Gangotri is a pilgrimage destination famous for the Gangotri shrine; the pristine white temple dedicated to River Goddess Ganga. The temple gives out a divine aura and attracts pilgrims in thousands each year during the yatra season. Gangotri is the second of the Chardhams in the Chota Chardham Circuit of pilgrimage and the temple of Goddess Ganga marks the crowning glory of the revered Gangotri dham. Pilgrims who visit the Gangotri dham often visit the Yamunotri dham as well. Yamunotri dham is another shrine dedicated to another River Goddess, Goddess Yamuna. It is the first of the Chardhams in the Chota Chardham pilgrimage circuit. Pilgrims often avail the Gangotri Yamunotri Do Dham Yatra and visit both the dhams in the course of a single pilgrimage trip. Gangotri dham is located in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district and is perched atop the Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of 3042m above the sea level. The temple is said to have been built in the first half of the 18th century by a Gorkha general. The temple stands along the river banks of the sacred River Bhagirathi which is but the other name of River Ganga. The source of the river is ‘Gomukh’; a cow’s snout shaped point of the Gangotri glacier. Apart from the Gangotri shrine of Goddess Ganga, there are several other places to visit in and around the Gangotri dham. Most of these places have deep religious connections and are associated with many fascinating mythological tales. To know about the major places to visit in Gangotri, read on- Gangotri Temple This is the most prominent attraction of the main Gangotri town. This is a temple of Goddess Ganga and it dates back to the 18th century. The temple stands alongside the River Bhagirathi’s banks and is constructed out of white marble. The temple attracts pilgrims from far and wide and pilgrims often visit the temple with the wish to attain ‘Moksha’ by paying obeisance to the revered goddess. Jalmagna Shivling This is a naturally formed rock lingam of Lord Shiva and it remains submerged in the waters all through summers. One can visualize the tip of the lingam only in the winter months when water levels recede. It is said this was the very place where Lord Shiva had received River Ganga on his matted tresses so that the earth could be saved from Ganga’s fierce energy. Gaumukh Gaumukh or Gomukh is the geographical or physical source of River Ganga and is perched at an elevation of 13, 200ft above the sea level. One has to move 18kms uphill to reach Gaumukh. The word ‘Gaumukh’ stands for the ‘Cow’s Mouth’. It is actually the Gangotri glacier’s snout that resembles the mouth of the cow in shape. The Bhagirathi River or the Ganges ensues out of this snout of the glacier. Gangotri National Park The Gangotri National Park that was founded in the year 1989 sprawls across an area of about 2390.02 sq km and is a high altitude shelter for rare species of wild animals such as Black bear, Blue sheep, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Brown bear, Himalayan Thar etc. The park also houses various bird species such as Himalayan Barbet, Himalayan Monal, Pheasants, Doves, Bulbul, Parakeet, Pigeons, Partridges. This is a great place to visit especially if you are in love with wildlife. Kedartal Kedar Taal, also differently referred to as Shiva’s Lake is a high altitude glacial lake cradled at an elevation of 4750 meters above the sea level. An 18kms long trek from Gangotri can make you reach this beautiful lake that forms the source of River Kedar Ganga. The trek to Kedar Taal is pretty challenging and takes you across difficult terrains. Dodital If you are a seasoned trekker then you should definitely visit this enchanting lake in the course of your Gangotri shrine visit. This extremely beautiful emerald lake lies at an elevation of 3310 meters and is adorned my magnificent views of the Himalayas. The lake has been named after ‘Dodi’ or ‘trout’ as the lake serves as a habitat for a huge population of trout. Bhagirath Shila This is a huge slab of rock intricately linked with the mythological tales associated with Gangotri shrine. It is said to be the rock upon which King Bhagirath is said to have undertaken rigorous penance in order to please Goddess Ganga and bring her down to earth from heaven so that the sin of his ancestors get absolved and their souls get respite from the curse. Gangnani Hot Springs Gangnani hot springs are a thermal spring also referred to as Rishikund tirth. Pilgrims on their way to the Gangotri temple often take a ritual bath in the Gangnani springs. The spring of Gangnani lie 52kms ahead of Gangotri. Pandav Gufa This is an ancient cave where the Pandava brothers are said to have meditated while they were on their way to Mount Kailash. You can reach this cave by trekking a distance of 1.5kms from Gangotri. The ambiance of the cave is tranquil yet eerie. Gauri Kund Gauri Kund is splendid water fall lying a little ahead of the Gangotri shrine. This kund is located amid invigorating environs and at an elevation of 6502 ft above the sea level. According to myths Parvati or Mata Gauri had performed rigorous penance and several yogic rites at this very place to win the heart of Lord Shiva who ultimately surrendered in love to her. There’s a small temple of Mata Gauri near the kund. Surya Kund The Surya kund is another revered waterfall lying in vicinity to the Gangotri shrine. It has been named after Surya dev or the Sun God. The roaring waterfall is a stream from the Bharathi River that topples down from great height conjuring up a sublime and spectacular view for the visitors who visit the kund to pay tribute to the Sun God. Ekadash Rudra Temple This lord Shiva temple is located at Hanuman Chowk and along River Bhagirathi’s banks. The temple is an abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Ambika or Parvati. The temple houses 11 Shiva lingams and a Ashtadhatu murti or 8 metal alloy murti of Goddess Ambika. The temple came into being in 1901 AD and was constructed under the initiative of Maharani of Jaipur. Vishwanath Temple The Vishwanath Temple is a Lord Shiva temple located in Uttarkashi and is indeed a must visit destination while you are on your way to Gangotri. The key highlight of the temple is the lingam of Lord Shiva that tilts a little southward. The present Vishwanath temple of Uttarkashi was set up by Khaneti Devi; queen of Tehri in 1857 AD.
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