Gangotri Dham | Gangotri Temple
About Gangotri Dham
Gangotri is the place of origin of the river Ganga. Gangotri is a holy place and temple of Ganga Devi. Gangotri Temple is situated at an altitude of about 3042 meters above sea level. Gangotri Dham is at a distance of about 100 km from Uttarkashi.
The Gangotri temple was built in the early 18th century by the commander of Gharwal, Amar Singh Thapa. After which the Gangotri temple was rebuilt by the King of Jaipur in the 20th century. Gangotri Dham is the main form of Char Dham Yatra.
Every year, from April to October, thousands of devotees visit Gangotri to have a darshan of Ganga Maiya. The doors of Gangotri Dham are closed on the day of Diwali in October-November.
History of Gangotri Temple
The Gangotri temple is believed to have developed in the 18th century. Since then this temple has been a source of religious spirituality for the Hindus. Earlier Chardham Yatra used to be on foot, then Gangotri Dham was also traveled on foot.
But in the year the 1980s, the road to Gangotri Dham was also constructed. Since then the city of Gangotri has developed at a rapid pace. Semwal priests used to worship Gangotri Dham in the form of Mother Ganga in the form of Ganga stream.
There was a platform near the Bhagirathi river, on this platform the idols of gods and goddesses were kept during the 3-4 months of the journey. Then in the 18th century, Amar Singh Thapa, the commander of Garhwal, requested the Semwal priests to build the Gangotri temple, where Bhagirath meditated.
mythological reference of Gangotri Temple
According to mythology, King Bhagirath of Raghukul, the ancestor of Lord Shri Ram, did severe penance of Lord Shiva by sitting in a holy boulder in Gangotri. After which the Gangotri temple was built near this holy boulder in the 18th century.
It is believed that at this place Goddess Bhagirathi touched the ground. And it is also believed that the Pandavas performed the yajna of a great deity here for peace to the souls of their brothers killed in the Mahabharata.
This sacred and attractive temple of Gangotri is made of shiny white granite stones. A big rock is submerged in the Bhagirathi river in the form of Shivling. This scene is very attractive to watch.
According to mythology, Lord Shiva had spread his hair and wrapped the river Ganges in his curly hair at this place. During the winter season when the water level remains very low, then one can get the darshan of this holy Shivling.
Best season to visit Gangotri
It is very difficult to visit Gangotri Dham during the winter season due to the Himalayan mountain ranges being surrounded by it. Therefore, you can get the darshan of Gangotri Dham anytime between April to November.
During this time the weather remains slightly warm during the day, but at night one starts feeling cold. From September, the cold starts increasing gradually, after which the doors of Gangotri Dham are closed after Diwali.
Things to watch in Gangotri Dham
By the way, wherever you go in Uttarakhand, you will always get a new experience to visit. There are many holy places to visit in and around Gangotri. Some of the important sightings are as follows-
1. Gaumukh- Gangotri to Gaumukh- 19 km
2. Mukhba Ganw
3. Bheron Ghati- Gangotri to Bheron Ghati- 9 km
4. Harshil- Gangotri to Harshil- 20 km
5. Nandanvan Tapovan- Gangotri to Nandanvan- 25 km
6. Gangotri Chirbasa- Gangotri to Gangotri Chirbasa- 9 km
7. Gangotri Bhojbasa- Gangotri to Gangotri Bhojbasa- 14 km
8. Kedartaal- Gangotri to Kedartaal- 14 km
Festivals of Gangotri Mandir
With the onset of winter, Mother Ganga Devi goes to her native place in Mukhba village. Then as soon as the summer starts in the month of April, the glaciers start melting and the doors of the Gangotri temple open. A festival of music, dance, procession, and worship is celebrated on the first arrival of Ganga Devi in the new year.
How to reach Gangotri Temple (Gangotri Dham trek guide)
By Air- Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport to Gangotri Dham. The distance from Jolly Grant Airport to Gangotri Dham is 226 km.
By Train- Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest railway station from Gangotri Dham. The distance from Haridwar to Gangotri is 239 km.
By Road- Gangotri Dham can be easily reached by road from Rishikesh by bus, taxi, or your own vehicle. The distance from Rishikesh to Gangotri Dham is 229 km.
Major places from Gangotri Dham
- Gangotri To Yamunotri distance- 46 km
- Gangotri to Kedarnath distance- 32 km
- Gangotri to Badrinath distance- 421 km
- Gangotri to Tungnath distance- 336 km
- Gangotri to Uttarkashi distance- 99 km
- Gangotri to Gaumukh distance- 19 km
- Gangotri to Tapovan trek distance- 25 km
- Gangotri to Kailash Mansarovar distance- 226 km
- Gangotri to Rishikesh distance- 268 km
- Gangotri to Rudraprayag distance- 268 km
- Gangotri to Haridwar distance- 295 km
- Gangotri to Dehradun distance- 242 km
Gangotri Dham | Gangotri Temple
