Prayags

Prayags are sacred confluences of rivers in Hinduism. The most famous and revered prayag is Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. This Triveni Sangam is a pilgrimage site of immense importance, attracting millions of devotees annually for ritualistic bathing. The belief is that bathing at a prayag, especially during auspicious times like a Kumbh Mela, cleanses one of sins and leads to spiritual liberation.

The concept of prayags extends beyond the physical meeting of rivers. It can also refer to any auspicious confluence, whether of time, events, or spiritual energies. The act of visiting and performing rituals at these sites is an integral part of Hindu devotional practices. Other significant prayags include Devprayag in Uttarakhand, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which forms the Ganges. These sites are often marked by temples and ashrams, serving as centers for spiritual learning and contemplation. The sanctity attributed to these river confluences is deeply rooted in ancient Vedic traditions and continues to be a vital aspect of Hindu faith.