Gangotri is one of the Char Dham of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of 3048 meters and is 105 kms. from Uttarkashi. Gangotri is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace and adventure. Gangotri is of immense importance to Hindus since it is the source of the holiest of the Hindu rivers, river Ganga. The Templa at Gangotri, a shrine dedicated to Goddess Ganga stands on the banks of River Bhagirathi. The temple is open for pilgrims from October to May. In the months of winter when the area goes under a cover of snow, it is thought that the goddess retreats to Mukhba, 12 kms down. 99 kms form Uttarkashi, blessed by Mother Nature. This is the place where the sacred water of Ganga touches earth for the first time. It finally forms world's largest and most fertile delta, Sunderban delta in Bangladesh.
Gangotri is one of the Chardhams of the country or one amongst the four pilgrimages which every Hindu must take once in his lifetime. At a height of 3048 mts, Gangotri holds a mystic charm. Anyone who comes up till here can not remain intact by the holy aura that hangs in the air of the place. The three century old temple was made by Gorkhas here, their Commander Amar Singh Thapa, got it constructed here in the 18th century.
The major temple complex was renovated in early twentieth century. Made of white granite, the 20 feet tall temple stands amazingly shiny in the sunshine and snow peaks in the backdrop. Close to the temple is a stone, or it is said that the temple was built close to this stone deliberately. This is known as 'Bhaigirath shila', shila meaning rock. This is supposed to be the place where Bhagiratha meditated for penance and Ganga first touched earth here.
Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to reduce the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called Bhagirathi at her well-known source. Along the right bank of Bhagirathi stands the shrine of Gangotri dedicated to the Goddesss. Perched at a height of 3.042 mts., it was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa. According to mythology, Goddess Ganga - the daughter of heaven, manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of king Bhagirath's predecessor, subsequent his severe penance of more than a few centuries. The picturesque pilgrimage in the hinter lands of the Himalayas is the most sacred spot where Ganga, the stream of life, touched earth for the first time.
Best Time to Visit:
Travel to Gangotri from May to September. Keep away from monsoon season from June to August, as the region is prone to landslides.
Places of Interest:
Gangotri Temple: This temple is accredited to have been built by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa, Madho Singh, the ruler of Jaipur renovated the temple in the early 20th century. The 20ft high temple is made of white granite. The shrine of Gangotri is located at an altitude of 3048 mts. above sea level. It is said that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva at the sacred stone close by.
Gaumukh Glacier: Here Ganges is known as the Bhagirathi. The well-known site close by is the Gaumukh glacier, which is at an altitude of 4200 mts above sea level. It is the environmental origin of the Ganges and is at a distance of 18 kms from Gangotri uphill.
Submerged Shivling: It usually shows up during the winter months when the waters are clearer. Other places of interest are: Bhagirathi Temple, Gauri Kund, Bhojvasa, Harsil, Lanka, Sat Tal. A natural rock Shivling, which according to legends, is where worship Lord Shiva sat to receive Ganga in his matted locks.
Cheedvasa and Bhojvasa: Bhojvasa, is at a distance of 22 kms, both are an ideal camping site.
from Gangotri is Cheedvasa at a distance of 28 kms.
Nandanvan: Iis the camping site which serves as a base for the treks to the Bhagirathi peaks. Nandanvan is a 6 kms trekking route along the glacier and gives a spectacular glimpse of the Shivalinga, for the adventure-minded souls, this trek to Nandanvan exposes you to a variety of exercises. Crossways the Gangotri glacier is the Sylvan Tapovan, which is identified for its greenness encircling the base of the Shivalinga peak. From here, one can go to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, at elevation of 5590 mts to reach Badrinath.
Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport from Gangotri is Jolly Grant airport, from Rishikesh: 17 kms, Dehradun: 275 kms.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh 248 kms.
By Road: Mussoorie: 247 kms, Dharasu: 129 kms, Yamunotri: 224 kms, Uttarkashi: 99 kms and Tehri: 172 kms.
