here. By playing the Veena, he enticed god Vishnu to his presence and converted him to water.<ref name=vikas/>
Another legend narrates that sage Narada had become conceited by his Veena playing skills. The gods requested Krishna in order to set things right. Krishna told Narada that Shiva and his consort [[Parvati]] were impressed by his musical talent. Narada was taken in by the praise and immediately set out to meet Shiva in the Himalayas. On the way at Rudra Prayag, he met several beautiful damsels called [[Raga#Rāga-Rāgini system|ragini]]s (musical notes) who were disfigured and the reason for such disfigurement was squarely attributed to Narada playing his Veena. Hearing this, Narada felt humbled and surrendered before Shiva and decided to devote himself to learning music as disciple of Shiva.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
According to another legend, the consort of Shiva - [[Dakshayani|Sati]] was reborn as [[Parvati]] as the daughter of Himalaya, after she self-immolated herself in protest of the insult of Shiva. In spite of Himalaya's protests, Parvati performed rigorous penance to get the boon of becoming Shiva’s wife in the new birth too.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
Temples dedicated to Rudranath (Shiva) and goddess [[Chamunda]] are located here.
===Devprayag===
[[File:Devprayag Bhagirathi Alaknanda.jpg|thumb|right|Dev Prayag - Confluence of Alakananda (right) and Bhagirathi (left) Rivers]]
Dev Prayag {{nowrap|({{coord|30.1453|78.5977|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline|format=dms|name=Dev Prayag}})}} is the confluence of the two holy rivers, the Bhagirathi - the chief stream of the Ganges and the Alaknanda. It is the first prayag on the way to Badrinath. Beyond this confluence, the river is known as Ganges. The holiness of this place is considered equal to the famous [[Triveni sangam]] confluence at [[Prayagraj]] where the Ganges, Yamuna and [[Saraswati river|Saraswati]] rivers merge.<ref name=vikas/>
The confluence of the Bhagirathi, which flows in rapids with strong currents meets a much calmer river in the Alaknanda and this has been vividly described by the British captain Raper as:<ref name=Foster>{{Cite book |last=Foster |first=Theodore |title=The London quarterly review (1817) |work=Devprayag |page=409 |accessdate=9 August 2009 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XPIRAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA404&dq=Haridwar&lr=&ei=h0h-Svv3BpqUkAT2jpSPCg#v=onepage&q=Haridwar&f=false |publisher=Theodore Foster |quote=digitized by New York Public Library|date=28 November 2007}}</ref>
<blockquote>The contrast between the two rivers joining here is striking. The Bhaghirathi runs down a steep declivity with rapid force, roaring and foaming flowing over large fragments placed in its bed, while the placid, Alakananda, flowing, with a smooth, unruffled surface, gently winds round the point till, meeting with her turbulent consort, she is forcibly hurried down, and unites her clamours with the blustering current.</blockquote>
The confluence got the name tag 'Dev' from a poor Brahmin called Deva Sharma who performed "rigorous religious austerities" here and was blessed by [[Rama]], Vishnu’s incarnation and hero of the epic [[Ramayana]]. There are two Kunds or ponds on the banks of the rivers which join here, these are: the [[Vasistha]] Kund on the Bhagirathi and the Brahma Kund on the bank of the Alakananda. Legend also mentions about this site being Vishnu’s navel and that [[Brahma]] meditated here.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
The many legendary kings who did penance here were, Rama - to atone for his sin of killing the demon-king [[Ravana]], a [[Brahmin]]. Legend also states that Vishnu entreated the demon-king [[Mahabali|Bali]] for 3 steps of land here.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uttaranchal.india-tours.net/panch-prayag-garhwal.html |title=Panch Prayag of Garhwal |accessdate=4 August 2009}}</ref> Legend also states that Rama, before attaining salvation, vanished from here.<ref name=Talwar>{{Cite book |last=Talwar |first=A.P. |title=Growing Old Mirthfully |work=Devprayag |page=196 |accessdate=7 August 2009 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=865FlVgqiBQC&pg=PA196&dq=Dev+Prayag&ei=1nB9Stb8N5eSkATKl8ihCg#v=onepage&q=Dev%20Prayag&f=false |publisher=Daya Books |year=2002 |isbn=9788186030707 <!--|ISBN=81-86030-70-0 -->}}</ref> Vaishnavites consider it as one of the 108 [[Divya Desams]] (sacred abodes of Vishnu) for undertaking a pilgrimage during their lifetime.<ref name=Bansal/>
A famous temple dedicated to Rama called the Raghunath Math is located above the confluence. A {{convert|15|ft|m|abbr=on|1}} high, black [[granite]] image of Rama is worshipped here as the central icon. It is believed to be installed in the temple about 1250 years ago.<ref name=vikas/><ref name=kishore/> A Shiva temple is also located nearby.<ref name=Bansal/><ref name=Kumar>{{Cite book |last=Kumar |first=Brijesh |title=Pilgrimage Centers of India |work=The Panch Prayag of Uttaranchal |pages=100–101 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qqei_Wo1qXwC&pg=PA100&dq=Panch+Prayag#v=onepage&q=Panch%20Prayag&f=false |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd. |year=2003 |isbn=9788171821853 <!--|ISBN=81-7182-185-5 -->}}</ref>
Ancient stone inscriptions have also been traced here. The stone inscriptions dates the temple’s existence to the first century AD. The temple, which is {{convert|72|ft|m|abbr=on|1}} in height, has a quadrilateral pyramidal shape with width narrowing towards the top of the temple tower. The top is surrounded by a white cupola. The sloping roof over the cupola is supported by wooden pillars. The roof is made up of copper plates adorned by plated ball with a spire. An image of [[Garuda]] (a divine bird in human form with a beak and wings to fly, which is the ''vahana'' or vehicle of Vishnu). On the festive days of [[Ram Navami]], [[Vasant Panchami]] and [[Baisakhi]], which are special occasions at this temple, the god is placed on a stone shown for worship. A stairway from the temple of Deva Prayag of Panch Prayag, leads to the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alakananda rivers where a distinct demarcation of the churning muddy stream of Alakananda mix with the saffron clear flows of Bhagirathi is seen (see picture in infobox) to evolve as Ganges, the holiest river for Hindus. Brahmins and pilgrims feed the fish species ''[[Cyprinus]] denticulatus'' ({{convert|4|-|5|ft|m|abbr=on|1}} length) at this site.<ref name=Bansal/><ref name =Bisht/><ref name=Foster/><ref name =Kumar/>
==Access==
Access to the five confluence locations on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway is reckoned from Rishikesh, which is the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. Rishikesh is a rail head that connects to all parts of the country and the nearest airport. [[Jolly Grant Airport]] is {{convert|18|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} from Rishikesh, and {{convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} from [[Dehradun]].
The distances from Rishikesh to the five prayags are:
▲* {{convert|256|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} to Vishnu Prayag via Joshimath which is{{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} away;
▲* {{convert|190|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} to Nanda Prayag;
▲* {{convert|169|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} to Karna Prayag;
* {{convert|140|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} to Rudra Prayag; and
▲* {{convert|70|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} to Dev Prayag.<ref name =Vishnu>{{cite web|url= http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/content-badari.aspx?id=23|title=Vishnu Prayag|accessdate=7 August 2009|publisher=Office web site of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee}}</ref><ref name =nand>{{cite web|url= http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/content-badari.aspx?id=22|title=Nand Prayag|accessdate=7 August 2009|publisher=Office web site of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee}}</ref><ref name =Karn>{{cite web|url= http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/content-badari.aspx?id=21 |title=Karan Prayag|accessdate=7 August 2009|publisher=Office web site of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee}}</ref><ref name =Rudra>{{cite web|url= http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/content-badari.aspx?id=20 |title=Rudra Prayag|accessdate=7 August 2009|publisher=Office web site of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee}}</ref><ref name =Deo>{{cite web|url= http://www.badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/content-badari.aspx?id=19|title=Deo Prayag|accessdate=7 August 2009|publisher=Office web site of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee}}</ref>
'''Appropriate time to visit the Panch Prayag'''
Panch Prayag lies in one of high mountains of Himalayas, with low temperatures all through the year so it’s better to give them a miss during winters, when it gets very cold. All the Prayags can be reached by road throughout the year.[http://www.shubhyatratravels.com/panch-prayag]
== இதனையும் காண்க ==
* [[நான்கு புனித தலங்கள், உத்தரகண்ட்]]
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