Gangotri Dham Quick Facts
| Place | Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand (India) |
| Built in | circa 18th century |
| Built by | Amar Singh Thapa |
| Type | Temple |
| Total Area (Height) | 3042 m |
Gangotri Dham Overview
Gangotri is a popular pilgrimage center situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state in the hilly areas of the country. Gangotri is said to be the origin of the river Ganges. It is situated on the banks of Bhagirathi river. Every year, between the months of May to October, thousands of pilgrims come here from every corner of the country to visit Ganga Mata.
Like Yamunotri, the holy temple of Gangotri opens on the holy festival of Akshaya Tritiya and the doors of the temple are closed on the day of Diwali. It is considered a very holy place for both Char Dham and Do Dham pilgrimages.
Gangotri Dham History
According to Mythological beliefs, the place where Mata Ganga descended on earth is known as "Gangotri Dham". The city of Gangotri gradually developed around this temple. In ancient times the pilgrimage to the Chardhams used to be on foot and its climbing was very difficult in those days, so in the year 1980s a road was constructed for the pilgrimage to Gangotri Dham and since then the development of this city has picked up.
No temple was built here in ancient times. There was a platform near the Bhagirathi rock, where idols of gods and goddesses were kept for three to four months of the travel season. These idols were brought from various temples of nearby villages like Shyam Prayag, Ganga Prayag, Dharali and Mukhba etc., which were then returned to the same villages after the travel season.
In the 18th century, the Gangotri temple was built by Amar Singh Thapa, the Gurkha general of Garhwal, at the same place where King Bhagirath meditated. General Thapa also appointed pandas from Mukhba Gangotri villages to manage the temple. It is said that Raja Madho Singh II of Jaipur also got the temple repaired during the 20th century.
Gangotri Dham Interesting Facts
- It is situated in the Himalayan ranges at an altitude of 3750 meters above sea level.
- The Ganges River or the source of the Ganges called 'Gaumukh' is just 19 km from Gangotri. Is located at a distance.
- The river Ganges is known as 'Bhagirathi' at its origin.
- About 50 KM from Gangotri. Earlier there is a place called Gangnani. There is a hot water pool here and there is no clear evidence of where this water is coming from, but it is believed that it is also a form of Ganga.
- There is also an ancient temple of Bal Shiva before Gangotri, also known as Bal Kandaar Temple. This is the first place of worship of Gangotri Dham.
- Around Gangotri, tourists get to enjoy the lush green meadows of alpine coniferous trees, Alpine shrubs, and grasslands.
- The forest area around here has been declared Gangotri National Park and its extension is up to the Indo-China border.
- Tourists can also visit 'Dnyaneshwar Temple' and 'Ekadash Rudra Mandir'. The latter temple is famous for the celebration of Ekadashi Rudrabhishekam Puja.
- The devotees who come here can also enjoy the beautiful Gauri Kund and Surya Kund located near the temple.
- A small path from this city also leads to the Pandava cave. This cave is considered to be the place of worship of the mythological warriors 'Pandavas' of the country's biggest epic 'Mahabharata'.
- The pilgrims and pilgrims visiting during the winter season can also enjoy Nordic and Alpine skiing to the fullest.
- Auli, Mandali, Kush Kalyan, Kedar Kanth, Tehri Garhwal, Bedni Bugyal, and Chiplakot Valley are also ideal places for skiing near Gangotri.
- Other famous tourist places around Gangotri include Glacier Ganga, Maniri, Kedar Tal, Nandanvan, Tapovan Vishwanath Temple, DD Tal, Tehri, Kuteti Devi Temple, Nachiketa Tal, Gangni etc.
How to reach Gangotri Dham
Road to Gangotri Temple:
Tourists wishing to go by road can easily reach Gangotri by bus from nearby cities. Both state and private bus services are available from all these cities at all times.
Route to Gangotri Temple by Train:
The Nearest railway station to Gangotri is Rishikesh which is 250 kms from here. Located at a distance. From here one can easily reach the destination by public transport and taxi. The railway station is connected to most of the major Indian cities.
Way to Gangotri Temple by Air:
The Nearest Airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 226 km from the city center. Located at a distance. Travelers can take taxis and cabs from the airport to Gangotri. Regular flights are available from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi to Dehradun.