Gangotri – Origin of River Ganga

The holy river Ganga originated from Gangotri itself, through the prayer made by king Bhagirath. Gangotri is at an altitude of 3,200 mts. about sea level. This sacred place is located in the hills of Garhwal. This is the place visited by thousand of devotees every year and constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Along with spirituality, it is also an ideal place for enjoying nature’s beauty at fullest.
The door of temple remain opened in between May to October, and the door opens on the devout day called Akshya Tritiya and close on the day of Diwali with closing ceremony. It is 99 km away from Uttarkashi and is devoted to the Goddess Ganga, who is the daughter of Heaven. The Water of the River Ganga is a very sacred and taken to offer for Lord Shiva to soothe his throat who swigs the poison. The Ganga water is a regular part of worships in the house of every hindu, to chaste the impure environment.
Along with Devotees, it is the place, which visited by many fun lovers, as there is the provision river rafting, trekking, etc.

The story of Gangotri

As a wish of lord Shiva, Goddess Ganga marked herself into river and came down on earth to pardon the sins of king Bhagirath, to save the earth from stern force of river. As it was said if Ganga came in full force to earth, the earth will be destroyed so Lord Shiva locked her and it was decreed that Mata or Goddess Parvati( wife of Lord Shiva) has to take daily take bath in the sacred river only then she would come on earth. Ganga also called Bhagirathi. Pandavas also came here to perform Deva Yajna.The main source of River Ganga is Gaumukh, which is 18 km ahead from main temple. Another holy place here is Jalamanga Shivlinga where a natural shivalinga is submerged in the river and is only visible in winter months.

Place of Interest

Gaumukh - This place is a source of the Bhagirathi River. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the ice-cold water. This Is 18km ahead from Gangotri.
Nandanvan Tapovan - It offers a pleasant view of the surrounding Shivaling peak.
Uttarkashi - Uttarkashi situated on the bank of river Bhagirathi. The important temples for visiting here are - Gyaneshwar temple, Vishwanath temple, Kuteti Devi Temple and Ekadash Rudra temple etc.