Karnaprayag is the confluence of Alakananda and Pindar Ganga. It is one of the Pancha Prayags of Alakananda river. It is situated at a height of 832 meters above the sea level and located at 31 kms from Rudraprayag en route Badrinath. As per Kedar Khanda, Karnaprayag is a Shiva-Kshetra where Karna performed sacrifice to please Suryadeva and achieved unbreakable Kavacha and earrings.
Pindar river originates from Pindari Glacier in Kumaon region of Himalayas. The river enters the Garhwal region after traveling for 105 kms and joins the Alakananda River at Karnaprayag. Pindar Ganga river is also called as Karna Ganga.
Historians claim that at this place, where Lord Krishna placed the body of Karna and from His left hand, He performed the final rites using the sacred Yogagni. Here one can have darshan of the Karna-shila, Surya Kunda and Karneshwar Mahadev Temple.
Uma Devi Mandir at Karnaprayag
Situated at a small distance from the confluence, there is Uma Devi Temple. It is believed that this temple was renovated by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. This is probably the only Uma Devi temple in this area. In temple there is a sacred red rock. Devotees perform pradakshina of this rock for blessings.
Accommodation in Karnaprayag
Karnaprayag is a small town en route Badrinath temple. Lodging & food arrangements are good. There are various accommodations options available at various budgets. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam and Kedarnath-Badrinath Temples Committee have their guests houses in the sacred town.
How to reach Karnaprayag
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is the nearest airport to reach Karnaprayag at 187 kms. It is well connected to all the major airports of India. Taxis can be taken from the airport.
By Rail
Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station to reach Karnaprayag at 174 kms. Rishikesh is well connected by rail network with major destinations of India. Taxis, private and state buses are available at the Rishikesh Railway Station.
By Road
Karnaprayag lies on national highway NH58. It is well connected by motorable roads with many cities of Uttarakhand state and other cities of India. Buses are available from Dehradun at regular interval. Buses and taxis are accessible from major towns like Rishikesh, Srinagar, Haridwar, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi.
Best climate to reach Karnaprayag
Karnaprayag can be visited anytime throughout the year and thus the best season to visit happens to coincide with your free time, any season throughout the year. The monsoon season comes with a lot of festivals. From May to September the temperature ranges between a comfortable 17°C – 30°C.
Reference
Kedar Khand by Hema Uniyal
Kedar Khand by Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi
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