Gangotri  
THE ETERNAL GIFT OF BHAGIRATH�S PENANCE

Tourist Points: Almora, Chamoli,Dhanaulti, Kausani, Mussoorie, Nainital & Ranikhet.
Wild Life :  Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Govind Wildlife
Sanctuary & National Park.
Pilgrimage:   Haridwar,Rishikesh,Yamunotri,Gangotri,Kedarnath,Badrinath and Hemkund Saheb.
Nature Lovers:   Valley of Flowers.
Adventures Seekers: Skiing & Auli , Water Sports and Trekking.

GANGOTRI:  

The most sacred spot where Ganga, the stream of life, touched earth for the first time.According to mythology, Goddess Ganga the daughter of heaven, manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of king Bhagirath predecessors, following his severe penance of 5500 years, Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimize the immense impact for her fall. She came to be called Bhagirathi at here legendary source.

At the right bank of Bhagirathi stands the shrine of Gangotri dedicated to the Goddess. Perched at a height of 3,042 mts., it was constructed in the early 18^th century by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa. Every year hundred thousands of pilgrims throng the sacred shrine between May & October. Like Yamunotri the shrine of Gangotri opens every year on auspicious day of Akshaya-Tritiya & closes on the day of Diwali. By this time, Gangotri is covered by snow. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhba, her winter abode (12km downstream). In the Indian society she is not only a river, perennial source of water & energy, but is also the mother benevolent feeding and cleansing the millions. Season: April to November.

Sight Seeing:

Gangotri Temple:Legend is-King Bhagirath used to worship Lord shiva, at the sacred stone, near which this 18^th century temple is located. Ganga is believed that the Pandavas, came here to perform the great Deva Yagna to atone the death of their kinsmen in the battle of Mahabharat. The temple is made of white granite.

Submerged Shivling: The natural rock Shivling submerged in the river, is an amazing sight reinforcing the power of the divine. According to mythology, Lord Shiva sat at this spot to receive the Ganga in his matted locks. The shivling is visible in the early winters when the water level goes down.

In the excursion of Gangotri there are many beautiful places like- Gaumukh (18km), Dayara Bugyal, Nandanvan Tapovan (6km),Har-ki-Doon, Kedartal(18km), Bhairon Ghati(10kms.), Harsil(28kms.), Gangnani(59kms.), Maneri(86kms.), Dodi Tal(123kms.), Nachiketa Tal, Tehri and Narendra Nagar.

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