Gangotri

Gangotri is the origin of the Ganges located in the state of Uttarakhand. In the Char Dham Yatra of Kedarkhand, there is a law to travel to Gangotri after Yamunotri. The temple of Ganga and holy places like Surya, Vishnu and Brahmakund are located here. The origin of the Ganges in Gangotri is estimated to be at an altitude of 4,225 meters in the Gangotri Glacier, about 24 km from here. The time to undertake the pilgrimage is from April to November.

Here Shankaracharya had installed an idol of Ganga Devi. Where this idol was established, a Gurkha officer has got the temple built in the 18th century AD. There is a temple of Bhairavnath near it. It is also called the penance place of Bhagirath. The rock on which he did penance while sitting is called Bhagirath Shila. People do Pind Daan on that rock. There are many kunds in Gangotri in the name of gods like Surya, Vishnu, Brahma etc.

Gangotri Temple

Rudrashila is some distance away from Bhagirath Shila. Where it is said that Shiva carried the Ganges on his head. Kedarganga joins the Ganges near it. Half a mile away from it, it falls in the form of a waterfall 30-35 feet down through the middle of the stone. This Pratap Nala is called Gaurikund. There is a Shivling in the middle of it, on which the water in the middle of the waterfall keeps falling.

Origin of Ganga

The descent of His Holiness Ganga from heaven took place on this holy land. This place was called Gangotri because of the first descent of the Ganges.

Ganga River

Although it is believed among the general public that the Ganges has originated from here, but in fact, its origin is 18 miles and above in the mountain named Shrimukh. There is a trough in the shape of a Gomukh from which the Ganges stream has erupted.

Know more about River Ganges/Ganga.

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