Gangotri Dham Mandir

Gangotri Temple

Gangotri, located near the source of the Ganga (Ganges River) and the seat of the goddess Ganga, is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Constructed in the early 18th century AD by Gorkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa at an elevation of 3,042 m, the Gangotri temple can be reached in a full day’s journey from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun, or in a two-day trek from Yamunotri, the initial site in the Char Dham circuit. More popular and significant than its sister site Yamunotri to the east, Gangotri is also accessible directly by car and bus, attracting a higher number of pilgrims.

The Semwal family of pujaris oversees the ritual duties at Gangotri temple. The Aarti ceremony at Gangotri is particularly impressive, taking place against the backdrop of the rushing Ganga. Adventurous pilgrims can embark on an overnight 17 km trek to Gaumukh, along the Gangotri Glacier, the actual current source of the Ganga.

Gangotri also refers to a series of three mountain peaks around 6,600 m AMSL, situated between the Gangotri Glacier and the Khatling Glacier. The river is known as Bhagirathi at the source and becomes the Ganga from Devprayag onwards, where it meets the river Alaknanda.

The temple remains closed from November to approximately April/May due to heavy snowfall. During winter, the Goddess retreats 12 km downstream to the winter abode at Mukhba.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga, the daughter of heaven, took the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirat

hi’s predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries. Lord Shiva caught the Ganga in his matted locks to lessen the impact of her descent.

Another legend narrates the story of King Sagar, who, after slaying demons on earth, decided to stage an Ashwamegh Yagya as a proclamation of his supremacy. Indra, apprehensive of the Yagya’s success, seized the horse and fastened it to the ashram of Sage Kapil. Bhagirath, the grandchild of King Sagar, meditated to bring down the Ganga, which revived the sixty thousand sons of King Sagar. The Bhagirathi ‘Shila’ near the temple marks the spot where the holy Ganga first descended on earth from heaven.

Submerged Shivling

This natural rock Shivling, submerged in the river, is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted locks. It becomes visible in winter months when the water level decreases.

Other sacred sites near Gangotri include Surya Kund, Vishnu Kund, and Brahma Kund, all located in the nearby Gangotri. Bhaironghati (2743 m) is a halting place for those wishing to reach the height of Gangotri. Gangotri glaciers (4238.6 m) start from the Chaukhamba cluster of snow peaks and extend up to Gaumukh, connected by a track from Gangotri.

The region around Gangotri, identified as Bhavishya Badri, is located approximately 17 km east of Joshimath. Pilgrims trek beyond Tapovan up the Dhauliganga River to reach this spot. The idol of Narsingha (the god with the head of a lion) is enshrined here, and it is believed that Lord Badrinath will be worshipped here in the future.

Impact of Pilgrimage and Tourism

While pilgrimage to Gangotri is an age-old tradition, tourism as a modern phenomenon was introduced in the seventh decade of the last century. Unfortunately, tourism has developed in an unplanned manner, resulting in haphazard construction, drainage issues, and garbage accumulation in the entire Gangotri region. The lack of infrastructure, except for a single tourist bungalow at Bhojbasa, has led to environmental degradation.

The destruction of Birch forests and Juniper bushes due to the unavailability of alternative fuel sources has impacted the region. Over a hundred thousand individuals visit Gaumukh annually, and in only a few years of unplanned development, Gangotri has become congested. The destruction of forests for building and fuel has turned Bhojbasa and Gaumukh into barren deserts, and environmental preservation efforts have been limited.

Protests against these issues have been infrequent and mainly orchestrated by small private groups. The formerly pristine Himalayan region is falling victim to contemporary consumerism, resulting in ecological damage and the degradation of the landscape Juniper and Bhojpatra trees are cut for fuel, and garbage lines the path to Gaumukh. Even areas around tea stalls are surrounded by rubbish heaps, distracting from the natural beauty.

Around Gangotri Facilities

Gangotri is well connected to other parts of the country through air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 26 km from Rishikesh and 249 km from Gangotri.

Local and state transport bus services connect Gangotri with many centers in the region. Porters and ponies are available for excursions to Gaumukh and other places from Gangotri during the yatra season.

Accommodation options include Ganga Niketan Hotel near Gangotri Temple, Forest Rest House (for reservation contact: DFO Uttarkashi), PWD Inspection Bungalow, and Tourist Rest House (GMVN), Gangotri. Limited local eateries and dhabas are available, and non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited.

Please dispose of your garbage, such as plastic drinking bottles, responsibly.

Mountaineering

Gangotri Glacier is surrounded by many high peaks that offer challenging opportunities for mountaineering.

The temple and the township remain closed between November and May due to severe winter conditions. It opens on the auspicious day of ‘Akshay-Tirth,’ generally in the first week of May.