Gangotri

9 kilometers from Bhairon Ghati, at an altitude of 3100 metres, is situated Gangotri, a Hindu pilgrim town on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. According to Hindu mythology, it was here that Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair.

The shrine of Gangotri is surrounded by deodars and pines. A few ashrams, dharamshalas and hotels are located on both sides of the river. According to legend, King Sagara once staged a rite called the Ashwamedha Yajna as a proclamation of his supremacy. A horse, accompanied by 60,000 of the king’s son, was to be taken on an uninterrupted journey around the earth. Indra, the king of gods, fearing that he might be deprived of his celestial throne if the rite succeeded, stole the horse, and tied it to the ashram of sage Kapila who was, at the time, in deep meditation. When the sons of the king found the horse, they stormed the Ashram thus disturbing the sage’s penance. The sage opened his eyes in anger and burnt down all 60,000 of the king’s son. Bhagiratha, the grandson of King Sagar, propiated the Goddess Ganga for centuries at Gangotri, to request her to cleanse the ashes of his ancestors and liberate their souls. Goddess Ganga took the form of a river and fell from the heavens. To ensure that the torrential flow did not destroy the world, lord Shiva took her in his locks and released the gentle flow here at Gangotri.

It is believed that Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks.

Pandav Gufa is an ancient natural cave, located 1.5 km from Gangotri Dham. The cave is reached via a short trek. Pandav Gufa is believed to be the place where Pandavs from Mahabharat meditated on their way to Mount Kailash. The trekking trail has lush greenery and scenic views all along.

Surya Kund waterfalls is the most spectacular part of Gangotri. The Bhagirathi River falls through deep gorges into downstream here. One must cross an iron bridge to have a clear view of the magnificent falls. According to Hindu mythology, it was here that Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. One must cross an iron bridge to have a clear view of the magnificent falls. The falls is at an altitude of 3100 metres.