Gangotri temple nestled in the midst of panoramic views of majestic Himalayas is a temple belonging to River Goddess Ganga. The temple is lodged at an elevation of 3415meters above the sea level and falls within Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district. Gorkha army commander Amar Singh Thapa had set up this holy temple around the 18th century. The temple falls along the River Bhagirathi, another name for River Ganges and is surrounded by thickets of Alpine forests. Gangotri temple is one of the Chota Chardhams and is visited in the second place during the Chardham Yatra. Gangotri Dham is nearly 248kms away from Rishikesh and nearly 105kms away from Uttarkashi
Gangotri Temple-Outside and Inside
The Gangotri temple is about 20ft in height and is constructed using white granite. The architectural pattern resemble the temple style of any North Indian temple but this one is relatively simple in look and devoid of any complex, elaborate carvings. The temple has a white appearance symbolic of Ganga’s purity and serenity. A Sabha Mandap is there at the front of the temple; it leads to the temple’s main entrance followed by the sanctum sanctorum or Garbha Griha. The temple consists in 3 major cupolas which are beautifully decked at their peak with gleaming, golden spires. Near to the temple lie 2 mythological sites; the Bhagirath Shila and Jal Magna Shivling. The idol of Goddess Ganga is housed within the Garbha Griha.
Gangotri Temple Architecture
It is believed that the original temple of Gangotri was quite small enough and it was only during the 18th century that Gangotri temple acquired its present stature. It was during that time that Amar Singh Thapa, the Gorkha army chief constructed this temple. The temple has been constructed in adherence to the north Indian temple architectural pattern. White granite has been used to construct the temple which is rather plain in style with no elaborate carvings. The temple rises to 20ft in height and looks serene and pure with its alabaster white color. A Sabha Mandap precedes the temple’s ordinary entrance and then follows the Garbha Griha with the idol of Goddess Ganga enshrined within. The temple includes 3 main cupolas adorned with beautiful golden spires. There are also few minor cupolas to the temple. Though the architecture of the temple is not so ornate, yet the temple’s religious splendor is no less when compared to the other famed temples of the country.
Gangotri Dham Folklore and Religious Importance
It is said that Raja Bhagirath had performed rigorous penance to offer salvation to the souls of ancestors. He was told that his ancestors would get salvation only if the waters of River Ganga washed their ashes. River Ganga at that time was flowing in the heavens. Raja Bhagirath then implored Goddess Ganga to flow on earth. At last the Goddess agreed and poured down with immense force. To prevent destruction of creations due to Ganga’s mighty force Lord Shiva held the Goddess in his dense matted locks. The waters of the river then touched the ashes of King Bhagirath’s ancestors and offered them salvation. The stone slab sitting on which Raja Bhagirath did his penance is called Bhagirath Shila and the place where Lord Shiva held the goddess in his locks is called Jalmagna Shivlinga.
A visit to Gangotri Dham is believed to offer all pilgrims with salvation, freeing them from the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth. Also, the waters of the River flowing past the temple are needed in the Puja of Lord Shiva. It is considered full of nectar and pilgrims make sure to carry this water back home
Gangotri Dham Puja
The Puja at the temple is performed by Pujaris from the Mukhba village who are well versed in Shastras/religious texts and perform Puja flawlessly.
Gangotri Dham opening and Closing Times
Each year the temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya day in the month of May and closes on Yam Dwitiya day in the month of November.
The diurnal opening and closing time of the temple is 6.15am-2.00pm in the morning and 3.00pm-9.30pm in the evening.
