Gangotri Temple

Gangotri Temple is the supreme sacred shrine honoring Goddess Ganga, situated at an elevation of 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in Gangotri, Uttarakhand. As one of the foundational pillars of the revered Chota Chardham pilgrimage circuit, this 18th century white granite temple was originally erected by the Gorkha general Amar Singh Thapa on the spot where King Bhagiratha meditated to bring the celestial Ganga down to earth.

Surrounded by towering Himalayan cedar trees and snow capped mountain walls, the temple courtyard buzzes with devotional energy. Pilgrims gather on the granite stone ghats along the icy river to perform holy ablutions and fill brass urns with sacred Gangajal. Evening Ganga Aarti here fills the narrow mountain valley with rhythmic conch sounds, warm butter lamps, and powerful Vedic chants.

Truth is, listening to the roaring glacial river while evening brass lamps reflect across the white granite shikhara leaves an indelible spiritual impression. The temple remains open annually from Akshaya Tritiya in May until Diwali in November.