Sri Gangotri Temple- Uttarakhand

Address

Sri Gangotri Temple- Gangotri, Uttarakhand 249135

Diety

Shiva, Amman: Gangotri

Introduction

• Location: Gangotri, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, India.
• Altitude: 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level.
• Deity: Goddess Ganga.
• Significance: The highest and most important shrine dedicated to Goddess Ganga, part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra.

Puranic Significance

• Legend: The temple is associated with the legend of King Sagara and his 60,000 sons, who perished due to a curse by Sage Kapil. King Bhagirath performed penance to bring the Ganga River to earth to cleanse his ancestors’ sins. The Ganga is believed to have descended from heaven here, and Lord Shiva captured the river in his locks, releasing it in five streams.
• Historical Note: Built by Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century, with subsequent renovations by the Royalty of Jaipur. The temple is close to the Bhagirath Shila, where King Bhagirath is said to have meditated.

Special Features

• Surroundings: Located amidst lush greenery, surrounded by Deodar and pine forests, with the Bhagirathi River flowing beside it and the Greater Himalayan Range in the background.
• Architecture: Traditional 18th-century architecture with a simple white granite stone structure. The temple is 20 feet tall with a Sabha Mandap leading to the shrine. It features three main domes and smaller cupolas with golden Shikharas.

Festivals

Mahashivaratri: Celebrated with special reverence at the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Government of Uttarakhand

Nearest Bus Station

Mussorie

Nearest Railway Station

Rishikesh

Nearest Airport

Joly Grand

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