GANGOTRI DHAM

GANGOTRI DHAM : The picturesque pilgrimage in the hinterlands of the Himalayas is the most sacred spot where Ganga,the stream of life,touched earth fro the first time.According to mythology,Goddess Ganga,the daughter of heaven,manifested herself in the form a river to absolve the sins of king Bhagirath's predecessors,following his severe penance of 5500 years. Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimize the impact of her fall.The river itself begins at Gangotri which literally means Ganga Uttari or Ganga descending She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source.

The Shrine of Gangotri situated at an elevation of 3200 m above sea level amidst captivating surroundings along the right bank of Bhagirathi is 100 km from Uttarkashi.The Shrine of Gangotri opens during the last week of April or the first week of May,on the auspicious day od Akshaya Tritiya.The temples opening is preceded by a special Puja of Ganga both inside the temple as well as on the river bank.The temple's closes on the day of Diwali followed by a formal closing ceremony amidst a row of oil lamps.It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhwa,her winter abode (12 km downstream).

The temple was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Sigh Thapa.The existing temple is said to be the one reconstructed by the Jaipur dynasty.Every year thousands of pilgrims through the sacred shrine between May & October.The Pujaris & brahmins are from the village of Mukhwa.The water from Gangotri is carried to offer to Lord Shiva.It is believed that this water has amrit (nectar) in it and will soothe the throat of Shiva who gulp the poison.

Gomukh - Gangotri Origin Of River Ganga Video Youtube