About Gangotri Temple
A holy place in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Gangotri Temple is the highest temple constructed in remembrance of Goddess Ganga. The other name for the river Ganga here is Bhagirathi which further merges with the Alaknanda River, creating a beautifully unique confluence. It has been said that the river Ganga originates from the Gaumukh that lies at the foot of the Gangotri glacier.
The temple is believed to be built around the 18th century by Amar Singh Thapa who was a Nepalese General. Today, people around the country know the importance and significance of the Gangotri Temple and visit here to offer prayers to Goddess Ganga.
Gangotri Temple History
Beautifully constructed in the Nagara style of architecture, Gangotri Temple is one of the rarest temples in the country where the goddess Ganga is worshipped. As per Hindu mythology, this temple was a place where Lord Shiva meditated and the Ganga mounted his matted locks. Lord Shiva then split Ganga into 7 streams to save the world. Visitors can also see one Shivling rock that is submerged underwater near the Gangotri Temple. And, that is exactly the place where Lord Shiva was sitting at that time. Also, there’s a Bhagirathi Shila name pillar where King Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva to save him from sinking in the river Ganga. After he was saved, the place became a popular pilgrimage site. Now, devotees bow their heads in front of the pillar with admiration and collect the holy water to take it to their respective places.
Gangotri Architecture
Simple yet beautiful-looking temple which is built in the form of a square with three entrances symmetrically placed. The main entrance faces north and looks out towards Kedarnath Lake. The other two entrances face south towards the Ganga river banks. The main temple has a gopuram (gateway tower) on top which is made up of five tiers. Each level has four square pillars which are connected by a beam running down the middle of each pillar.
Each pillar has a smaller square pillar on its top side which connects to the next level above it using a beam running horizontally across each pillar. This design allows for support for all four levels at once without any visible supports or columns inside the interior space itself. The temple also has a number of shrines dedicated to deities such as Bhagwan Vishnu, Bhagwan Shiva and Bhagwan Ganesh within its precincts along with several other deities like Nandi-Mata, Yakshi-Mata, Gandharva-Mat.
Best Time To Visit
Best time to visit Gangotri temple is April and June, and September and October as the weather is very pleasant between these months.
Places To Visit Near Gangotri Temple
Gangotri, a quaint town in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Gangotri is also called the Hindu holy town. The town is located on the banks of river Bhagirathi and has some amazing places to explore and visit around. Some of them are as follows:
- Mukhba: A beautiful little village that lies on the banks of river Bhagirathi, Mukhba lies at the height of 2620 mts above sea level. The place is a must-visit if you are looking for something peaceful to spend time around.
- Nelong Valley: An alluring valley somewhat similar to Leh-Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti, Nelong Valley is a perfect spot for adventure junkies where you can enjoy limitlessly and try a number of activities.
- Kedartal: Also referred to as “Shiva’s Lake”, Kedartal is a wonderful landmark and is one of the highest lakes in Uttarakhand. It is located in the Uttarkashi district at an elevation of 4912 metres above sea level.
- Gaumukh Trek: Around 18 km from the temple, Gaumukh Trek is located amidst the lofty Himalayan Peak and Gaumukh glaciers. The views that this place gives are just breathtaking and can capture any adventure junkie’s heart.
- Harsil: Also known as the ‘Hidden Jewel of Uttarakhand’, Harsil offers amazing scope for people to explore the serenity and the beauty of Uttarakhand. The place offers an amazing view of the Bhagirathi river and the Himalayan peaks.
Other Popular Temples To Explore In Uttarakhand
Believed to be over 350 years old and known for its ancient architecture, Mukteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at an altitude of 2171 metres. It is believed that a devotee can attain spiritual knowledge and peace by visiting this temple.
Amongst the highest Shiva temples in the world, the Tungnath Temple is located at an altitude of 12,106 ft above sea level. The temple is surrounded by lush green meadows and is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the country.
Located amidst the beautiful greenery of Tehri Garhwal District, Surkanda Devi Temple is at an altitude of 9,042 ft and is also one of 51 Shakti Peeths. It is believed that a visit to this temple helps in attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Lies in the western Garhwal Himalayas, Yamunotri Temple is located in the Uttarkashi district and is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. It is situated at an altitude of 10,804 ft above sea level and is one of the four major shrines in the Chota Char Dham Yatra.
An arc to Lord Shiva and one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Haridwar Temple sets along the river Ganga and is a popular destination for tourists, who come to experience the divine energy and beauty of the temple.
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