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Gangotri




Gangotri
Photo Courtesy: Hiranmay Ghosh on Flickr
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State Uttaranchal
Distance 513 km from Delhi
Tags Pilgrim, Temples, Hills, Lakes, Rivers, Glaciers, Char Dham
One of the main religious places among the four Char Dham pilgrimage areas, Gangotri, situated in Uttarkashi, is closely related to Goddess Ganga, the river that we know as Ganges. The history of Gangotri dates back to centuries when Goddess Ganga transformed herself into a river to dissolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s forefathers, following his penance. In order to reduce the impact of her fall, Lord Shiva gathered Ganga into his matted locks and has ever since been associated with Goddess Ganga.

The Gangotri temple was built by a Gorkha Commander in the early years of the 18th century. This temple stands at an altitude of 3042m and emits a highly pious aura. Religious rituals are in full swing in the Gangotri temple with the Arti ceremony performed by the pujaris of the Semwal family.

The river Ganga originates from the Gangotri glacier and is known as Bhagirathi. The name Ganga picks up later on after the river passes Devaprayag and merges into the river Alaknanda.

Just the perfect destination to breath in a serene and pious atmosphere, Gangotri has the charm to attract people from all over. The striking presence of the snow-clad mountains in the vicinity and the pure crystal clear water of the Ganges flowing around add to the sanctity of the place. One feels close to God in the high altitude of Gangotri. Vegan food dominates the culture and is available in the local food joints or dhabas. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are a strict no-no.


Comments

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Manyu Hi
I read your site with interest, its very good. I have a question- I went to garmukh last year, and noticed an ashram on the way to garmukh in front of the mountain. Do you know the name of the ashram, can i stay there and is there a website. Many thanks. Manyu

Posted by Manyu 122 days ago
neelam i want to travel gangotri alone. Is it safe for a single female traveller if i get the hotel bookings,etc beforehand.

Posted by neelam 45 days ago
Samarth Im plannin to travel alone in the end of november... any idea if it wud be easy to find hotels and other things???

Posted by Samarth 38 days ago
kiran,satya I want to travel gangotri with my friend satya in november 1st week. could you help me how to travel, accomdation and saftey measures. we will starts from newdelhi.

Posted by kiran,satya 24 days ago
Sameer The base camp for gomukh is uttarkashi, having stayed there for the night you need to get up early and start the trek - 24 kms - to gomukh, 4 kms away from the melting face of the glacier which forms gomukh there is a settlement called bhojwasa where you can get accomodation and food. May to October is the best time to travel , in the other months the region becomes snowbound.

Posted by Sameer 7 days ago

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