Karna Prayag
(IPLTOURS)
Pilgrims gone to Kedarnath will return to Rudra Prayag for onward journey towards Badrinath through Karna Prayag, Nanda Prayag, Vishnu Prayag and Joshimath. Karna Prayag is at a Distance of 33 Km from Rudra Prayag and is one of five places where the confluence of rivers occurs. The Pindar river joins with the Alakananda at Karna Prayag.
Karna prayag is a Municipal city in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand State. Prayag means confluence of two or more rivers. Other rivers join with the Alakananda River in five points and Devaprayaga is one of the Five Prayag (five confluences) where Pindar River joins with Alakananda. The Alaknanda River flowing in from the left meets the Pindar River to flow on as the Alaknanda again at Karnaprayag. Karnaprayag is the place where Lord Krishna done the cremation of Karna. Karna tried to lift the sunken chariot wheel even he was seriously injured by the arrows left by Arjuna to kill Karna. Lord Krishna found that Karna was still alive due to protection of Dharma-devata and the goddess guarding Karna from death and resisting every arrows send by Arjuna.
Lord Krishna explained to Arjuna that the Dharma-devata herself is protecting Karna from death due to the massive good merit Karna earned by giving charity during his lifetime. So Krishna went down from his chariot and appeared as a Brahmin. He asked for Karna’s punya gaind through charity. Karna gave his entire charity in the form of his blood and Krishna rewarded with the view of Vishwaroopa. Krishna told the reason to ask for Karna’s Punya and then Dharma-devata disappeared. Karna asked Krishna to cremate him in a virgin land where nobody else is present. After the death of Karna, Krishna himself done the cremation of Karna at Karnaprayag.
Karna Temple
It is the place where the cremation of the body of Karna was made by Lord Krishna after his death in Mahabarat Battle.
Uma Devi Temple
Uma Devi Temple in Karnaprayag is dedicated to Goddess Parvati or Gauri, the daughter of the Himalayas. It is Swayambhu or self- manifested idol has been consecrated since ages and one of the Sakthi Peetams. The temple is located near the Sangam of Alaknanda and Pindar Rivers. Umadevi Temple came into existence in the 20th century only.
