Situated in Uttarkashi, the Gangotri Temple is among the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Located at the centre of the town Gangotri and surrounded by snow-clad mountains, this sacred temple holds significant importance in Hindu mythology. Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, this holy shrine is located at an elevation of 3200 meters and is open for visitors only six months out of a year. It remains closed during winters as the area is prone to heavy snowfall. Yet another reason Gangotri is considered to be one of the holiest places is that this is the place where River Ganga is said to originate. Ganga is one of the most important and sacred rivers in Hindu mythology.
Legend says, Goddess Ganga set afoot on Earth to wash away the sins of King Bhagirathi’s ancestors. Symbolizing purity and sanctity, this was the place where Goddess Ganga turned herself into a river that originated from Lord Shiva’s locks. From various mentions in Hindu mythology to present-day devotees, this river has always been considered pure and a place to wash away one’s sins. A submerged Shivling is also visible in this river when the water resides. This is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva sat and divided the river into seven streams to save Earth from the fury of Goddess Ganga.