Char Dham- Gangotri

Gangotri:-

The most sacred of all rivers is the Ganga.The Ganga symbolizes purity. It washes away all sins. It is compared to a mother goddess which presides through all the stages of life: from birth to death. The river is believed to have been born out of Vishnu's big toe. It is said to flow through the skies (like the Milky Way).These are but a few of the myths about the Ganga, whose temple is situated on the right bank of the Bhagirathi, right in the middle of the tiny village Gangotri, 3140 metres above sea level, where the sun filters through the branches of giant deodars and conifers in a mesmeric display of light and shade.The Ganga legend tells us all about King Sagar's 60,000 sons who were reduced to ashes and about King

Bhagirath's'tapasya'to Shiva who appeased and brought them back to life.The stone slab on which Bhagirath meditated is called the Bhagirath Shila and it is located near the Temple of Ganga which was built by the Gorkha General, Amar Singh Thapa.

Was built in the early 18th century by a Gurkha commander, Amar Singh Thapa and later rebuilt by the Maharaja of Jaipur, in the early 20th century. The 20ft high temple is made of white granite. By November, Gangotri is snowbound, and so the deity is taken 25km downstream to Mukhba, so that her devotees are not thwarted. Despite the severe cold, however, several "Sadhus" (sages or holy men) remain at Gangotri year round, even through the very severe winter. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and dharamshalas are located on the other side. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock.

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 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.

According to mythology King Sagar after slaying the demons on earth staged an Aswamedh Yagna to proclaim his supremacy. The King's 60,000 sons born of Queen Sumati and one son Asamanjas of Queen Kesani were to accompany the horse. Lord Indra fearing loss of his supremacy stole the horse and tied it to the ashram of ancient sage Kapil who was then deep into meditation. On their search for horse, the 60,000 sons stormed the ashram of Kapil and just before the attack on him the sage opened his eyes and reduced all the 60,000 sons of King Sagar except Asamanjas to ashes. King Sagar's grandson Anshuman was

successful in recovering the horse from Kapil and was told that those 60,000 burnt will attain heavenly adobe if Ganga is brought down from heaven & their ashes were cleaned by its water. Then the great task of bringing Ganga to earth started. Anshuman failed and so did his son Dilip but his grandson Bhagirath succeeded.


The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga (the Ganges) from Devprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri.

The holy shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 metres above sea­level. It is linked by a good motorable road. The distance is about 248 kilometres from Rishikesh.A number of Ashrams are located on the other side, some of them provide accom­modation for visitors.

Gangotri is associated with several other sacred traditions. One of the best known is the belief that the Pandavas made their great Deva Yagna in the vicinity to atone for the deaths of their relatives in the battle of Mahabharata.

The river enters Gangotri as a turbulent rushing stream, milky green in colour. It meanders, forming its own channels in a wide, boulder-strewn riverbed.

Gangotri temple:-
The 18th century temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where king Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. According to another legend, Pandavas performed the great Deva Yagna here to atone the deaths of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharata. The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. high structure made of white granite.

The slab on which King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated is called Bhagirathi Shila. The mother Ganga is worshipped as Goddess and the holy river in the temple. Before performing the Puja rituals, a holy dip in the Ganga flowing nearby the temple is a must. The Pujari's (priest) belong to Brahmin community from Mukhwa village. Ten of them are selected by rotation every year to perform all the functions covering the temple and they also perform the duties of pandas.

1. Submerged Shivling
2. Kedar Ganga Sangam
3. Kedar Tal
4. Dayara Bugyal
5. Sat-Tal
6. Gaumukh


Gaurikund and Devghat:-
This site has huge importance for the Hindus. Parvati is wife of Shiva also known Gauri in several parts of India. Gaurikund is dedicated to the Hindu goddess "Parvati". Gaurikund captures its area in the Garhwal Himalayans, located at height of 6,000 ft above sea level. As per Hindu traditions, it is the sacred spot where Gauri won Lord Shiva's heart. Finally, Lord Shiva accepted Gauri's love and they got married. Gaurikund also has a hot spring, which has high mythological significance. The religious site attracts thousands of devotees from all across the country.

Kedartal:-
A spectacular lake situated at a distance of about 18kms trek from Gangotri, negotiable through a rough mountain trail. The trek is very tiring and testing even for a hardy trekker. There is no facility of any kind on the way and one has to make all arrangements in advance. A local guide is essential.

The lake is crystal clear with the mighty Thalaysagar (sphatikling) peak forming a splendid backdrop. The place is about 15,000 feet above sea – level and is the base camp for scaling to Thalaysagar, Jogin, Bhrigupanth and other peaks.

Kedar Ganga Sangam:-
Around 100yards from the Ganga temple, flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the Kedar Valley, this river meets the Bhagirathi River on its left bank.





Submerged Sivling:-
The natural rock Shivling, submerged in the river, is an amazing sight reinforcing the power of the divine.

According to mythology, Lord Shiva sat at this spot to receive the Ganga in his matted locks. The Shivling is visible in early winter when the water level goes down.





Gaumukh:-
Not only Gangotri glacier but Bhagirathi is also the source of Gaumukh River. Gaumukh has immense importance for the pilgrims. You can arrive at Gaumukh by a pony or on foot. Devotees reach here from all
over the India to take a holy dip. There is no accommodation for pilgrims at Gaumukh. Options are available only at Bhojbasa, at a distance of 2 km from the Gaumukh. You can also pitch tents on the river bank.




Sat-Tal:- Sat-Tal, meaning seven lakes, is situated just above Dharali, 2 Kms. beyond Harsil. The trek of about 5 Kms. is rewarding as this group of lakes is situated amid beautiful natural surroundings. It also provides lovely camp sites.


Dayara Bugyal:- Dayara Bugyal is a popular attraction in the area. A motorable road connects Bhatwari,
which is 27 km from Uttarkashi with Raithal village, from where Dayara Bugyal is a 6 km long trek.



Gangnani:- 55kms from Gangotri. Noted for its thermal springs and close-up views of famous mountain peaks, its peaceful and tranquilizing environment provides an ideal setting for meditation.

Bhatwari:- 70kms from Gangotri. It is a small upcoming town located at about 25kms from Gangnani.

Maneri:- 92KMS from Gangotri. It has lately emerged as a place of tourist interest as a result of the construction of a dam across the Bhagirathi River, from where the water is fed to the turbines through a 08km long tunnel at Tiloth in Uttarkashi. The resultant lake at Maneri has added to the charm of the place.




Uttarkashi:- 107kms from Gangotri. An important pilgrimage center equated with Varanasi or Kashi in
divinity. It is located in a wide stretch of the valley.




Dodital:- The Road from Uttarkashi to Gangotri bifurcates at 04km from Uttarkashi and vehicles can go unto Kalyani, 07km further up, from where, Agoda is 05km trek away at an altitude of 3,307mt. The trek from there ascends gradually through thick forests and beautiful mountainous scenery. Dodital, a sparkling and crystal clear lake surrounded by forests is 16km further, at an elevation of 3,307mt. The famous Himalayan trout’s are found in abundance in the lake. Permit for fishing can be obtained from the Divisional Forests Officer, Uttarkashi.

There is a beautiful Camping site, forests rest house and a log cabin by the side of the lake. From there one can trek down to Hanumanchatti (27km) and then to Yamunotri.

Nachiketa Tal:- A drive through the terraced fields takes one to Chaurangi-Khal, a place 29 kms from Uttarkashi. From there a 03km trek through lush green forests takes one to Nachiketa Tal, a tranquil spot. There is greenery all around and a small temple at the bank of the lakes gives it a serene look. Nachiketa, the devout son of Saint Uddalak, is said to have created this lake, hence the name.

There is no accommodation facility and visitors have either to come back to Uttarkashi or stay at the PWD Inspection House at Chaurangi – Khal.




Tehri:-Former capital of Tehri Garhwal principality. The town lies at the confluence of Bhagirathi and
Bhilangana rivers. It is also the site of a giant hydel project.





Harsil:- 26 km from Gangotri. Located in the topographically mountainous district of Uttarkashi, this hamlet is famous for its natural beauty and delicious apples.

Harsil is situated at a distance of 72kms from Uttarkashi on the main highway to Gangotri and is at a height of 2,620mt above sea level.

From Harsil, the adventurous tourist can trek to Sat Tal, situated just above Dharali, 2km beyond Harsil, to be greeted by the rewarding sight of seven lakes situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

The Harsil-Jangala Chatti routes are amidst dense Deodar forest.

The word Gaumukh translates to the face of a cow. The Hindus believe cow to be a holy animal. It is the destination where the holy river Ganga came into existence. Trekking is the enjoyable way to reach Gaumukh. Trekkers will be required to cover 16 kms.





Vishwa Nath temple:- One of the most famous temples in Uttarkand temple bears a description in the Kedar Khanda or Skanda Puran. The temple is 300 mts away from the local bus stand at Uttarkashi. This holy shrine has a Shivling which is 60 cms tall and is 90 cms in circumference.







Bhairon Ghati:- 10 km from Gangotri. Astride to the Uttar Kashi and near the confluence of Jat Ganga and
Bhagirathi rivers is situated, Bhagirathi. The temple of Bhairav Nath surrounded by thick forests is worth visiting.





Gaumukh Glacier:- The Gangotri Glacier, situated at a height of 4238 mts, moves along the Gangotri track starting from Chaukhamba and finally merging into the Gaumukh. It is a known fact that the water of the Ganges is 100% pure in nature and contains absolutely no impurities.


Nandanvan Tapovan:-
An arduous, 25 kms long trek along the Gangotri Glacier leads to scenic Nandanvan - the base camp of Bhagirathi peaks, that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding Shivaling peak. A trek across the snout of the Gangotri Glacier leads to Tapovan known for its beautiful meadows the encircle that base of the Shivling peak.

There is a falls called Sahasradhara about 100 yards below this confluence. Just before the falls the river squeezes itself into a narrow gorge about one metre wide.

Another strong sign of environmental degradation was Gangotri's water quality.  The Ganges had significant levels of coliform bacteria, both above and below Gangotri.  The contamination in the Ganges above Gangotri is probably caused by the large numbers of people who trek to Gaumukh, and poor sanitation practices.  Bhojvasa (4 km below Gaumukh) had pit toilets, and signs asking people to use them, but most people simply went "out back."  The number of people is simply more than this fragile ecosystem can absorb.

The picture at right shows the Gangotri glacier, with the Ganges emerging at the lower left.  One significant ecological worry is that for the past few decades the glacier has been receding about 30 meters per year.  As the glacier melts, one concern is that melt water lakes could create disastrous floods, a more serious worry is that the Ganges itself could disappear, or become a seasonal river (which would turn parts of north India into a dust bowl).  For further perspective on this, here's a link to a site provided by Svaccha Ganga, an organization dedicated to cleaning up the Ganges.

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) .


Route:-

Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 226 kms.
Rail : Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 249 kms.
Road : Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi.

Distances in km from some cities are as per follows:
Dharasu – 125 Km
Dehradun – 275 Km
Deoprayag – 225 Km
Haridwar – 268 Km
Rishikesh - 248 Km
Tehri – 156 Km

Yamunotri - 247 Km