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.
Places of Religious Interest:
These
include a trip to the
Gaumukh
glaciers
(18 km.) - the sourse of the Bhagrithi for a dip in its
icy waters is dip in almost a must for pilgrims; and to the temple of
Bhairavanth at Bhaironghati, (10 km.). GMVN Tourilst Bungalow is located
at Bhojbasa, about 14 km., from Gangotrli, on the road to Uttarkashi, at
thle confluence of the Jat Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers.
Pilgrlims
also trek to Nandanvan (6km) and Kedartal (18km) from Gangotri.
FACILITIES:
Gangotri is well connected to other parts of the country through
air, rail and road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 26 km. From
Rishikesh, 249 km. The local and State Transport bus services also connect
Gangotril with many centres in the region while porters and ponies are
available for excursions to Gaumukh and other places from Gangotril during
the yatra season.
The temple remains closed from Nov. to May due
to severe winter conditions.