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The Gangotri temple was established in the 18th century by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa and is located on the left side of the Bhagirathi river. The shrine is nestled in a magnificent setting of deodar and pine trees. It is close to the legendary rock, known as the Bhagirath Shila, where King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. The Gangotri temple honours Goddess Ganga. The Pujaris and Priests who perform in the temple are from Mukhwa village. The water from Gangotri is taken to Lord Shiva as an offering. This drink is said to contain nectar and will soothe Shiva's throat after he consumes the poison.
Gangotri Dham, located at a height of around 3,100 metres on the Himalayan range in Uttarkashi region of Uttarakhand, occupies a unique place in Hindu hearts. It is one of the four sacred and major pilgrimage destinations in Uttarakhand's Chota Char Dham Yatra. What makes Gangotri one of the holiest places is its intimate connection with River Ganga, among all the natural beauty and elegance that the mountains and height of the place afford (the Ganges). The Hindu goddess Ganga Maa (mother) originates from the Gangotri glacier at Gaumukh, around 18 kilometres from Gangotri town. Goddess Ganga is claimed to have come to earth to wipe away the sins of King Bhagirathi's ancestors. The Ganga River has always been a revered source of purity for mankind, from the depths of mythology to the present day. Coming to Gangotri for a religious tour is a spiritual as well as a religious requirement.
Gangotri, Uttarakhand 249135
Rani Rashmoni, a strong and
generous patriot who was one of the first to discreetly protest against British
rule about 1857, founded the Temple. She was constantly at odds with the cruel
British laws and practices affecting people. Her helpful nature may be seen in
the Dakshineswar temple, bathing ghats, a route from the Subarnarekha River to
Puri, Imperial Library (now National Library), and Hindu College (now
Presidency College).
She barely lived for five years
and nine months after the temple's dedication. She died in 1861, one day after
transferring the purchased property in Dinajpur (now Bangladesh) to the temple
trust as a bequest for the temple's upkeep on February 18, 1861.
Rani Rashmoni desired that pilgrims of all castes and religions might come to the temple to pray. Millions of followers from all religions and castes visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple to enjoy its tranquil ambiance, and her aspirations have actually happened.
Around the beginning of the 18th
century, Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa built the Gangotri Temple. The
Maharaja of Jaipur later restored the temple.
Gangotri Temple is thought to be
constructed in the Nagara style. It is made of white marble stone and is simple
in design. There are no internal carvings like those found in Hindu temples.
There are five little apexes (shikhars) that are each 20 feet tall. The Garba Griha,
or main sanctum, is constructed on a high platform. In front of the Garba
Griha, there is a mandap where devotees perform puja and pray. The idol of
Goddess Ganga can be found in the inner sanctum. The idols of Goddesses Yamuna,
Annapurna, Saraswati, and Lakshmi can also be found there. Inside the inner
sanctorum, the idols of Bhagirath and the sage Adi Sankara complete the
collection of deities. Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, and Bhagirathi each have
their own small temple.
A natural rock Shivling is submerged under water near the Gangotri Temple. They can easily notice the shivling when the winters approach since the water level drops at certain time. This is where Lord Shiva sat when Ganga ascended in his matted locks, according to myths and traditions. Shiva saved the Earth by dividing the Ganga into seven streams.
The highest temple dedicated to
Goddess Ganga is Gangotrgotri Temple. Gaumukh is the source of the Ganga.
Gaumukh located at the base of the Gangotri Glacier. Bhagirathi is the local
name for the Ganga. At Devprayag, where the Bhagirathi River meets the
Alaknanda River, it is given the name "Ganga."
The Gangotri Temple is located near the
"Bhagirath Shila." It's a pillar where King Bhagirath prayed to Lord
Shiva to help them bear the Ganga's descent. Pilgrims collect the water from
the pillar and bring it back to Amrit/Nectar. Amrit is a sacred stone that is
used for a variety of religious and holy purposes. The Pandavas performed
"Deva Yagna" at Gangotri Temple after defeating the Kauravas in the
Mahabharata War to apologise for the deaths of their people and family.
Around the beginning of the 18th
century, Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa built the Gangotri Temple. The
Maharaja of Jaipur later restored the temple.
Gangotri Temple is thought to be
constructed in the Nagara style. It is made of white marble stone and is simple
in design. There are no internal carvings like those found in Hindu temples.
There are five little apexes (shikhars) that are each 20 feet tall. The Garba Griha,
or main sanctum, is constructed on a high platform.In front of the Garba Griha,
there is a mandap where devotees perform puja and pray. The idol of Goddess
Ganga can be found in the inner sanctum. The idols of Goddesses Yamuna,
Annapurna, Saraswati, and Lakshmi can also be found there. Inside the inner
sanctorum, the idols of Bhagirath and the sage Adi Sankara complete the
collection of deities. Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, and Bhagirathi each have
their own small temple.
A natural rock Shivling is submerged
under water near the Gangotri Temple. They can easily notice the shivling when
the winters approach since the water level drops at certain time. This is where
Lord Shiva sat when Ganga ascended in his matted locks, according to myths and
traditions. Shiva saved the Earth by dividing the Ganga into seven streams.
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Religious Activities |
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Daily Routine |
Timings for darshan, puja, and other religious rituals at Gangotri
Mandir. Morning hours are 6:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Evening hours are 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. |
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Aarti |
From 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., the
evening Aarti is performed. At 8:00 p.m., the Aarti Bhog is offered to Maa
Ganga. |