Discover Gangotri, A Much Revered Pilgrim Spot

Gangotri - tucked picturesquely in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas

Today, the urge to take refuge in religion is so very intense that people don’t think twice before embarking on pilgrimages to risky high-altitude places, putting even their life at stake. One such sanctified Pilgrim spot with a unique divine aura, the fame of which pulls thousands of pilgrims from far and wide is Gangotri, located at a height of about 3048 meters from Sea level.

Gangotri: Location & Spiritual Significance:

The Gangotri Dham is one of the ‘Chardhams’ of Uttarakhand and lies in the shelter of the Majestic Garhwal hills that offer a panoramic view to anyone who can appreciate the beauty of Nature apart from recognizing the spiritual significance of the place. The popularity of this pilgrimage destination is so much that a town in Uttarkashi district has been named after the Gangotri Dham. The spiritual significance of Gangotri lies in the fact that it’s the originating point of the Ganges or Ganga, the river that is perhaps the holiest river in Hinduism.

Gangotri Temple, Jalmagna  Shivlinga & the Myths:

The temple of Goddess Ganga located at the Gangotri Dham will surely unravel deep spiritual thoughts in you. This Temple is believed to have existed there for the last 300 years. Renovation works were however done on the temple around the twentieth century. The Gangotri Temple is in the vicinity of the ‘Jalmagna Shivlinga’ or Submerged Shivlinga, a natural rock in the shape of a ‘Shivlinga’ existing there naturally for centuries. According to mythology Raja Bhagirath had offered his worship to this Shiv linga. Also, another fantastic belief emerging out of our rich mythological tradition is that when Devi Ganga descended on Earth, Lord Shiva received her on His matted frizzy locks. The Shivlinga can be seen only during the winter season when the water level falls. A magnificent Granite structure, about 20 feet in height is placed in the temple. The common practice is to move this structure to the Ukhimath Village during the winters and worship the Goddess there and with the onset of summers, again replace the deity back to her abode.

Gaumaukh Glacier:

Gaumaukh Glacier is located at a distance of about 18 Kilometers from Gangotri and is a must-visit place if you wish to take your spiritual realization to the next level. The Gaumaukh Glacier is actually the geographical source of the Ganges and thus not only for pilgrims but even for passionate travelers, adventurers and trekkers trekking to this up-hill glacier point is indeed a thrilling experience. As for the pilgrims taking a dip in the chilled waters of Bhagirathi, the name by which River Ganga is known here and worshipping at the temple of Bhairavanth are great sin-washing activities.

Gaurikund:

Gaurikund is one place where all women pilgrims invariably take a dip to win the heart and love of their husbands as Devi Goddess Parvati or Gauri to win the heart of Lord Shiva according to myths. It is a well-famed hot spring. The confluence of Rivers Bhagirathi & Kedar Ganga at Devghat is another important zone for the pilgrims’ dip during Gangotri Yatra.