Gangotri Dham, Uttarakhand

The holy Hindu pilgrim town of Gangotri, scenically situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi, the origin of the sacred river Ganges, is situated on the Great Himalayan Range at the great height of 3,100 meters. According to popular Hindu legend, it was at this spot that the venerated Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva magnanimously released the mighty river from the locks of his hair!

A town in Uttarkashi district, amidst the sylvan splendor of the picturesque state of Uttarakhand, Gangotri constitutes yet another important Dham in the Chota Char Dham Yatra or circuit. The original Gangotri Temple was built by none other than the illustrious Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa!

The sacred river, which goes by the name of Bhagirathi at the source,  acquires the significant name Ganga or the Ganges from Devprayag onwards, where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the gorgeous Gangotri Glacier and a beautiful 19 km trek from Gangotri.

The famous Gangotri Temple is closed from Diwali day onwards every year and is only reopened reverently on Akshaya Tritiya. During this entire period, the sacred idol of the goddess is kept at Mukhba village near Harsil.  Mukhba village acquires some significance here as the pujaris of the Semval family, who religiously perform all the ritual duties of the temple, hail from this scenic little village.

While on a visit to the scenic sacred town of Gangotri to worship at the shrine, it would definitely be worthwhile to visit certain significant spots in the vicinity. These encapsulate Bhagirath Shila, which is believed to be the holy rock where king Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva and Pandava Gufa. This Gufa, located a mere 1.5 km from Gangotri, is the place where the Pandavas are believed to have meditated and rested, en route to Kailash. Pilgrims, who are desirous of visiting this holy spot, will have to trek up to the Pandava Gufa.

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In the pilgrimage journey of Chota Char Dham, Gangotri is often visited after Yamunotri, perched in the western region of the Garhwal Hills, and aspiring travelers or pilgrims, to be more precise, make Uttarkashi their base camp.  They then enjoy a 4-hour drive through salubrious climes and lush scenery from Uttarkashi to The Gangotri temple.

Worship to gain the soulful blessings of the revered deity, wander in amazement drinking in the panoramic beauty of the region, or just simply travel inwards in your mind, storing away such precious memories to sustain you as you meander, like the river, on your journey of life!