History of Gangotri
The city of Gangotri gradually developed around the temple whose history is 1200 years old. There was no temple here in ancient times. Amar Singh Thapa, the Gurkha commander of Garhwal, built the Gangotri temple in the 18th century at the request of Semwal priests at the same place where Bhagiratha had performed penance. It is believed that Raja Madho Singh of Jaipur got the temple repaired in the 20th century. There was a platform near the Bhagirathi rock where idols of gods and goddesses were kept for three to four months of the Yatra season. These idols were brought from villages like Mukhba etc. which were returned to the same villages after the Yatra season. The history of Gangotri City and the temple are inextricably linked. This temple was built in the 18th century. It is believed that Goddess Bhagirathi touched the earth at this place. This sacred and excellent temple is built of 20 feet high shining stones of white granite. The spectators do not remain without being mesmerized after seeing the grandeur and purity of the temple. Gangotri holds immense religious and historical significance in Hindu mythology. According to legends, it is believed to be the place where the River Ganges descended from heaven to Earth. The Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is an ancient pilgrimage site that has been attracting devotees for centuries. The temple stands as a symbol of faith and devotion, reminding people of the sacredness of the Ganges and its role in purifying the souls of believers. Every year lakhs of people go to Gangotri Dham for darshan and blessings.
Near by Places to Visit in Gangotri
Kedar Tal
A crystal clear and transparent lake giving the feel of chilly water, Kedar Tal is a magnificent creation of God. The trek to Kedar Tal can be completed under the guidance of a local guide and is not for the weak. It is a very difficult task to walk on the way and complete the 18-kilometer trek from Gangotri to Kedar Tal without any modern facilities.
Harshil
Harsil is a very beautiful and picturesque village situated on Uttarkashi Highway. Situated at an altitude of 2623 meters and at a distance of 72 kilometers from Uttarkashi, this village is a great attraction for nature lovers. The specialty of this village is the apple orchards spread here, whose beauty is worth seeing.
Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi is a very important pilgrimage site and is situated at an altitude of 1,150 meters above sea level. It is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi. Some of the important temples located here are Vishwanath Temple, Ekadash Rudra Temple, Dnyaneshwar Temple, and Kuteti Devi Temple. Nehru Mountaineering Institute is also very close to here. Every year people come to Uttarkashi to take a holy dip in the Bhagirathi river.
Dayara Bugyal
Situated at an altitude of 3,048 meters above sea level, Dayara Bugyal is a beautiful plain. A road connects Bhatwari village with Raithal village. From this village, Dayara Bugyal is a long trek of about 6 km. Sheshnag temple located here is also a major center of attraction. This temple lies on the way to Dayara Bugyal. From Dayara, one can also go towards Dodi Tal. During winter, about 28 square kilometers of area in Dayara Bugyal comes under ski slopes.
Best Time to Visit in Gangotri
The best time to visit Gangotri is May-June and September-October as the weather during this time remains pleasant. Gangotri remains cold throughout the year. It is best to avoid visiting Gangotri during the monsoon from July to August as the area remains prone to landslides
In Summer
The temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C, which is favorable for sightseeing. It is the best season to visit attractions like Gangotri Temple, Dayara Bugyal, and Dodital.
How to Reach in Gangotri
The distance between Delhi to Gangotri is 488 km and takes around 11 to 12 hrs. You can travel to Gangotri by road.
To reach Gangotri from Haridwar, you can take a bus or hire a taxi. The distance between Haridwar and Gangotri is about 230 kilometers. It's a scenic journey through the mountains, so make sure to enjoy the beautiful views along the way.
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