Introduction to Gangotri Dham
On the banks of holy river Bhagirathi, Gangotri Dham/Gangotri Temple, one of the Uttarakhand Char Dham or the Char Dham Circuit, is a holy place in Uttarkashi District of the State of Uttarakhand, wherefrom the sacred River Ganga originate.
Gangotri overview
If we want a quick Gangotri overview, we may acknowledge the fact that the Char Dham Circuit or the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand includes- Kedarnath Dham, Badrinath Dham, Gangotri Dham and Yamunotri Dhams.
The Char Dham Yatra or the Char Dham Circuit holds a special religious significance as the Kedarnath Dham is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Badrinath Dham to Lord Vishnu and Gagotri Dham and Yamunotri Dham respectively are religious places from where the holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna originate.
Both the rivers are held in high esteem and revered and venerated. Gangotri Dham/ Gangotri Temple is a gateway for spiritual enlightenment. The distance of Gangotri Dham from Uttarkashi district is about 100 km.
Gangotri Pilgrimage draws significance from the Hindu legend that Lord Shiva opened up his locks to enable river Bhagirathi to descend on earth which later joins River Alaknanda at the sacred place of Devprayag and therefore, is called Ganga.
The Sacred Location of Gangotri
The sacred location of Gangotri is in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas where the snow clad peaks, glaciers and woods lure pilgrims to seek spiritual enlightenment.
Gangotri travel to Char Dham Yatra Uttarakhand which includes Gangotri Uttarkashi is most sought after as pilgrims are curious to see Gaumukh trekking trail.
Pilgrims come and connect spiritually in the peaceful and serene environment of Garhwal Himalayas who welcome all to find solace in the midst of the flora and fauna of the Gangortri Mountain Range.
The snow clad peaks of Gangotri Himalayas, don the motley coloured attires in the dawn as the morning rays of the Sun begin to impinge on the tall peaks. The pilgrims get mesmerized by the Gangotri Natural beauty and continue to behold the affair between Sun rays and snowclad Garhwal Himalayas’ peaks.
Gangotri natural beauty, during the Gangotri travel across the Gangotri Mountain ranges, the Gangotri landscape and Gangotri geographical settings, lure the stout, robust and young pilgrims to move further ahead of Gangotri on the trekking trail to Gaumukh, to witness the origin of Holy river Ganga.
As far as Gangotri Geographical Setting is concerned, the Gangotri Dham/Gangotri Temple is nestled in the picturesque and serene surroundings of the Greater Himalayan Mountain Range.
Gangotri elevation is about 3,100 meters(10,200 ft.) above the sea level that makes the Gangotri pilgrimage very picturesque and enchanting. Gangotri elevation gets further increased a bit at Gaumukh in the Gangotri District.
If we talk about Gangotri location, we can appreciate the fact that from Rishikesh (340 meters elevation), the Gangotri travel involves a total journey of about 250 kms from Rishikesh to Gangotri( elevation of approximately 3,100 meters.) Gangotri Uttarkashi Gangotri travel is very picturesque and the pilgrims enjoy watching the Garhwal Himalayas all along the Gangotri travel. Gangotri travel along the Garhwal Himalayas, with lush green forests, affords pilgrims a golden opportunity to connect themselves with the frequency that resonates along the Gangotri travel.
Gangotri Uttarkashi trekking trail of about 19 km stretch, on the Gangotri Mountain range in the Gangotri District involves hiking from Gangotri to Gaumukh.
Historical and Mythological Significance
As per Gangotri mythology, Lord Shiva allowed the holy river Ganga to descend from heaven in his hair locks. According to Gangotri Mythology Ganga descended in the hair locks of Lord Shiva who only could bear the tremendous pressure of her descent from heaven.
According to Gangotri history legends, from Lord Shiva’s hair locks, the sacred Ganga cruised on her earthly journey from Gangotri to Ganga sagar in Bay of Bengal.
Historical Significance of Gangotri can be understood by the fact that the holy river Ganga has been providing spiritual solace and healing to millions of devotees along its course, who remain perpetually indebted to her for irrigating their agricultural fields.
Gangotri Legends
As per Gangotri legends, one Kardama agreed to enter into marital bliss, provided Lord Vishnu would incarnate as his son. Lord Vishnu agreed to his request. Later Kapila was born as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu to Kardama. Kapila Muni became a great saint and lived in his ashram. As per Gangotri Mythology and Gangotri legends, one day King Sagara’s horse for Ashvamedha Yagya was stolen by Indra and later found by 60,000 sons of King Sagara at the Ashram of Saint Kapila Muni.
The sons of the King blamed Saint Kapila for stealing the horse. Enraged at the false allegations, Saint Kapila burnt all the sons of King Sagara.
As per the Gangotri legend, Kapila acceded to the prayers of King Sagara for bringing back to life his sons, provided the goddess Ganga would descend on earth to perform tarpan rituals for the sake of the sons of King Sagara.
As per Gangotri Mythology, or Bhagirath and Ganga mythology, King Bhagirath pleaded Lord Shiva to agree to bring Ganga down from heaven to enable King Sagara’s 60,000 sons to attain salvation.According to Gangotri Mythology, Lord Shiva allowed the holy Ganga to descend in his hairlocks and from there the sacred Ganga commenced her earthly journey.
Historical Significance of Gangotri is attributable to the Gangotri legends and Gangotri mythology. From the standpoint of historical significance of Gangotri, the river Ganga is considered holy since times immemorial and is revered and venerated all along its course.
As per Bhagirath and Ganga mythology or the Gangotri history, the date of the descent of Ganga on earth is considered as the 15th day of January of the Gregorian Calendar. It coincides with Makar Sankranti when the Sun God is believed to enter the Makara constellation, i.e. Uttarayana as per Hindu Calendar.
Architectural Marvels of Gangotri Temple
Gangotri Temple Architecture is Nagara style of architecture. Gangotri Temple Design includes sculptures in the exterior. The Gangotri Temple features including the Gangotri artistic elements include the shikara shaped spire that tapers at the top and has an urn or kalash as well.
As far as the Gangotri Temple Architecture is concerned, from inside the construction pattern is the regular Garhwali architecture. Gangotri Temple design also has the regular assembly hall( Sabhagriha) for the devotees. In the garbhagriha (the sanctum sanctorum) are the idols of Goddess Ganga, Goddess Yamuna, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Parvati. King Bhagirath’s statue, with folded hands also adds grandiose and grandeur to the temple design.Gangotri Artistic elements include usage of white granite stone in the temple construction. Gangotri Temple features include nicely carved wooden doors and the ceilings.In the architectural design, one must also appreciate the hot spring Gauri Kund in the Gangotri temple.
Pilgrimage Journey to Gangotri
Pilgrimage journey to Gangotri, one of the 4 Dham Uttarakhand Yatra is of religious and spiritual significance. Gangotri pilgrimage includes 19 km long Gangotri Trekking or hiking to Gaumukh where the holy river Ganga originates. As Gangotri travel tips, those pilgrims who are prone to giddiness on the hilly routes, must keep common medicines with them and consult doctor’s, if required.
As a Gangotri Travel Guide, pilgrims may note that Gangotri accommodation is available on the way at major stations such as Haridwar, Rishikesh & Uttarkashi. Pilgrims looking for Gangotri Accommodation, have the option to stay in Luxury resorts during the Gangotri pilgrimage.
Best time to visit Gangotri is May-June and September -October. As an abundant caution, the pilgrims may pay heed to Gangotri Travel tips and advisories issued by the State Government from time to time.
Pilgrims looking for the best time to visit Gangotri Trek must also take into account these Gangotri Travel Tips and must carry lemons, glucose and drinking water with them while hiking at the Gangotri trek. As a Gangotri Travel Guide, the pilgrims must be aware of the route beforehand. Gangotri route involves the following stations:-
Delhi – Haridwar-Rishikesh-Narendranagar-Chamba- Tehri- Dharasu- Uttarkashi- Bhatwadi-Jhala- Harsil- Lankachatti- Bhaironghati- Gangotri.
As a Gangotri Travel Guide, pilgrims may be joyous to know that the whole of the Gangotri landscape is very picturesque and full of divinity.
What to See in Gangotri Dham
It is obvious for the pilgrims visiting Gangotri Dham to find out as to what to see in Gangotri. Gangotri attractions include the Gangotri trekking trail to Gaumukh.
Gangotri attractions include the Pandava Gufa which is about 1.5 km from the Gangotri temple. According to Gangotri mythology, Pandavas, on their way to mount Kailash, are said to have stayed in this cave, hence the name Pandava Gufa.
Yet another Gangotri attraction is Bhagirath Shila (Rock) where as per Gangotri mythology, King Bhagirath did meditate to bring holy Ganga to earth from heaven.
How to Reach Gangotri Dham
The common question which comes to mind is -How to reach Gangotri Dham? Pilgrims have Gangotri Travel options to cover a part of the distance by flight and the other by taxi.
Nearest Airports to Gangotri are at Dehradun and Delhi. The nearest airports to Gangotri i.e. Dehradun is, however, at an approximate distance of 240 km and Delhi to Gangotri distance is approximately 520 km.
Gangotri accessibility is, therefore, great as pilgrims have multiple Gangotri travel options. Gangotri accessibility or Gangotri Travel options also include a train journey to Dehradun Railway Station which is well connected to major stations.
Pilgrims have Gangotri Travel options to go to Uttarkashi by taxi or bus from Rishikesh and onward Gangotri. Gangotri to Gaumukh involves trekking on a trail of about 19 km long.
Rituals and Spiritual Practices
Spiritual Significance of Gangotri can be assessed by the fact that millions of pilgrims in order to atone sins take holy dip in river Ganga. Pilgrims visiting Gangotri Dham become abreast with the Gangotri rituals, Ganga Aarti and Gangotri ceremonies.
In the series of spiritual practices Gangotri or the Gangotri ceremonies, Mangal Aarti, in the morning at 6 am; Rajbhog Aarti in the afternoon; Glittering Sandhya Aarti in the evening; Abhishekam and; prayers and offerings to Goddess Ganga are performed as Gangotri rituals.
Pilgrims find solace in spiritual practices Gangotri and very well understand the Spiritual Significance of Gangotri.
Natural Beauty and Surroundings
Pilgrims get a clue of the Gangotri natural beauty, at the very onset of their journey from Haridwar -Rishikesh. The Gangotri natural beauty is seen along the Gaumukh trekking trail, Tapovan hot springs, Pandav Gufa(Cave) and at the Gangotri National Park.
As discussed earlier, Scenic attractions in Gangotri include- Pandava Gufa, Gaumukh trekking trail, Bhagirathi Shila(Rock). Needless to mention that Pandava Gufa is the cave where Pandavas stayed and the Bhagirathi Shila is the rock where King Bhagirath did meditation. Gangotri Natural beauty of Himalayas and the scenic attractions Gangotri have been luring pilgrims for ages.
Connecting Gangotri with Astrology and Vastu
Gangotri, where Lord Shiva offered his hair locks or jatas to help descend Goddess Ganga from heaven, influences different zodiac signs, for the Himalayas have been the abode of Lord Shiva. Integration of astrology for spiritual enlightenment can be explored to derive Gangotri astrological benefits. Astrological influence of Gangotri is on respective zodiacs. Astrology and Vastushastra offer, various tools and techniques such as transits, houses and retrogrades to correctly assess astrological Influence of Gangotri, Vastu and Gangotri, Gangotri Astrological Benefits and Vastu Impact of Gangotri Temple.
Conclusion of Gangotri Dham
In order to recapitulate or to have a recap of the spiritual, historical, and architectural significance of Gangotri Dham, it is mentioned that Gangotri Dham, located on the banks of holy river Bhagirathi, is one of the Uttarakhand Char Dham or the Char Dham Circuit.
It has great spiritual, historical and architectural significance on account of its association with Pandavas, Lord Shiva and descending of Holy Ganga river on earth from heaven. It is considered auspicious and holy in Hindu religion for it being the place, the river Ganga, originated from.
Call to Action
Devotees must find time to plan visits to Char Dham Places in Uttarakhand at their convenience so as to derive optimum benefits. They can also take consultations with renowned Astrologers to align it with their respective birth charts. If felt necessary, they can have prior consultation with seasoned and renowned Astrologers and Vastu Shastra.
FAQs for Gangotri Dham
Q.1 What is Gangotri Dham?
Ans.1 Gangotri Dham is a spiritual and religious place in Uttarakhand where holy Ganga originates. It is worshiped by Hindus.
Q.2 How do I reach Gangotri Dham?
Ans.2 Both the Nearest Airport and nearest Railway station are at Dehradun. From Dehradun pilgrims can travel by bus or taxi.
Q.3 What is the best time to visit Gangotri Dham?
Ans.3 Best time to visit Gangotri Dham is May-June and September -October.
Q.4 What are the key attractions in Gangotri Dham?
Ans.4 The key attractions in Gangotri Dham include Pandava Gufa, Bhagirathi Shila, Gaumukh and the National Park at Gangotri.
Q.5 What is the historical significance of Gangotri Dham?
Ans.5 The historical significance of Gangotri Dham lies in its association with Pandava legends, descending the Ganga river from heaven to earth.
