GANGOTRI DHAM - (UTTRAKHAND)

Gangotri is one the most prominent and highest temple of Goddess Ganga. It is also one of the Four Dhams of Uttrakhand State. Gangotri is a small town centered around the temple of Gangotri temple and as it is the temple of river Ganga which is worshiped as a Goddess in India. Gangotri Dham located at a height of about 3,100 meters on the Himalayan Range of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand India.

 Ganga Maa, the much revered deity of Hindus, originate from the gangotri glacier at Gaumukh which is around 18km away from Gangotri town. It offers stunning vistas all around. To reach Gaumukh which is only and only accessible by trekking.

Gangotri is also the starting point for some treking route like Tapovan, Bhojwasa, Gangotri National Park, Gangotri Dham, Shivling peak etc.  Gangotri is a perfect place in the serenity and sanctity.

 From the folds of mythology till present Ganga river has always been a sacred source of purity for the mankind. Coming to Gangotri is not a religious duty but also a inner spiritual calling too. 

With the snow clad Himalayas located in the vicinity and the Bhagirathi River flowing in eternity at this heavenly place, One can feel close to God in the blissful aura of Gangotri.

Like other Chardham Gangotri also gets closed during the winter season. During which the idol of the goddess is shifted to Ma Ganga Temple in Mukhba Village, around 20 kilometres downstream. The Town Gangotri remains Open From May and gets close on the occasion of Diwali Festival.

MYTHOLOGY OF GANGOTRI

There are two mythological tales associated with Gangotri, the first one states that King Sagar, the grandfather of King Bhagirath wanted to extend his empire for which he basically performed "Ashwamedha Yagya" when performing the Yagya he let his horse to roam around freely. 

When the soldiers were unable to find the horse his 60,000 sons of King Sagar were asked to find the horse. While in search, the sons of King Sagar came across a place where sage Kapila was meditating they noticed that the horse is tied next to him. Sons of King Sagar interrupted his meditation and accused him for stealing the horse. Sage Kapila turned all 60,000 sons into ashes, cursing them to attain heaven only when the ashes will come in contact with Ganga River ( Which is used to flow only in Heaven ) then King Bhagirath did a serious penance to please holy Ganga. The please lasted for more than 1,000 years and King Bhagirath was able to appease the Holy Ganga, to come down to earth from the heavens.

While Legend also stated that responding to the King Bhagirath's prayer, Ganga agreed to come down to earth but she also warned that her rapid downpour will annihilate the whole Earth. Therefore Lord Shiva held the soaring river Ganga in his luscious locks to save the entire mankind. It is believed that the site where Jaagna Shivlinga lies is the place where lord Shiva received the Goddess Ganga in his locks. 

HISTORY OF GANGOTRI

The aboriginal Gangotri temple was built by the mighty Gorkha General, Amar Singh Thapa and was rebuilt by the Maharaja of Jaipur.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Gangotri Temple is From The Month of April to June and from September to November. Monsoon season can be vary dangerous as it filled with full of challenges such as Landslides, Flood and other problems while winters are characterized with heavy snow and freezing temperatures.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR - NEAREST AIRPORT IS JOLLY GRANT AIRPORT, DEHRADUN.

BY RAIL - NEAREST RAILWAY STATION IS HARIDWAR AND DEHRADUN.

BY ROAD - GANGOTRI IS WELL CONNECTED WITH MOTORABLE ROADS.

PLACES TO VISIT AROUND GANGOTRI

1. Tapovan - It is very popular for its lush greenery and view of peaks and ranges. You can trek upto the route, organized by various adventure camps in Gangotri.

2. Uttarkashi - This is one of the important pilgrimage destination on the banks of Bhagirathi. It shelter various famous temples Lord Vishwanath Temple, Bhairav Temple and many more 

3. Gangotri National Park - It's home for the famous Snow Leopard , 15 mammels and 150 bird species. Including challenging treks.

4. Gaumukh - It is the source of the holy river Bhagirathi River and is located at around 18 km away from Gangotri. This can be only covered by trekking around in 2days.

 
5. Ganges Glacier - Ganges Glacier originates at the northern pole of the Chaukhambha mountain range. It is one of the largest glacier in India and the source of the holy Ganga.

TIMINGS AND ESSENTIAL INFORMATION