 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.
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 predecessors, following his severe penance
of several centuries, Lord Shiva received into his matted locks
to minimize the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called
Bhagirathi at her legendary 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.
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
(12 kms. Downstream). The Physical source of the holy river is
at Gaumukh, 19 kms. Further uphill, along the Gangtri glacier.
Several pilgrims trek upto the source to offer prayers either
on foot or on ponies. The verdant valleys, dense forests and towering
peaks offer excellent trekking and mountaineering opportunities
for adventure enthusiasts. Guidance and assistance can be obtained
from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering; Uttarkashi or the
Tourist office (Tel. : 22290) and OSD ( Adventure Tourism), Uttarkashi
or Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Benito Juarez Road, Anand
Niketan, New Delhi - 110021.
General Information
Altitude : 3.042
Climate : Summer : Cool during the day
and cold at night Winter : snow - bound Touchin sub - zero
Clothing : Summer : Light woolens Winter
: Very heavy woollens
Language : Hindi, Garhwali & English
Season : May to November
How To Get There
Airport : Jolly Grant, Dehradun 266
kms.
Railhead : Rishikehs, 249kms.
Road : Well connected to Rishikesh,
Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi Important Road Distances : Dharasu
(129 kms.), Yamunotri (224 kms.) Mussoorie (247 kms. ) Tehri (172
kms.) Uttarkashi (99 kms.)
Prime Sites
Gangotri Temple
This 18th century tmple 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
the 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.
Submerged Shivling
The natural rock Shivling, submerged in the river is an amazing
sight reinforcing the power of thee divine. According to mythology,
Lord Shiva sat at this spot to receive the Ganga in his matted
locks. The shivling is visible in the early winters when the water
level goes down.
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