Gangotri Temple
Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges and seat of the goddess Ganga, is one of the four sites in the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The original Gangotri Temple was built by the Gurkha general Amar Singh Thapa. The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga (the Ganges) from Devprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri.
According to Hindu history, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagiratha’s predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries.
History of Gangotri
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 back 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 (12 kms downstream).
The physical source of the holy river is at Gaumukh, 18 kms. furthur uphill, along the Gangotri Glacier. Several pilgrims trek upto the source to offer prayers either on foot or on ponies.
Nearest Airport to Gangotri-> Jolly Grant-Dehradun
Nearest Airport to Railway Station-> Jolly Grant-Dehradun
Road Distance of Gangotri
Delhi to Gangotri- 498 kms.
Dehradun to Gangotri- 242 kms.
Haridwar to Gangotri- 285 kms.
Rishikesh to to Gangotri- 268 kms.
Route for Gangotri
Haridwar– Rishikesh – Narendra Nagar – Chamba – New Tehri Chingalisaur – Uttarkashi- Harsil –Gangotri
Dehradun– Mussoorie – Yamuna Bridge – Damta – Barkot-Chingalisaur – Uttarkashi – Harsil – Gangotri
Yamunotri – Janaki Chatti – Hanuman Chatti – Syana Chatti -Barkot –Chingalisaur–Uttarkashi –Harsil–Gangotri
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