21 Nov, 2022

Gangotri Temple - Everything You Want To Know

 

 

Gangotri Temple - Gangotri is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site located high in the Himalayas, at a height of 3,100 meters. It is one of the four important Chota Char Dham Yatri sites in Uttarakhand and its relationship to River Ganga makes it one of the sacred places for Hindus.

 

Ganga Maa is a deity of Hindus, who originates from the Gangotri glacier at Gaumukh. It's said that she came to earth to wash away the sins of King Bhagirathi's ancestors and provide spiritual purity to all humankind. Ganga River has always been a spiritual source of purification for humans. Embarking on a religious tour to Ganga Maa is not only a religious duty, but it's also a spiritual calling for those seeking wisdom and enlightenment.

 

WHAT TO SEE IN GANGOTRI TEMPLE?

 

  • GANGOTRI TEMPLE
  • UNDERWATER SHIVLING
  • GAUMUKH AND TAPOVAN
  • BHAIRON NATH TEMPLE IN BHAIRON GHATI

 


HOW TO REACH GANGOTRI TEMPLE?

 

ROUTE: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Narender Nagar - Tehri - Dharasu Bend - Uttarkashi - Bhatwari - Gangnani - Harsil - Gangotri

 

ROUTE: Delhi - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Chamba - Tehri - Dharasu Bend - Uttarkashi - Bhatwari - Gangnani - Harsil - Gangotri

 

BY AIR: Jolly Grant airport, Rishikesh Road, Dehradun, is the nearest airport to Gangotri. Hire a cab or get a bus from here.

 

BY TRAIN: Regular trains to Haridwar and Dehradun are available at all times of the year. Hire a cab or get a bus from here.

 

BY BUS: Gangotri is connected by motorable roads, and buses and taxes from important destinations like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarkashi, and Tehri Garhwal are easily available.

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT GANGOTRI TEMPLE

 


The best time to visit the Gangotri temple is from April/May to June and September to October/November.'

 

In Gangotri, the summer starts in April and ends in May. This is one of the most perfect seasons in India according to us. In this season, the day's temperature never reaches 30°C and the nights are so cold that you're almost on a 'summer holiday'. There is just nothing better than walking around during this warm season.

 

Beginning from late July until the end of September, Gangotri welcomes the arrival of the monsoons. Heavy rainfall causes a lot of difficulties, including landslides and difficult weather. If you want to visit Gangotri during this time, you should be ready for these challenges and be prepared with what it takes to make the trek enjoyable.

 

The popular Hindu temple, Gangotri, falls within the state of Uttarakhand and is accessible only in the months of November to March. Due to its weather conditions, people are advised not to plan a voyage to this site anytime during winter.

 

FAQS ABOUT GANGOTRI TEMPLE

 

What is special about Gangotri?


Nestled in the high and majestic Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri, in Uttarakhand, is one of the char Dhams, which are considered an important pilgrimage for Hindus. It is the highest temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The holy River Ganges originates from the Gangotri glacier, located here, and is called Bhagirathi.

 

Which God is Worshipped in Gangotri?


Lord Shiva

A temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagiratha worshipped Lord Shiva. According to Hindu culture, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagiratha's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries.

 

How many days are enough for Gangotri?


5-6 Days Itinerary of Gangotri and Harsil.

 

How old is Gangotri Temple?


Gangotri Temple was built by the Nepalese General, Amar Singh Thapa around the beginning of the 18th century.

 

Who discovered Gangotri?


History of Gangotri Dham: Perched at a height of 3042 mts., The temple was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa.

 

Which river flows from Gangotri?


Ganga


Bhagirathi is the source stream of Ganga. It emanates from Gangotri Glacier at Gaumukh at an elevation of 3, 892 m (12,770 feet). Many small streams comprise the headwaters of the Ganga. The most important among these are Alaknanda, Dhauliganga, Pindar, Mandakini, and Bhilangana.

 

What is the other name of Gangotri?


The actual origin of the river is at Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier, 19 km away from Gangotri, and is accessible by trekking. After it originates from Gaumukh, the river is known as Bhagirathi and it acquires the name 'Ganga' after the river Alaknanda merges into it near the town of Devaprayag.

 

What is the other name of Gangotri?


The actual origin of the river is at Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier, 19 km away from Gangotri, and is accessible by trekking. After it originates from Gaumukh, the river is known as Bhagirathi and it acquires the name 'Ganga' after the river Alaknanda merges into it near the town of Devaprayag.