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Gangotri Temple

Gangotri is one of the holiest places of Char Dham in India and it is situated at 3048 meters from sea level. Gangotri is a Hindu pilgrim place in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand state of India. Gangotri is known as a source of the Ganga river. Devotees from all over the world, who want to take a dip in the Ganga, visit the place. Gangotri has religious importance. It is believed that Lord Shiva held River Ganga at this place. Gangotri is an ideal spot for the tourism.

It is the most important temple of Ganga, which is built by Gorkha General in the early 18th century. This temple is located near the sacred stone, where King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. Gaumukh glacier, which is the origin of Bhagirathi, is 18 kms away. The Bhagirathi is the important tributary of the Ganga river. Gangotri temple has great importance among Hindus. There is a natural rock Shivling under water in Gangotri. As per the mythology, this is the place, where Shiva held the Ganga in his matted locks. In winters, when water level decreases, one can easily see this natural Shivling. It is believed that, this is the sacred spot, where river Ganga first touches the ground.

History

Around 3000 years back, Gangotri temple is built by Gorkha General, Amar Singh Thapa.

Architecture

Gangotri temple is made from white graphite. It is 20 ft high. Gangotri temple is built on the left bank of the Ganga river.

Legend

Legend says that the Ganga river came down to the earth as per the Lord Shiva’s wish, after  King Bhagirath did penance in this place. After that, Lord Shiva held the Ganga in his locks to save the earth from the force of the river. That’s why, Ganga river is also known as Bhagirathi.

Best Time to Visit

Gangotri temple is open from May and closes on the day of Diwali festival. You can visit the Gangotri during this time. It is not convenient to visit the place in the Winter season, as the  Gangotri Temple is closed due to heavy snowfall in Winter. The rainy season is not suitable for travel, due to the landslides. Summer season from May to June is the best time to visit the Gangotri temple.

Places to Visit

Gaumukh Glacier

Gaumukh Glacier is the famous pilgrimage place, which is situated at an altitude of 4200 meters. It is 18 kms from Gangotri temple. Most of the devotees visiting the Gangotri temple, visit this place, as it is a source of the Ganga river.

Nandanvan

The Nandanvan is 6 km from Glacier, which is a trekking route. You will get a great view of Shivlinga from the Nandanvan.

Kedartal

Kedar Tal is a situated at an altitude of 4750 meters. This beautiful lake also known as Shiva’s lake. This famous trekking destination is 18 kms from Gangotri.

How to Reach

Air

Jolly Grant airport, which is 250 kms away, is the nearest airport to Gangotri. There are daily flights from Delhi. Taxis are easily available from the airport to Gangotri.

Train

The Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railway station, situated 234 kms from Gangotri. Rishikesh is connected to the major destinations in India by the railway network. Buses and taxies are easily available from Rishikesh.

Road

Gangotri is well connected by road to most of the destinations in Uttarakhand state. Taxis and buses are available from major places in the Uttarakhand like Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Tehri Garhwal, Dehradun to Gangotri.

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