Sacred Shrines of Chardham
Gangotri Temple
Deity
Goddess Ganga
Altitude
3,100m
"Where the Celestial River Touches Earth"
Gangotri Temple is the spiritual source of the Ganges. Set amidst deodar forests and rugged mountains, this white granite shrine honors Goddess Ganga, who descended from the heavens to purify the souls of mankind.
Section 01
Architecture of Purity
The temple is a simple yet elegant structure made of white granite, built in the 18th century by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. The white walls symbolize the purity of the Ganges and the snow of the peaks that house its source. It stands on the right bank of the Bhagirathi river.
Section 02
King Bhagiratha's Penance
The site is associated with the legend of King Bhagiratha, who performed intense penance to bring Ganga to earth. Nearby is the **Bhagirath Shila**, the sacred rock where the king is said to have prayed. To save the earth from her fierce current, Lord Shiva received Ganga in his matted locks.
Section 03
The Ganga Aarti
The evening Aarti at Gangotri is a deeply moving experience. Priests perform complex rituals with large flaming lamps on the banks of the roaring Bhagirathi, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns that echo through the Himalayan valley.
Temple Puja & Aarti Timings
A Spiritual Schedule for Pilgrims
Ritual
Timing
Temple Opening
6:15 AM
Morning Puja
8:30 AM
Afternoon Break
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Evening Ganga Aarti
7:00 PM
Temple Closing
9:30 PM
* Timings are subject to change based on the Temple Committee's seasonal adjustments.