---
title: "Prayag in the Ramayana: Shri Ram and Bharat"
canonical: "https://ramayana.com/places/prayag"
lang: "en"
---

# Prayag in the Ramayana: Shri Ram and Bharat

Prayag is the sacred place at the meeting of the Ganga and Yamuna in present-day Prayagraj. In the Ramcharitmanas of Goswami Tulsidas, Shri Ram stays at sage Bharadwaj's hermitage and bathes at the confluence. Bharat later reaches Prayag filled with love for Shri Ram. These passages teach reverence for Saints and the depth of devotion between the brothers.

## Prayag and the company of Saints

The holiness of Prayag also helps Goswami Tulsidas explain the blessing of keeping the company of Saints. In Bal Kand, Doha 2, he describes their gathering as a moving Prayag. A sacred place remains at its confluence, while Saints bring holy company wherever they gather. Thus, the comparison directs our attention to the devotion with which we approach them.

Those who hear the greatness of this gathering, appreciate it with joy and enter it with deep devotion receive the four aims of human life: dharma, artha, kama and moksha. The teaching asks for participation. We are to receive the company of Saints with a willing heart.

## Shri Ram at Bharadwaj's hermitage

In Ayodhya Kand, the passage associated with Doha 108 shows Shri Ram receiving sage Bharadwaj's love with joy and humility. He praises the sage, and their exchange brings happiness to both. When the people of Prayag hear of His arrival, students, ascetics and Saints gather at the hermitage to see the sons of King Dashrath. Shri Ram bows to them all, and they offer their blessings.

Ayodhya Kand, Doha 108 then records His overnight stay. At daybreak, Shri Ram bathes at the meeting of the Ganga and Yamuna. He bows to the sage before departing with Mata Sita, Lakshman and Guha. His conduct teaches us to express reverence through our actions.

## Bharat's devotion at Prayag

In Ayodhya Kand, Doha 203, Bharat reaches the outskirts of Prayag in the afternoon, repeatedly calling upon Mata Sita and Shri Ram with overflowing love. His arrival brings the account back to the confluence, now through the devotion of the brother who longs for Shri Ram.

In the passage associated with Ayodhya Kand, Doha 208, sage Bharadwaj assures Bharat that he is deeply loved by Shri Ram. Shri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman have praised him throughout the night. The sage has also witnessed their love for Bharat while they bathe at Prayag. Here, devotion is answered by love. Read these passages together and attend to the affection each brother holds for the other.

## Questions

### Where is Prayag in the Ramayana?

Prayag is at the meeting of the Ganga and Yamuna in present-day Prayagraj. In Ayodhya Kand, Doha 108, Shri Ram bathes at this confluence after spending the night at sage Bharadwaj's hermitage. He then bows to the sage and leaves with Mata Sita, Lakshman and Guha.

### Does Bharat also visit Prayag?

Yes. Ayodhya Kand, Doha 203 records Bharat reaching the outskirts of Prayag in the afternoon, filled with love and calling upon Mata Sita and Shri Ram. In the passage associated with Doha 208, sage Bharadwaj tells Bharat how lovingly Shri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman have spoken of him.

### Why does Goswami Tulsidas call a gathering of Saints a moving Prayag?

In Bal Kand, Doha 2, Goswami Tulsidas uses Prayag to explain the sanctity of a gathering of Saints. Their company offers a place of spiritual blessing wherever they assemble. Those who appreciate its greatness and enter it with deep devotion receive dharma, artha, kama and moksha during their lifetime.