Gangotri Temple
Where the Ganga descends to earth
Wikimedia Commons
About Gangotri Temple
The second of the Chota Char Dham, Gangotri marks the spot where the goddess Ganga is believed to have descended to earth on the locks of Lord Shiva. The white-stone temple stands beside the rushing Bhagirathi, a few kilometres from the true glacial source at Gaumukh, amid the high Garhwal peaks.
Aarti Timings
- Mangala Aarti06:15
- Sandhya Ganga Aarti19:30
Timings are indicative and may change on festival days.
Festivals & Sacred Days
Kapaat Opening (Akshaya Tritiya)
April–MayThe shrine opens for the season as the goddess returns from her winter seat at Mukhba village.
Ganga Dussehra
May–JuneCelebrates the descent of the Ganga to earth with grand aartis on the riverbank.
Kapaat Closing (Diwali)
October–NovemberThe shrine closes for winter and the deity is carried down to Mukhba for six months.
Poojas & Sevas
Ganga Aarti
19:30Evening worship of Goddess Ganga on the banks of the Bhagirathi, lamps reflected in the icy waters.
Ganga Puja
Worship of the river goddess; pilgrims fill vessels with sacred Gangajal to carry home.
Abhishek
Ceremonial offering to the goddess for the spiritual merit and wellbeing of the devotee.
Travel Guide
Address
Gangotri Temple, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand 249135
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (230 km)
Nearest Railway
Dehradun Railway Station (240 km)
Best Season
May to June and September to October. The shrine is closed roughly November to April due to snow.
Dress Code
Warm clothing essential. Modest, traditional dress for darshan.
How to reach
Reachable by road from Uttarkashi and Dehradun right up to Gangotri town; the temple is a short walk from the road.
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