NAND PRAYAG

Nand Prayag – Confluence of Holy Alaknanda and Nandakini River Nand Prayag is the second Prayag in the sequence of the five revered confluences, known as Panch Prayag, where the Nandakini River joins the main Alaknanda River. Nand Prayag is 1,358 metres above sea level and is surrounded by big green mountains that give the place a peaceful and spiritual feel. This place has been special to Hindus for a long time, as many believe that taking a dip where the rivers meet can help them achieve Moksha. The natural beauty of Nand Prayag is breathtaking, with the majestic Himalayas forming a stunning backdrop. The convergence of the Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers creates a mesmerizing sight, and the surrounding valleys and meadows add to the charm of the place. The tranquility and purity of the environment make it an ideal spot for meditation and introspection. Alaknanda River starts at the Satopanth and Bhagirathi Kharak glaciers and travels nearly 190 km through Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. It is one of the two rivers that form the holy Ganga. It flows beside Badrinath Temple, joins Nandakini at Nand Prayag, and later meets Bhagirathi in Dev Prayag, where the sacred Ganga begins. Nandakini River is 105 km long, starts near the Nanda Ghunti peaks, flows through the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand and finally joins the Alaknanda at Nand Prayag. It is one of the five holy rivers that join the River Ganga and its valley is a beautiful and peaceful place with green hills all around. The origin of the river Nandakini is the glacier of “Nanda Devi Mountains” and it can be said that the name of this place “Nand Prayag” in the name of the mountain and the river derived from it, but its relation with the legend is associated with Lord Krishna. Nand Prayag was once called Kanvasu, it was named after the great Maharshi Kanva. This place was considered “the capital of the Yadu kingdom” in the Dwapar era. Here is the beautiful temple of Nanda Devi and named “Nand Prayag” with the names of the temple of Nanda Devi, samudram of Nand and the confluence of Nandakini. Today it is known as a holy town where two rivers, Alaknanda and Nandakini meet. Nand Prayag in Skand Purana was called Kanva Ashram. The legend also narrate that Sage Kanva did penance here and also that wedding of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala took place at this venue. According to a legend, a noble King Nand performed Yagya and sought blessings of Lord Narayana. The confluence is named after him as per epic Mahabharata. Also, it is associated with Lord Shiva's tandava dance. The other version of the legend states that the confluence derives its name from the Yadav king Nanda, the foster-father of Lord Krishna. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu granted a boon of the birth of a son to Nanda and his wife 2 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 Nand. There is temple of Gopal, a form of Krishna, here. The Gopal Temple is located in the center of Nand Prayag and is devoted to the Lord Krishna. This old temple captures the spirit of the region's religious past in its ornate architecture and sculptures, creating an atmosphere of serenity and devotion. The sanctuary of the temple is a peaceful place for worship and introspection, with a splash of cultural richness provided by the bright colors and exquisite embellishments. In relation to Nand Prayag, a story or mystery is associated with “Chandika Mandir”. It is said that the statue of the Goddess was floating in the Alaknanda River and showed an ancestor of the present priest in his dream. Meanwhile some shepherds hid the statue in the river bank of the river. When they did not return home by the evening, the people searched for them for a long time. And when the idol was found, they were found unconscious in front of that statue and according to another dream, the priest was ordered to keep the “Suryantra” with the idol. Pilgrims also explore ancient temples in Nand Prayag, most notably the Raj Rajeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Raj Rajeshwari. Chandika temple is another temple dedicated to Chandika Devi, a village Goddess of seven villages, including Nand Prayag. The statue of silver set in the sanctum is impressive and is naturally a source of great devotion. Other temples of the complex are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bhairav, Hanuman, Ganesh and Bhoomiyal. The town of Nand Prayag is a great place to get a taste of the rich cultural heritage of the Garhwal area. The local culture is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions and customs. Nand Prayag comes to life during the many festivals and fairs that honor the area's rich history and traditions. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a noteworthy event that draws devotees and visitors alike and only occurs once every twelve years. The Yatra is a ritualistic parade to the Nanda Devi Temple that celebrates the region's rich customs and rituals. The town celebrates various festivals with great enthusiasm, including Navratri, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti. During these festivals, the temples and ghats (riverbanks) are beautifully adorned, and devotional activities are organized. May through June and September through October are the best months to visit Nand Prayag. The weather is mild; the roads are open, and one can see the confluence of the Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers during these months. The post-monsoon season at Nand Prayag is ideal for spiritual practice because of the bright sky, mild temperatures, and quiet atmosphere. The scenic grandeur of the area makes this intersection an even more compelling pilgrimage site. COMPILED By : CHAMAN LAL GADOO