Gangotri Dham | Gangotri Temple

Gangotri Dham | Gangotri Temple 

Gangotri Dham | Gangotri Temple

  

Gangotri Dham, which is known as a part of Chota Chaar Dham or Chaar Dham in india. Which is one of the holiest places in India. The locals say,  Gangotri Dham is one of the places in Uttarakhand where God Dwells.

Chhota Chardham or Chardham is one of the holiest pilgrimage circuits in the  Himalayan Mountains of Hinduism. It is located in the district of  Uttarkashi,  Rudraprayag and Chamoli in the Garhwal Division of Uttarakhand state of India. Gangotri is the origin of the Ganges River. 

The temple of Gangaji is located at an altitude of 3042 meters above sea level. The environment to the right of Bhagirathi is very attractive and charming. This place is located at a distance of 100 km from Uttarkashi. The temple of Ganga Maiya was constructed by Gorkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century, the present temple was rebuilt by the royal family of Jaipur. 

Every year, between the months of May and October, lakhs of pilgrims come here to visit the fallen Ganges. 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. 

Gangotri Dham | Mythological reference 

According to the legends, Bhagiraratha, the Chakravarti king of Raghukul, the ancestor of Lord Sri Ramachandra, had done a severe penance to Lord Shankar by sitting on a sacred stone rock here. This temple was constructed in the 18th century near this sacred rock. It is believed that Goddess Bhagirathi touched the earth at this place.

It is also believed that Pandavas also came to this place for the spiritual peace of their families killed in the war of Mahabharata and performed a great devotional ritual. This sacred and excellent temple is built of shiny 20 feet high stones of white granite. The visitors do not remain mesmerized by seeing the grandeur and purity of the temple.

A natural rock in the form of Shivlinga is submerged in the Bhagirathi River. This scene is very charming and charming. By seeing this, there is a direct feeling of divine power. According to mythological stories, Lord Shiva sat at this place with his Jata spread and he wrapped Ganga Mata in his curly Jata. At the beginning of winter, when the level of Ganga goes down very high, then the said holy Shivalinga is seen on that occasion.

Gangotri Dham Temple

Gangotri Dham Temple

History Of Gangotri Dham

Gangotri 

The city of Gangotri gradually developed around a temple whose history is 1200 years old, even before this the temple has been a source of spiritual inspiration for the Hindus for many centuries. Since the pilgrimage to Chardham used to be on foot in olden times and its climb was inaccessible in those days, the road to  Gangotri was built in the 1980s and since then the city has developed at a rapid pace.

The history of Gangotri town and temple is inextricably linked. In ancient times there was no temple here. Gangotri was worshiped by Semwal Priests in the form of Goddess Ganga or Ganga Dhara, a platform near Bhagirathi Shila  where idols of Goddesses were kept for three to four months of the yatra season. These idols were brought from villages like Mukhba etc. which were then returned to the same villages after the traveling season.

The Gurkha commander of Garhwal, Amar Singh Thapa built the  Gangotri  temple in the 18th century at the request of the Semwal Priests at the same place where Bhagiratha meditated. It is believed that Raja Madho Singh II of Jaipur repaired the temple in the 20th century.

Weather Of Gangotri Dham

• Summer - pleasant during the day and cold at night. The minimum temperature is 6 cm. And a maximum of 20 cm

• Winter - pleasant from day to September, November, cool at night Snowy from December to March. Temperature below zero

Gangotri state can be given a nameInspirational. Dramatic landscapes include

 lofty icy peaks with deep gorges in the backdrop where streams and cedar trees flicker between rivers.

This physical scene casts a spell. For centuries, it has given millions of pilgrims a spiritual challenge and thousands of adventurers in a perpetual challenge.

Place In Gangotri Dham

Bhagirathi River At Gangotri Dham

The Gangotri Temple, situated at an altitude of 3,140 meters above sea level, is a beautiful valley amidst cedar forest with peaks like Satopanth, a Shivling of mountain, standing on the banks. The water flows out of the Bhagirathi valley and joins the Ganges, leaving the clamor of Kedarganga and Bhagirathi, at the end of this beautiful valley is the temple.

Flora at Gangotri Dham

There are huge species of Flora in this area. The oak is the most prominent in the Himalayas. Others include Burans, White Saro (Avise Pindro), Clean Trees (Picea Smil Biana), Evergreen Trees (Cypressus Tarulos) and Blue Cedar etc. 

When Oak trees are dissolving, Pangar (Aculus edica), Kabasi (Corillus jacumonti), Kanjula (Acer cassium) and Reangal (Janseracens) come into its place. There is abundance of Parananga, Cistern plant and Shaivak.   

The Beautiful living organisms At Gangotri Dham

Common Fauna found in this area include Langurs, Red Monkeys, Brown Bears, common Foxes, Leopards, Icy Leopards, Barking Deer Sambar, Musk Deer, Cerro, Barr Deer, Porcupine, Tahr, etc. Butterflies and insects of different colors and species are also found here. 

The Garhwal region is full of colorful and musicalanimals. Himalayan whistling bells, self-cultured caricatures, western color-bleaching hares, sakhi monal and 

kokal pheasant.

 Local people

• Clothing - Light woolen garments from April to July and heavy woolen garments from September to November

• Pilgrimage Time - April to November

• Language - Hindi, English and Garhwali.

• Accommodation - GMVN Yatri Rest House, Private Rest House and Dharamshala at all major places in Gangotri and Yatra Marg

  

Nearby Attractions 

Gaumukh 

Gaumukh is one such historical and ancient place,which is full of Miracles.  Gaumukh, situated at an altitude of 3,892 meters, 19 km from Gangotri, is the mouth of the Gangotri glacier and the origin of the river Bhagirathi. 

It is said that bathing in the snowy water here dissolves all sins. The distance from Gangotri to here is completed on foot or by riding on ponies. The climb is not that hard and many people come back the same day. Coolies and ponies are available in Gangotri.

About 25 kilometers long, 4 kilometers wide and about 40 meters high,  Gaumukh is a perfect measurement in itself. In this Gaumukh  Glacier,  Bhagirathi comes from a small cave structure. 

The water in this large Varfani river comes in a basin situated at an altitude of 5,000 meters whose origin is from the peaks of the Santopanth group on the western slope.  

Mukhba Village 

Mukhba Village

Apart from Bhagirathi, the residents of this village are the priests of the Gangotri temple which also houses the Mukhimath temple. Every year in Diwali, when the Gangotri temple is closed, Goddess Ganga is brought to this village in the winter with an instrument and procession. This is the place where Ganga is worshiped for 6 months of winter, until spring when the idol is brought back to Gangotri.

The pilgrimage to the main temple in Kedar Khand is considered important. Adjacent to this is Markandeyapuri where Markandeya performed the penance of the sage and was shown the destruction of the world by Lord Vishnu. 

According to Kimbadanti, Mathang Rishi meditated here for years without eating and drinking anything.   

Bhairon Valley | Bhairon Ghati

Bhairon Valley | Bhairon Ghati

   

Bhairon Valley or Bhairon Ghati is a small settlement near Gangotri Dham  in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand State, situated close to the confluence of  Jadh Ganga and Bhagirathi river. 

Bhairon Valley is another amazing tourist destination in Gangotri which is about 16 kilometers from Dharali and 9 kilometers from Gangotri. Bhairon Valley,  Jadh Jahnavi is situated at the confluence of Ganges and Bhagirathi. Here the Bhagirathi flows in deep valleys, the sound of which roars in the ears.

Prior to the year 1985, when the road to motor vehicles from Gangotri, including the suspension bridge over the highest jadhganga in the world, was not built, pilgrims used to walk through dense cedars from Lanka to Bhairon Valley and then go to Gangotri.

The Bhairon Valley offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas, from where you can visit the Bhrigu mountain range, Sudarshan, Matri and Chidwasa peaks.   

 Harshil

Harishil Valley

Harshil, Uttarakhand is a very scenic location that is famous among tourists from all over the country, and it is located in a region that is packed with tourist hotspots who want to enjoy stress free vacation at peace.

Harshil, located 43 kilometers from Bhatwari and 20 kilometers from Gangotri, can be described in just one sentence: Amazing. It is situated in a valley at the confluence of the Jalandhari Citadel, on the banks of the river Bhagirathi, in the shadow of a large mountain above the Baspa Valley in Himanchal Pradesh.

Harshil is connected to many routes such as the Lamkhaga Pass from the Baspa Valley. In addition to the mother and Mount Kailash, there is Srikanth Peak on its right side, behind which is Kedarnath and behind it is Badranpuch. This wild colony is famous for its natural beauty and sweet apple.

Harshil's attractions include windy and shadowy roads, tall ledges, high mountains, Kolahli Bhagirathi, apple orchards, thickets, golden and green pastures,any more beautiful things which is undescribable.

   

The landscape in Harshil is dotted with many small temples that you can visit during your trip to the place. You can also see some very dense deodar forests in Harshil and you can explore through the same, thus taking in some good mountain air and indulge in adventurous activities like trekking, and adventure buffs and those with a penchant for experiencing some adrenaline lined moments  can visit this place

 Nandanvan Tapovan

Nandanvan Tapovan

The Nandanvan Tapovan trek is one of the few treks in the Indian Himalayans which offers a combination of beauty and roughness to its best. The campsite of  Nandanvan Tapovan is probably one of the best in the Himalayans of  Garhwal  with Shivling towering over you. It is also the base camps of over  5/6 himalayan peaks.

About 25 km from Gangotri takes Nandanvan in a difficult trek over the  Gangotri glacier which is 25 km from the base (bus) camp Gangotri of Bhagirathi peak. From here one gets a panoramic view of the Shivling peak. 

Across the mouth of the Gangotri River is Tapovan, which is famous for its beautiful Chargah here and extends around the base of the Shivalinga Peak.   

Gangotri Chibasa  

Gangotri Bhojbasa is a scenic spot on the rugged terrains, situated at an altitude of 3,775 mts above sea level. Bhojbasa can be reached by 14 kms trek that starts from Gangotri. The trek goes through rugged terrains along with the Bhagirathi River. It is a rough barren land amidst Gangotri glacier.

The distance about 14 km, and time 6-7 hours to reach Gangotri Bhojbasa is 

14 km from Gangotri due to the abundance of Bhojpatra trees. It is at the  confluence of the Jat Ganges and the Bhagirathi River. 

It is used as a stop while going to Gaumukh. Originally runs an anchor for free food in an ashram built by Lal Baba and the residence of the Garhwal Mandal Development Corporation provides accommodation. On the way you can see the legendary religious flower Brahmakamal which is the seat of Brahma. 

Kedartal

Kedartal

Experienced trekkers are also tempted in the climb up to this picturesque lake, 14 km from Gangotri. A guide is absolutely required to climb very rugged mountains. There is no facility on the way, so everything has to be managed first. 

The lake is very clear, where the huge Thalayasagar peak is. The place is 15,000 feet above sea level and is the base camp for climbing the Thalayasagar Jogin, Bhrigupanth and other peaks. June-October is the best time to visit.

This lake formed by the melting snow of the Kedar glacier is the cradle of the Kedar Ganga, the tributary of the Bhagirathi, which is considered a donation by Lord Shiva. Climbing is a bit difficult, but the beauty of this place is enough to remove your tiredness.

Festival

Festivals Celebration | Gagotri Dham

When winter starts, Goddess Ganga moves to her native place Mukhba village. She returns on the day of Akshaya Dwitiya. On its second day, Akshaya Tritiya, which usually falls in the second fortnight of April, is the most sacred day of the Hindu calendar. At this time, the snow and glacier begin to melt and Gangotri temples are opened for worship.

The journey of Goddess Ganga to return to Gangotri is celebrated with the celebration of traditional customs, music, dance, procession and worship.

The record history of this journey is at least 700 years old and there is no  information about how many centuries before this journey is celebrated.  Mukhba is known as the austerity place of Matang Rishi.

Three or four days before this visit, the people of Mukhba village begin preparations. The palanquin carrying the idol of Ganga is decorated with colored clothes of green and red color. They decorate the Ganga idol on the throne of the palanquin, decorated with jewels.

The entire village is involved in a 25-kilometer journey up to Gangotri. Devotees leave the procession only after praying to Ganga to come back next year. Barsha before the commencement of the procession - which often occurs - is an auspicious sign of auspiciousness.

The procession also includes Doli of other Deities along with Goddess Ganga  from a nearby village. Some of them live together to the extent of their territory.  Someshwara Devta also comes equipped in the palanquin. 

The meeting of Ganga and Someshwara Devta is a sign of greater celebration. People take the idol of the two Deities together and dance and dance to the tune of local music.

When the journey of both the palanks begins, the procession of the Deity    Someshwar leads. Under the leadership, the Garhwal Scouts (Army Bands) participate in traditional customs and play traditional music. On the way, people worship the Deities and provide food to the Devotees and help them.

On the border of Dharali village, Someshwar Devta's journey ends and Ganga  continues her journey. On the second day of the yatra, this procession reaches  Gangotri and the Devotees are waiting for the arrival and reception of  Goddess Ganga.

After elaborate rituals and rituals, the temple doors are opened and the Ganga  statue is installed in the temple. With this, the doors of the Gangotri temple are again opened for the worship of the people.

Similarly, when the snow begins to freeze and the yatra season ends, Goddess Ganga goes back to Mukhba village with traditional customs and festivities.

Route To Reach Gangotri Dham

• By Airways- Jolly Grant is the nearest airport in Dehradun. The distance is 226 km. 

• By Road - Gangotri can be reached from Rishikesh by bus, car or taxi. This route is 259 km. The distance from Gangotri to Yamunotri to Phoolchatti is 8 km and the distance to Gangotri by bus, car or taxi is 229 km.

• Location - Just Click Here To See Gangotri Dham

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Jai Gangotri Dham 

Jai Devbhoomi 

Jai Uttarakhand