Gangotri - गंगोत्री

Gangotri is located in Himalayan mountain range in Uttarkashi dist in the state of Uttarakhand. Gangotri is the origin of the famous sacred river Ganga and is closely related to Devi Ganga. The river Ganga originates from Gangotri Glacier and is known as Bhagirathi.

In Hinduism, the river Ganges flowing out of the Himalaya Mountains is called \"Ganga Maiya\" and \"Maa Ganga\". The Ganges River is considered the most sacred and revered in Hinduism. Gangotri is believed to be the origin of this river Ganges. Lakhs of devotees visit Gangotri every year to visit the Gangotri Temple (the temple dedicated to Mata Ganga) located in Gangotri, one of the Chota Chardham Yatras of Uttarakhand.

The origin of the Ganges river is basically Gaumukh, which is located at a distance of 19 km from Gangotri, in the largest Gangotri glacier of the Himalayas. Devotees can trek 19 km from Gangotri to reach Gaumukh.

Architecture of Gangotri:
The Gangotri temple was constructed during the early 18th century. The main temple is made of shiny white granite stones 20 feet high. The structure of the Gangotri temple is capable of attracting devotees from a distance. There is also a Shivling in the Bhagirathi river flowing near the temple which remains submerged most of the time.

Mythology behind Gangotri:
According to an old legend, Bhagwan Shiva had granted King Bhagiratha the blessing of bringing the river Ganges to earth due to his penance.

It is said that at the place where there is a submerged Shivling in Gangotri, Shiva Shiva held Mata Ganga in his hair. According to mythological events related to Mahabharata, after the end of the war of Mahabharata, Pandavas came to this holy place and performed a great yagna for the salvation of their families killed during the war.

Temple Opening and Closing Time:
Like Kedarnath temple and Badrinath temple, this Gangotri temple is also open for devotees only for six months in a year. Devotees can visit Gangotri temple every year from the month of April or May to the month of October to November. According to the Hindu calendar, the doors of Gangotri temple are opened for the devotees during Akshaya Tritiya and the doors of Gangotri temple are closed for the devotees after Bhaiya Dooj which comes after Diwali.

After the doors of the temple are closed, the doli of Mata Ganga is taken to the village of Mukhba, located near Harsil. Where Ganga Maiya is worshiped for the next six months. Gangotri's morning and evening aarti is completely devotional.