Nandaprayag
Nand Prayag confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Nandakini. The source of the Alaknanda river is Satopanth near Badrinath Dham and the Nandakini river originates from the foot of Nanda Devi peak. It is believed that a holy dip in the Sangam of Nandprayag is capable of washing away all sins. nandprayag in hindi is नंदप्रयाग itself.
History of Nandaprayag
The age-old story about Nandprayag says that King Nand performed a Yagya at this holy confluence in the desire to have a son. Hence, the confluence of the two rivers gets its name from Nanda. Apart from this, sage Kanva also did penance at Nandprayag. Also, the famous king Dushyanta married Shakuntala at this place.
Krishna was the son of Vasudeva and Devaki who was brought up by Nanda and Yashoda. There is also a temple near the Sangam dedicated to Gopala, a form of Krishna. Hindu mythology reveals that Lord Vishnu granted the boon of a son to his devotees Nanda and Yashoda, as well as Vasudeva and Devaki. So, to do this for both they made sure that the son who was born to Vasudeva and Devaki was brought up by Nanda and Yashoda.
Summary of Nandaprayag
Nandprayag holds sacred significance in the Hindu tradition. Also, ‘Prayag’ meaning the confluence of two or more rivers is a place of worship for the Hindus. Also, there is an influx of devotees here to perform the last rites of the dead. The calmness of Nandprayag is ideal for meditation.
The Nanda Devi peak is the origin of the Nandakini River. Alaknanda river originates from Satopanth near Badrinath Dham. Similarly, the Nanda Devi peak gives rise to the Nandakini, which joins the Alaknanda in another part of the Panch Prayag. Also, Panch Prayag is believed to be the ‘Swargarohan Marg’ that the Pandavas took on their way to heaven.
Alaknanda river Project
The Alaknanda hydroelectric project is a 330MW hydropower generating station developed on the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand, India. Also known as Shrinagar hydroelectric project, the power station was developed by Alaknanda Hydro Power Company (AHPCL).
Place To Explore While Visiting Nandprayag
Nand Temple:- The Nanda Temple is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda River and the Mandakini River. King Nanda performed a yagna on a stone which was later used as the foundation of the Nanda temple located at Nandprayag.
Karnaprayag:- Karnprayag is situated at a distance of 21 km from Nandprayag. Karnaprayag has got a mythological connection as it is the place where Karna of Mahabharata worshiped the Sun God to obtain impenetrable armor. It is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers at an altitude of 788 meters above sea level. if you don’t know Karnaprayag in which district? Karnaprayag is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
Other Panch Prayag
The other Panch Prayag destinations are:-
Vishnuprayag:- Vishnuprayag is situated 1372 meters above sea level and is the first Prayag according to the descent of the Alaknanda River. It is 70 km away from Nandprayag.
Karnyaprayag:- It is the place of confluence of the Alaknanda River and Pindar River. It is the third of the five holy confluences falling in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is 23 km from Nandprayag.
Rudraprayag:- It is situated at the meeting point of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers in Uttarakhand. It is at an altitude of 895 meters above sea level. Starting from Vishnuprayag is the fourth Prayag among the five Prayags.
Rudraprayag in which district:- Rudraprayag is itself a district of Uttarakhand. it takes 1 hour, and 2 minutes to travel from Rudraprayag to Nandprayag. The approximate driving distance between Rudraprayag and Nandprayag is 52 km.
Is there any Rudraprayag River?
Rudraprayag is not a river, but there is a confluence of two rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini in Rudraprayag.
Devprayag:- It is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers in Uttarakhand. Thereafter, the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge and flow as the Ganga or the Ganges. This is the fifth of the Panch Prayags. It is 119 km away from Nandprayag.
NOTE:- The Panch Prayag is a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.
Best Time To Visit Nandprayag
One can visit this holy city at any time of the year, except during the monsoon. Being situated in the Himalayas, the temperature here remains cool throughout the year. Winters can be bone-chilling and for this, you need to have woolen clothes.
How to reach Nandprayag?
Road:- Nandprayag is situated on NH 58 and is very well connected by motorable roads to different parts of the state. Regular state buses are available to and from Nandprayag.
Rail:- The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh which is 191 km from Nandprayag and is well connected by road. One can easily hail a taxi or catch a bus to Nandprayag.
Air:- The nearest airport at Jollygrant Dehradun which is 203.9 km from Nandprayag. One can easily call a taxi or catch a bus from Dehradun to Nandprayag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nandaprayag
Which two rivers join at this Prayag?
Rivers Alaknanda and Nandakini merge at this Prayag.
How can one travel around Nandaprayag?
Well, devotees can enjoy the city on foot, by bicycle, and by car.
What can I eat here?
Devotees must taste the delicacies of Garhwal and Kumaon cuisines like chainsoo, gahat ke parathe, etc.
