The faith of the whole of India is associated with Ganga. The water of Ganga is considered the most sacred. Along with this, Ganga has been given the status of Ganga Maiya. But do you know why Gangotri is considered so sacred?
Who had constructed Gangotri Dham?
Gangotri Dham is situated at an altitude of 3042 meters above sea level. It is said that the temple of Ganga Maiya was built by Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. Gangotri Dham is the second among the four Dhams of Uttarakhand. It is situated amidst the beautiful valleys of Uttarkashi. The lush green valleys, chirping birds, flowing Mother Ganga add to the beauty of this Dham.
How did Bhagirathi come to earth from Brahma’s Kamandal?
According to mythology, King Bhagiratha of Raghukul, the ancestor of Lord Ram, had performed severe penance for Lord Shiva by sitting on a rock at this place to bring Mother Ganga to earth. Lord Shiva was very pleased with the penance of Bhagiratha and he placed Ganga on his head with Brahma ji’s Kamandal.
After which Lord Shiva opened one of his locks and sent Ganga into the lap of the Himalayas. Mother Ganga touched the earth for the first time in Gangotri Dham itself. The Pandavas are believed to have died in the Mahabharata war. For the peace of the souls of his family members, a Dev Yagya was performed at Gangotri Dham.
Gaumukh is at a distance of 19 kilometers from Gangotri Dham
Gangotri Dham is made of shining plateaus of excellent white granite. There is also a Shivalinga here which is submerged in water.
Gaumukh is situated at a distance of 19 kilometers from Gangotri Dham. Gaumukh is the place from where the Bhagirathi river originates. It is believed that whoever takes bath in the icy water here, all his sins are washed away.
Gangotri Dham has a very special significance for Indian Hindus. It is considered a pilgrimage area for the people who believe in Sanatan culture. It is said that one must make a pilgrimage to these pilgrimage sites once in one’s lifetime. The water of Ganga ji collected near the Gangotri temple is considered equivalent to nectar and all the devotees take it to their homes.
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