History of Gangotri Temple
Gangotri, one of the major pilgrimage of chardham yatra. The holy town for Hindus in uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand.
The birth place of the sacred Ganga -Gangotri is located at a height of 3,048 meters above the sea level. As per legend, divine Lord Shiva received the holy Ganga at Gangotri, when it cascaded down from heavens onto earth, in response to King Bhagirath’s penance. An 18th century temple built close to the holy rock-‘Bhagirath Shilas’, attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. This Chardham destination also boasts of a natural rock shivling, submerged under water and visible only during winters.
Also known as Bhagirathi, the holy river has its origin at Gaumukh, 18 kms uphill from gangotri. The blessings of Maa Ganga and the tranquil ambience of this sacred place fills up one's heart with joy and devotion. The winter seat of Gangotri is located at Mukhwa
This holy temple is close every year on Diwali festival occasion and opened at the beginning of the month April or May. At this period the statue of goddess is being placed at Mukhba village, harsil.
About the places to visit near Gangotri Temple:-
Gangotri Temple Tour
Due to of avalanches this temple is renovated many times. It has 15mtrs high altitude and also has a golden cupola. Temple is alienated in three parts these are Shobha Mandap, Darshan Mandap and Garbha Griha.
Mukhwa Village
Mukhwa, the habitat of Pandas of Gangotri, is a small village near the town of Harshil, located on th Banks of River Bhagirathi, on the way to pilgrimage of Gangotri. It is popular due to the fact that the idol of goddess Ganga is brought down to Mukhwa from the shrine of Gangotri in the Upper Himalayas and kept here throughout the winter's as Gangotri remains closed after deepwali every year & also becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.
Submerging Shivling
The shivling is inundated in the river, made up of rock by nature. Accordingly to a legend here lord Shiva was sit when he receives Ganga River in their twisted hair. You can clearly take a view on winter months when water level is on his least level.
Nandanvan Tapovan
These are the two stunning places situated on the reverse side of Gangotri glacier. It is 6km far from Gaumukh having a splendorous sight of Shivling Peak. This is most attractive destination of pilgrims to glimpse.
Kedartal
This stunning lake is situated 18km far away from Gangotri Ji. The trekking to Kedartal is to exhausting and hard for a trekker. During this trekking route, there is no facility available on the way to reach Kedartal Lake; travelers have to do all arrangement at your own in advance. But after all these problems when you will reach & take a view of amazing natural lake with an immense pleasure.
Kedar Ganga Sangam
From the beginning of kedar valley, these rivers convene on the left bank of the Bhagirathi River. It is 91.44 meters far from Gangotri Ji.
Bhaironghati
It is located about a distance of 10km from Gangotri Ji, across to the Uttarkashi District. Bhaironghati is located at Jat Ganga River and Bhagirathi River convergence. Pilgrims mostly visit Temple of Lord Bhairav Nath through thick forest.
Harsil
It is 26 Kms far from the Temple of Gangotri Ji & 73 Kms fare from Uttarkashi, located at an altitude of 7,860 ft (2,620 meters.) above sea level. It is situated amid the topographical mountains at a district of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Harsil is popular for its loveliness and for its delicious apples. Landscapes of harsil are scattered with plenty of small holy place. Its have gorgeous jungle of deodar and an unbelievable view of mountain landscape. It is also popular for its famous trekking destinations are Dayara Bugyal, Kedartal, Dodi tal, Gaumukh Glacier etc.
Bhairon Mandir
Bhairon Temple is on the way of Lanka to Bhaironghati, when you crossways the Jahanvi River and stirring to uphills, you can glimpse this beautiful temple.
Gangnani
It is a gorgeous small village located at Uttarkashi district. It is 46km far from Gangotri Ji Temple on the way to Gangotri Temple. Gangnani is a finest destination for Meditation and having gorgeous eye-catching sight of mountains. It is popular for its hot spring water called Rishikund, is a perfect destination for innovation.
Maneri
It is 92km far from Gangotri ji Temple & It is very Close to Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The traveler’s magnetism of this destination is Maneri dam having 8km long subway at tiloth where water is nourish to the turbines. Resultant lake is added beauty of Maneri.
Travel Information :
By Air :
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (317kms.)
By Rail :
Nearest railheads are at Rishikesh 297 km away and Kotdwara 327 km away, which are connected with major cities of North India.
By Road :
The road to Gangotri diverts from Rishikesh - Uttarkashi Highway road at Chamba.
