Located majestically amidst the Himalayan ranges, Gangotri Dham has a pious place in the minds of pilgrims and tourists. Gangotri Dham is one of the four Char Dhams in the state of Uttarakhand in India and is home to the ‘source of the Goddess’ Ganga. This temple is not only a spiritual place but also a stunning place that gives tourists a chance to see beautiful landscapes and explore Indian culture. This blog will focus on different aspects of Gangotri Dham, including the temple, its history, how to reach it, when to plan, the Chardham Yatra registration, and more.
Gangotri Dham Overview
The Gangotri Dham Yatra is an annual pilgrimage to the religious Gangotri Temple that worships Goddess Ganga and is the source of the River Ganga. Gangotri Dham is situated in the district of Uttarkashi, in the state of Uttarakhand, and has an average elevation of 3,100 meters. It is one of the four holy sites that together constitute the Chardham Yatra; the other three sites are Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
From the perspective of Hindu mythology, this is the place from where the Ganga has descended from the heavens to purify the ashes of the ancestors of King Bhagiiratha. The temple’s construction is made out of white granite and is an exemplary example of the architectural marvels of ancient India. So, the Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa established the temple during the eighteenth century.
Besides the main temple, there are also a number of subsidiary shrines to other gods in the temple precinct. The temple of Gangotri is built adjacent to a sacred rock known as the Bhagiratha Shila, which is situated 50 meters to the left of the temple site. There is a legend that King Bhagiratha meditated here to make Lord Shiva carry the Ganga on his head. Tourists and devotees who visit Gangotri Dham bathe in the cold waters of the Bhagirathi, as it is believed that it purifies one’s soul.
History of Gangotri Dham
Gangotri Dham has its share of mythology and legends. Pauranic texts reveal that King Sagara of the Suryavanshi dynasty performed the Ashwamedha Yagna to assert his supremacy. In the course of yagna, Indra, the king of Gods, took away his horse underworld. Sagara had sixty thousand sons, and they all went in search of the horse and found it near Sage Kapila’s hermitage. They mistook the sage for the thief and interrupted his prayers, and for this, the sage turned them into ashes.
King Sagara’s grandson, King Bhagiratha, performed rigid penance to earn the grace of Lord Shiva, who brought the Ganga on earth to purify the ashes of the ancestors of Sagara and provide them with moksha. Finding him so devoted, Shiva consented to Bhagiratha’s plea and captured the river in his locks. He then released the river in a little portion, and it was named Bhagirathi. The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers combine at Devprayag to make the holy Ganga.
Amar Singh Thapa constructed the temple that stands at present in the early 18th century. The temples have some modifications in their structure and vicinity to welcome the increased number of people coming for pilgrimage.
Gangotri Dham Yatra Registration
To provide a hassle-free and systematic Yatra for the devotees of Uttarakhand, it has become compulsory for them to register for the Chardham Yatra. This step also helps in controlling the flow of pilgrims in the temples and their security.
The registration process is simple and quick, and there are no charges for it. Pilgrims can complete the registration process both online and offline, and registration is mandatory for Charham Yatra by helicopter bookings. After successful registration, pilgrims will get a Yatra slip that they need to take along during the Yatra. The slip has QR codes that will help with the verification near the temples.
Online Gangotri Dham Registration
- To complete the online registration process, you need to visit https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Then, you must complete the signup process and log in again with the credentials received via SMS. You can find the option to register for Yatra. For that, you need to put travel dates, name, contact number, number of pilgrims, and the necessary documents to conclude the registration procedure.
- You can download the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app, which is available for both Android and iOS devices. From there, you can also complete the Chardham Yatra registration process.
- Completing the registration process is also possible using WhatsApp. You need to send “Yatra” to 8394833833 and proceed with the registration process.
Offline Gangotri Dham Registration
For those who wish to register offline, pilgrims are free to look for registration centers in several districts in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Sonprayag areas. During the registration procedure, pilgrims have to present their photo identity card and other mandatory documents to obtain the Yatra registration slip. They have to take this slip to the temple.
The verification is physically possible only at the shrine being visited after using the “QR Code” in the mobile application or producing the “Yatra Registration Letter.”
Best Time to Visit Gangotri
When planning to visit the Gangotri Dham, you must note the best times to do so. The temples of Chardham Yatra, including Gangotri, remain open for only a period of six months – May to November. During the rest of the time, the temples remain inaccessible due to heavy snowfall and religious reasons. The temple opens in May, and from then, you can plan your visit until June before the monsoon. Also, during the summer, you can expect heavy crowds, so plan everything accordingly. The monsoon season is a risky season with chances of landslides and floods. These situations can hinder your Yatra and also can be life-threatening. Avoid monsoons at any cost.
Post-monsoon, from September till November, before the temple closes, you can plan your Yatra. Moreover, this is also the time when you won’t find heavy traffic. Heli Chardham Yatra can help you plan the entire Yatra experience.
Places to Visit Near Gangotri
There are several other places of interest nearby Gangotri Dham, which provide tourists with a blend of religious, geologic, and adventurous attractions. Here are some must-visit spots.
Gomukh Glacier
It is 18 Km from Gangotri and is the source of the Bhagirathi River. It is also a famous trek especially for the pilgrims due to the religious aspect of the place as well as nature lovers due to the natural beauty of the area.
Tapovan
Further from Gomukh lies Tapovan, a high-altitude meadow that offers excellent vistas of the peaks sites, Shivling, and the Bhagirathi group of mountains. It attracts tourists mostly by trekking and camping.
Bhojbasa
Located on the route leading to Gomukh, Bhojbasa is a pleasant place to camp and take a break during the trek. It is also the name derived from the ‘Bhojpatra’ trees that are found in the area.
Pandava Gufa
There is folklore that even the five Pandavas brothers from the epic Mahabharata carried out a penance here while in exile. The place is about 1.5 km from the Gangotri Dham.
Harsil
Located nearly 25 km from the city of Gangotri, Harsil is a calm village famous for its apple produce, woods, and stunning natural beauty. It is also an excellent place to visit and enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
The origin of the River Ganges and seat of the Goddess Ganga.
The Gangotri temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga>
Yes, Gangotri Dham is accessible by helicopter. The journey starts from Harsil and takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Gangotri temple is located in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, India.
