Visited
by hundreds of thousands pilgrims every year, this 18th century temple
constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa , is near the spot where
the goddess Ganga is said to have first descended on earth from heaven,
in answer to the prayers of King Bhagriath. The revered shrine of Gangotri,
situated at an altitude of 3,200 mts.about sea-level amidst sylvan surroundings, constitutes one of the most important pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. Lord shiva received her into his matted locks to break the great force of her fall. From there it emerged into many streams and the one which started from Gangotri was called Bhagirathi.
The Pandavas, it is said, came here to perform the great 'Deva Yajna' to atone for the death of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharat. The temple itself is situated on the right bank of the Bhagtathi . There are a number of ashrams locked on the other side of the ashrams locked on the other side of the Bhagirathi, many of which provide accommodation facilities to the travellers.
