The holiest of all rivers is the Ganga. Ganga is the epitome of purity. It washes away all sins. It is compared to a mother goddess who rules over all stages of life: from birth to death. The river is believed to have been born from the toe of Lord Vishnu. It is said to flow in the sky (like the Milky Way). These are some of the myths about Ganga, whose temple is located right in the middle of the small village of Gangotri, on the right bank of Bhagirathi, 3140 meters above sea level, where the sun filters through the branches of huge deodar and coniferous trees in a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. The legend of Ganga tells us about the 60,000 sons of King Sagar who were reduced to ashes and about King Bhagirath’s ‘penance’ to Shiva, who pleased them and gave them back to life. The stone slab on which Bhagiratha meditated is called Bhagiratha Shila and is located near the Ganga temple, built by Gorkha general Amar Singh Thapa.
General Information
| Title |
Description |
| District |
Uttarkashi |
| Altitude |
3200 meters |
| Season |
May-October |
| Clothes |
Woollen clothes |
| Time of opening of temple Date |
The temple opens every year on the auspicious day of Akshaya-Tritiya, which usually falls in the first week of May. |
| Temple closing date |
The temple is always closed on the holy day of Diwali festival during October or November. |
Connectivity
| Title |
Description |
| Air |
Jolly Grant, Dehradun 226 km is the nearest airport. |
| Rail |
Rishikesh (262 km) is the nearest railway station. |
| Road |
Gangotri North India It is connected by road to all major cities of Gangotri. |
Accommodation
| Title |
Description |
| Accommodation |
Number of private hotels, Ashrams, Dharamshalas, GMVN TRH, Mandir Samiti Rest House. PWD inspection bungalows are available at Gangotri |
