🛕 Gangotri Temple – Complete Details 📍 Location Situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. Located at an altitude of 3,100 meters (10,200 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas. Stands on the right bank of the Bhagirathi River, surrounded by deodar […]

🛕 Gangotri Temple – Complete Details

📍 Location

• Situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India.

• Located at an altitude of 3,100 meters (10,200 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas.

• Stands on the right bank of the Bhagirathi River, surrounded by deodar and pine forests.

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🙏 Religious Significance

• Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the river goddess.

• Part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra along with Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

• Mythology: King Bhagirath meditated here to bring River Ganga from heaven to earth for the salvation of his ancestors. Lord Shiva received Ganga in his matted hair to lessen her flow, and the stream first touched the earth at Gangotri.

• Thus, the river is known as Bhagirathi at its origin and becomes Ganga after meeting Alaknanda at Devprayag.

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🏛 History & Architecture

• The temple was built in the 18th century by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gurkha general.

• Later renovated by the Maharaja of Jaipur.

• Constructed in white granite stone, giving it a simple yet divine look.

• The sanctum houses the idol of Goddess Ganga carved in white marble.

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🌊 Origin of the Ganga River

• The actual source of the Ganga is Gaumukh Glacier, located 19 km from Gangotri, at the base of the Gangotri Glacier.

• Pilgrims worship at Gangotri Temple as it is more accessible.

• Gaumukh (meaning “Cow’s mouth”) is considered the physical origin point of the river.

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🛣 Trek & Accessibility

• Gangotri is directly accessible by road.

• Nearest major towns:

  • Uttarkashi (100 km)

  • Rishikesh (250 km)

  • Dehradun (270 km)

• Nearest railway station: Rishikesh (250 km).

• Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km).

• Trekking beyond Gangotri:

  • Gaumukh (19 km) – Actual glacier source of Ganga.

  • Tapovan – Popular trekking destination near the glacier.

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📅 Opening & Closing Dates

• The temple opens every year on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May).

• Closes on Diwali (October/November).

• During winter, the idol of Goddess Ganga is moved to Mukhba village near Harsil for worship.

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🏔 Best Time to Visit

• May to June and September to October are the best months.

• Monsoon (July–August) brings heavy rain and landslides, so it is avoided.

• Winters (November–April) remain snowbound and inaccessible.

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🚩 Nearby Attractions

• Gaumukh Glacier (19 km trek) – True origin of the Ganga.

• Tapovan – High-altitude meadow, known for sages and stunning Himalayan views.

• Bhojbasa – Resting place on the trek to Gaumukh.

• Harsil Valley – Scenic valley known for apple orchards and pine forests.

• Surya Kund & Gauri Kund – Sacred water tanks near the temple.

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✨ Rituals & Festivals

• Daily Aarti in morning and evening at the temple.

• Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Bhagirathi River before darshan.

• Ganga Dussehra Festival (May/June) – Celebrates the descent of Ganga from heaven.

• Diwali – Closing ceremony of the temple, idol is moved to Mukhba village.

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