Important Facts About Gangotri Temple
1. Location: The Gangotri temple is situated in the small town of Gangotri, which is around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
2. Dedicated: The Gangotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the personification of the Ganges River. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva released the river from his matted hair to prevent its force from destroying the earth.
3. Historical Significance: The original temple is believed to have been built by Bhagirath, a legendary king, to honor the Ganga. However, the present structure was constructed in the early 18th century by Gorkha general Amar Singh Thapa.
4. Temple Architecture: The Gangotri Temple is built in the Nagara architectural style, using white granite. It has two main sections: the Sabhagriha (assembly hall), where pilgrims sit and pray, and the Garbhagriha (sanctum), which enshrines the idol of Goddess Ganga, the temple’s principal deity. The simple yet elegant design of the temple blends beautifully with the Himalayan backdrop.
5. Accessibility: The Gangotri Temple is accessible by road from Uttarkashi, which is about 100 kilometers away. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 265 kilometers from Gangotri. The temple is also accessible via the Char Dham Yatra route, which is popular among Hindu pilgrims.
6. Spiritual Importance: Gangotri is considered the origin of the Ganges, and visiting the temple is believed to purify the soul.
7. Char Dham Yatra: Gangotri temple is also an essential stop on the Chota Char Dham Yatra for pilgrims seeking blessings from Goddess Ganga.
8. Nearby Attractions: Besides the temple, the region is home to several scenic spots, including Kedar Tal, Nandanvan Glacier, Harsil Valley and Gangnani.
9. Opening and Closing Dates: The temple remains open from Akshay Tritiya (usually in April or May) to Diwali (October or November).
10. Gaumukh and Bhagirath Shila: The region around Gangotri is closely linked to the mythological stories of Gaumukh (the mouth of the Ganges glacier) and Bhagirath Shila. Gaumukh is considered the physical source of the Ganges, where it emerges from the glacier, and is closely tied to the story of Bhagirath’s penance. Bhagirath Shila, a sacred stone at Gangotri, is said to be where King Bhagirath stood to pray and where the Ganges first touched the Earth.
11. The Legend of Ganga’s Descent: According to Hindu mythology, Ganga was initially in the heavens and was brought down to earth by the intense penance of King Bhagirath. Ganga agreed to descend, but she needed to be controlled because her powerful current would have flooded the earth. Lord Shiva trapped her in his matted hair to channel her flow, and she eventually flowed to the earth in a gentle manner.
12. Winter Residence: During the winter months, the temple is closed due to heavy snow, and the deity is shifted to a warmer place at Mukhba village, where the idol is worshipped during the off-season.
