Gangotri, the name brings an image of solitude, tranquillity, mystery, adventure, and reverence all at one time in any Indian's heart.
Gangotri is an ideal location for whatever you wish. It can be your urge to placate the Gods above, your thirst for adventure, or just seeking the tranquillity of Himalayas, Gangotri is an ultimate destination.
Gangotri, more than anything else, is known as the origin of the sacred river Ganges and attracts tourists in large numbers every year. The legend of Ganges says that the Ganges came down on earth after long penance of King Bhagirathi to Lord Shiva. However, due to the fact that the earth would be devastated if Ganges came down in her full force and her pride, Lord Shiva caught her in his locks.
It was proclaimed that Shiva's consort Goddess Uma or Parvati would bathe in Ganges daily. The confrontation with the daunting rivers and attempts to unravel the mysteries of the supernatural world are ubiquitous sights here. Along with the thrill of conquering nature, what one experiences here is the mystical aura that India is so famous for.
Ganges has remained in the Indian psycho as the ultimate source of getting nirvana be it by bathing in it or just by taking a drop of Ganges water in mouth. Every important place along the Ganges has become the major pilgrimages centres of millions of Hindus. Gangotri being the legendary origin of Ganges is by default one of the most important pilgrimages for the Hindus. Gangotri is the place where Ganges is believed to have descended on earth and there is a sacred stone near the temple marking the place where she is said to have descended. Two major attractions in Gangotri are the Gangotri Temple and Submerged Shivling (Jalmagna Shivling).
The most important attraction in Gangotri is the Gangotri temple believed to be built in the 18th century by a Gorkha commander, Amar Singh Thapa. The temple was renovated in the 20th century by the Maharaja of Jaipur. It is a white marble structure with a height of 20 feet. The statue is taken to Mukhimath Village for six months every year during the winters and worshipped there.
Situated near the main temple is a Shivling (Shivling is the phallic form of Lord Shiva who is worshipped as the originator of life in this form) is said to be the place where Ganges was received by Lord Shiva in his locks. The Shivling is visible in the winters only when the water is clear.
The entire Himalayan region is considered as the abode of gods by the Hindus and it is not hard to believe why. The tranquillity and serenity along with the majestic charm and mystery behind the high hills of Himalayas have always been a matter of curiosity for the civilisations for whom there could not have been any better abode for their beloved gods. Each step along Gangotri is a revered place and that makes hundreds of pilgrimages. Some of the famous ones are Gaumukh, Nandan van or Tapovan, Bhairon Ghati, Uttarkashi, Gangnai, Kedartal, and Harsil.
