- Birthplace of Ganga: Gangotri is where Goddess Ganga is believed to have descended.
- Ganges Origin: The Ganges River begins at the Gangotri Glacier.
- Part of Char Dham: Gangotri is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
- Closed in Winter: The temple remains closed from November to March due to snow.
- Sacred Ponds: Vishnukund, Suryakund, and Bhramakund are sacred bathing spots.
- Bhairon Jhap: A hill where people used to jump to reach heaven.
- Gauri Kund: A pool associated with Goddess Parvati’s penance.
- Jahnu Muni Ashram: Where the river was swallowed and later released by Maharishi Jahnu.
- Mukhwa Village: Locals consider Ganga their daughter and send her farewell.
- Winter Stay: Goddess Ganga’s idol is kept in Mukhwa village during winter.
Gangotri is a small town and a Nagar Panchayat in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the more well-known pilgrimage towns in India, nestled on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Gangotri is part of the stunning greater Himalayan range and is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters. Hindu legends say that Gangotri is the site where Goddess Ganga descended to Earth and where Lord Shiva unleashed the Holy Ganga River from his tresses. There are many interesting facts about Gangotri (one of the members of the Uttarakhand Char Dham circuit) that you should know.
Gangotri Information Sheet
- This information will help you prepare better for your visit to Gangotri. Summers in Gangotri range from 22°C to 8°C, while in winters, temperatures can dip to as low as -6°C. The best time to visit Gangotri is between May and September. You will need light woollens even during the summer months.
- The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, located 260 km away, while the nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is 248 km away. Direct buses operate to Gangotri from Dehradun and Rishikesh.
- There is a large hospital in Uttarkashi, located 100 km away from Gangotri, which is well-equipped to handle emergencies.
Interesting Facts about Gangotri Temple
- The beautiful Gangotri Temple is the starting point for the pilgrimage route from Gangotri to Tapovan and Gaumukh. Each year, thousands of devotees and trekkers embark on their journey to Kedartal and Gangotri trekking routes.
- The temple was built by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha-origin Nepalese commander, around 250 years ago. He was known as the “Lion of Nepal.” After warring with the Punjabi ruler Chand Katoch, Amar Singh reached the foothills of Nepal and built the temple. The temple was later repaired and restored by the royal family of Jaipur.
- Gangotri Temple stands near the Bhagirathi Shila, a sacred stone dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol of Goddess Ganga is seated on a crocodile, and her face is made of gold. The temple houses beautiful idols of Yamuna, Ganesh, Durga, Mahalaxmi, Saraswati, Annapurna, and others.
River Ganga at Gangotri Dham
- The foundation stone of the temple was laid at the exact location where the Ganga River emerged from the tresses of Lord Shiva. The temple is made of pure white granite, stands against the scenic Himalayan backdrop, and has pyramidal towers that are connected in a trinity with a triangular-shaped roof. Each of these pyramids has gleaming Kalash and minarets with chambers and windows. The bottom level of the temple features red sandstone carvings, adding to the beauty of the entire structure.
- During the winter, the temple is completely covered in snow, and the idols of Annapurna, Saraswati, and Ganga are transported to the Mukhba Valley, near the village of Harsil. The procession for carrying these idols is elaborate, with the idols placed in small palanquins (known as “Dolis”) for transport.
Must Read on: History of Gangotri Dham
Miracles in Gangotri
- Many travelers and pilgrims are spellbound after discovering that the oil lamp lit during the winter months continues to burn for over six months. The temple lore suggests that the fire from King Bhagirath’s Yajna, combined with the energy of Goddess Ganga, keeps the flame burning even when no oil is provided during the long winter months.
- A Shivalinga is submerged under the Bhagirathi River near the temple, and it is believed that holy nectar was carried by the water to relieve Shiva’s throat, after he had consumed poison. It is also believed that anyone who bathes in or consumes this water will be absolved of their sins, as Goddess Ganga absorbs all sins.
- If you visit Gangotri in May, try to attend the grand opening ceremony, which marks the opening of the temple gates after the long winter months. The chanting of holy shlokas, drum beats, conch shells, lamps, and flowers add a special mystical aura to the temple.
