Gangotri
Location
Gangotri is located in extreme north of Uttaranchal, close to
Indo-Tibet borders.
The Pilgrimage
The sacred temple of Gangotri is dedicated to the holy river Ganga
(Ganges). The river is said to be the most holy river in India, as it is
believed to bring fertility, prosperity, happiness and goodluck to its
worshippers. The river is also said to have curative powers of minor
ailments. It has been, therefore, considered very important to worship
the origin of the goddess Ganga. The temple here is not very old, as it
was constructed in the early 18th century by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha
Commander. Lakhs of pilgrims come here to take a bath in the holy river
and consider it very auspicious. The sacred temple is apt for visit
during May to October. By November, Gangotri is covered by snow. It is
believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhba, her winter abode (12 kms
downstream). The physical source of the holy river is at Gaumukh, 18 Km
further uphill, along the Gangotri Glacier.
History and Myths
The temple is dedicated to Ganges, holiest rivers of Hindus. The
legends say that Bhagirath, an ancient Indian ruler, wanted the waters
of Ganga to wash away the sins of his predecessors. He medidated for
long and was able to coax the gods to send Ganga on earth. Ganga, upon
hearing the orders to move to earth from heaven, became furious. It is
said that she was coming in such a speed which could have destroyed the
earth. Shiva then became the saviour of earth and sat at the site of
Gangotri, where ganga was supposed to strike. He, by his powers,
captured the Ganga river in his hairlocks. This made Bhagirath very
concerned and he prayed Shiva to release Ganga. Shiva opened a small
lock of his hair mat and a very thin stream of water came out, which was
sufficient enough for the Bhagirath and the human race. Since then the
site has been considered very holy for Shiva devotees as well.
Religious Associations
The Gangotri temple has been very much revered temples of India. The
temple at the site is dedicated to Ganga. There is a Shiva-linga, which
is submerged in waters. This natural rock Shiva-ling is the place where,
according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his
matted locks. The shrine is visible in winters, when water level
decreases. Lakhs of devotees come here to take bath in the river, as it
is believed that a bath in Ganges at Gangotri will relieve a person from
all sins. Ritual duties of the temple are supervised by the Semwal
family of pujaris. The aarti ceremony at the Gangotri is especially
impressive, a stately affair that takes place on the banks of the
rushing Ganga.
Access
Gangotri is connected by road to Uttarkashi, Tehri Garhwal and
Rishikesh and from there to other parts of the country. The nearest
airport is the Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun, at 226 Km. Rishikesh is
the nearest major railhead, 249 Km. From these points, one can easily
get taxis and buses for Gangotri. Some major road distances from
Gangotri are: Uttarkashi 97 km, Tehri 167 km, Dharasu 125 km, Yamunotri
232 km and Mussoorie 250 km.
Accommodation
Small hotels, motels and ashrams at Gangotri are available to provide
comfortable stay. Government owned tourist rest house (GMVN),
Dharamshalas and Guest Houses are other options for stay. The food
served in the local eateries is pure vegetarian and consumption of
non-vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly prohibited.
