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Gangotri
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Location Couched in the magnificent Garhwal hills, Gangotri is at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level. It is on the northernmost part of the state of Uttar Pradesh and is very near the Indo-Tibetan border. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh and 105 km from Uttarkashi. The summers are relatively cool and winters are freezing cold, with rains in the months of May and June. For the devotees and tourists, the gates of the temple are open only in the months of May to November. |
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Gangotri Temple The 18th century's temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. According to another legend, Pandavas performed the great 'Deva Yagna' here to atone the deaths of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharata. The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. High structure made of white granite. |
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Unique Pilgrimage Attraction Submerged Shivling The natural rock Shivling, submerged in the river, is an amazing sight reinforcing the power of the divine. According to mythology, Lord Shiva sat at this spot to receive the Ganaga in his matted locks. The shivling is visible in the early winters when the water level goes down. The picturesque pilgrimage in the hinterlands of the Himalayas is the most sacred spot where Ganga, the stream of life, touched |
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earth for the first time. Mythological Mystery According to mythology, Goddess Ganga- the daughter of heaven, manigested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries. Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimise the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source.
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A long the right bank of Bhagirathi stands the shrine of Gangotri dedicated to the Goddess. Perched at a height of 3042 mts., it was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims throng the sacred temple between May and October. By November, Gangotri is covered by snow. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhba, her winter abode |
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Mythological Legend According to an old legend, Lord Shiva rewarded King Bhagirath after his penance and Ganga came down to earth. However, due to her pride, and the fact that the earth would be devastated if Ganga came down in her full force, Lord Shiva caught her in his locks. It was then proclaimed that Goddess Uma or Parvati, Shiva's consort, would bathe in the Ganges daily and only then would she descend on the earth. The sacred stone near the temple denotes the place where Ganga first came down to earth. This is why Ganga is also called by the name of Bhagirathi. |
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Gangotri, the name brings an image of solitude, tranquillity, mystery, adventure, and reverence all at one time in any Indian's heart. Gangotri is an ideal location for whatever you wish. It can be your urge to placate the Gods above, your thirst for adventure, or just seeking the tranquillity of Himalayas, Gangotri is an ultimate destination. Gangotri, more than anything else, is known as the origin of the sacred river Ganges and attracts tourists in large numbers every year. The legend of Ganges says that the Ganges came down on earth after long penance of King Bhagirathi to Lord Shiva. |
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However, due to the fact that the earth would be devastated if Ganges came down in her full force and her pride, Lord Shiva caught her in his locks. It was proclaimed that Shiva's consort Goddess Uma or Parvati would bathe in Ganges daily. The confrontation with the daunting rivers and attempts to unravel the mysteries of the supernatural world are ubiquitous sights here. Along with the thrill of conquering nature, what one experiences here is the mystical aura that India is so famous for. |
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Ganges has remained in the Indian psycho as the ultimate source of getting nirvana be it by bathing in it or just by taking a drop of Ganges water in mouth. Every important place along the Ganges has become the major pilgrimages centres of millions of Hindus. Gangotri being the legendary origin of Ganges is by default one of the most important pilgrimages for the Hindus. Gangotri is the place where Ganges is believed to have descended on earth and there is a sacred stone near the temple marking the place where she is said to have descended. Two major attractions in Gangotri are the Gangotri Temple and Submerged Shivling (Jalmagna Shivling). |
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Nandanvan Tapovan An arduous trek along the Gangotri Glacier leads to scenic Nandanvan - the base camp for the Bhagirathi peaks, that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding Shivaling peak. A trek across the snout of the Gangotri Glacier leads to Tapovan known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base of the Shivling Peak. |
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For the Hindu devout, Gangotri, the birthplace of Ganga, is one of the four dhams that, collectively, guarantee a ticket to heaven (the other three being Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath). Most adventurists, irrespective of their religious loyalties, think so too. For, this picturesque spot in the Garhwal Himalayas offers endless divine pleasures — call it heaven if you so wish. |
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To watch the whitewater Bhagirathi — this is what the river is called here; it becomes Ganga only at Devprayag after meeting the Alaknanda — moving with a devilish fury, making its way from rocky mountains, is a sight to cherish for a lifetime. Around 540 km from Delhi, the route to Gangotri, Hrishikesh onward, offers ideal sideway sighting. One can also take up the Mussoorie -route to reach Tehri and then move on to Uttarkashi and reach Ganganani hot water spring, a little before Harsil. Do stop by this natural sulphar spring (called tapt kund, locally), which has two separate public bath pools for men and women. From here to Harsil, the last stop before Gangotri, high rocky mountains behold tricky turns. Spare the daredevilry, please, or you just might get your ticket to heaven — literally. |
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Harsil is an ideal place to stay for the night before going to Gangotri, barely 25 km ahead. It is a valley where Wilson The Pahari had made home, developed an apple breed by his name and also seeded trout fish in a pond at Dodi Taal, near Yamunotri. One can also visit Saat-Taal from here (different from the Nainital ones). Harsil also hosts the winter seat of goddess Gangotri. It now has a string of small budget hotels and luxury tent resorts to choose one’s stay. For the adventurous, there are ample camping sites and streams of waters. |
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The route from Harsil valley to Gangotri costs about one hour and is lush with greenery. The milky fangs of the Ganga along way are a pleasure to stop by and watch. Though, one recurring problem would be the toll tax barriers at various turnarounds, puliyas, and bridges. Carry loose money with you and keep tossing the tenner/fivers to see the barrier go up in the air. |
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Gangotri, like most pilgrim places, may remind you of too much activity. It mainly hosts the historic temple, a few ashrams and a makeshift bazaar of copperware, pooja items, prasaad and eateries. These shops remain in place for only six months. If you are not the religious type, there is no use hankering around the bazaar or the temple. Choose yourself a spot that allows the view of the noisy and furious Ganga jumping like a toddler from large boulders. One whole day can be spent lying there; listening to nature’s own music and straightening your limbs. It may well be a disappointment, too. For, Gangotri is no longer the real birthplace of the holy river. |
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The entire Himalayan region is considered as the abode of gods by the Hindus and it is not hard to believe why. The tranquillity and serenity along with the majestic charm and mystery behind the high hills of Himalayas have always been a matter of curiosity for the civilisations for whom there could not have been any better abode for their beloved gods. Each step along Gangotri is a revered place and that makes hundreds of pilgrimages. Some of the famous ones are Gaumukh, Nandan van or Tapovan, Bhairon Ghati, Uttarkashi, Gangnai, Kedartal, and Harsil. |
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