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Gangotri

Krishna said in Bhagavad-gita: "Amongst rivers I am Ganges" and all over the world you will hardly find a river more worshiped and more sacred than Ganges.

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	Gangotri is situated on the upper reaches of Ganges, 3140 m above sea level near the most famous Ganges's source - Gomukh. Ganges has many sources which gradually combine into full-fledged Ganges.
	In Gangotri king Bhagirat prayed for deliverance of his forefathers by sacred water from Ganges. By his prayers he satisfied demigod Brahma and by his benediction Ganges agreed to descend on Earth planet.
	Lord Shiva had to capture her strong current and thus protect the Earth from disturbance. Ganges's outpour was in this way divided into many streams which fell on different places in Himalayas where Ganges has its springs. The most prominent of them is Gomukh. Lord Shiva is often seen with Ganges on his head.
	Gangotri-ghat Pandavas are said to perform penances in Gangotri to atone for death of their relatives in the Battle of Kuruksetra.
	Arati ceremony for direct worship of Ganges river is conducted in this place. Ganges is worshiped in temple in her Deity form on the altar and afterwards her waters are worshipped here.
	Temple of Goddess Ganges The temple is located near sacred stone, called Bhagirati-sila, which can be found just 50 steps on the left from the temple. King Bhagirat is said to perform penances here to please Lord Shiva, when he wanted him to sustain Ganges on her descend.
	I front of the temple. Arati ceremony is every day attended by many people.
	White roof of the temple.
	Ganges flowing down the Gangotri creates pleasing fizzy sound which gives Gangotri pleasant atmosphere.
	Waterfall Sahasradhara in Gangotri.
	Confluence of Bhagirati and Khedar Ganges in Gangotri.
	In this place Ganges flows to the north thus giving Gangotri its name. "Gangotri" literally means "Ganges flowing to the north".
	One courageous tourist from Switzerland put up his tent in Gangotri.
	In the center of Gangotri.
	Pavan-suta is worshipping Ganges by water from the river...
	...which is afterwards poured on head for purification.
	Gauri-kund Ganges is flowing here in narrow gorge about one meter wide. Its waters are penetrating the rock and creating strong current.
	Ganges on its way from Uttarakashi to Gangotri.

Pictures for this section are from Pavan-suta das.
We would like to thank him very much for his kind contribution.

Published: November 2001

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