Feb 03, 2016 — NEW YORK (SUN) — Excerpts from a pilgrimage guide from the 1970s.
CHAPTER VIII
GANGOTRI - WHERE THE GANGA DESCENDED ON EARTH
The temple of Ganga is situated on the right bank of the Bhagirathi (Ganga) and its journey can be seen in various moods deep and silent in the lower plains, but at Gangotri, Bhagirathi is gurgling, tossing, frothing and singing an ecstatic melody. Bhagirathi is quite different from Alaknanda, Sarasvati and Yamuna, so the water of Gangotri is carried to Rameshwaram in South India and offered to Lord Shiva. There are also a few ashrams and dharamshalas on the left bank of Bhagirathi.
The pujaris and pandas are living in the nearest village Mukhwa and all the pujas are offered to Gangaji in the Gangotri temple and also on the bank of Ganga River.
The holy temple of Gangotri was constructed by the Gorkha General A.S. Thapa and is situated at a height of 3140 M. above sea-level. Near the temple of Gangotri the slab of stone on which King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated is called the Bhagirathi Shila. Water collected from Gangotri does not contain any impurities, even after being kept for several years. When one takes a holy dip in the Ganges at Gangotri, it is believed that all sins are cleansed away. The opening and closing days are same as Yamunotri. Gangotri is 228 Km. from Yamunotri and 248 Km. from Rishikesh. Gauri Kund and Dev Ghat are very famous here. Best season for yatra is May, June, and September, October. November to April are snow bound months, May to November are cold and July to September are full of monsoon.
The road to Gangotri and Yamunotri are same. Dharasu is 120 Km. from Rishikesh and travelers have to follow the route to Gangotri via Uttarkashi from here.
UTTARKASHI:
The prosperous town of Uttarkashi is situated on the bank of Ganga River and is a town of historical temples, ashrams and dharamshalas. The temple of Lord Vishwanath is most important and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shakti temple is another famous temple, which is dedicated to the goddess of power (Shakti). Kali temple, Ekadash Rudra temple and Parashuram temple are also visible. The fair on Makar Sankranti is celebrated here for seven days. The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is located here and giving training to the young. Ujali, one Km. from here, is a colony of saints and sages. Uttarkashi is 28 Km. from Dharasu.
GANGORRI:
On the route to Gangotri this place is 4 Km. from Uttarkashi. Pilgrims can go to Dodital Lake on foot from here. This lake is full of natural beauty and situated at a height of 3024 M. above sea-level.
MANERI:
The Maneri-Bhali Project Dam (39 M. high) is being constructed here on Bhagirathi river and this place is 158 Km. from Rishikesh.
BHATWARI:
A small market is located in this small important town and this place is 19 Km. from Maneri. A bridle path is coming from Gangotri to this town and branches off to the holy shrine of Kedarnath.
GANGNANI:
This place is 191 Km. from Rishikesh and 171 Km. from Yamunotri and is a good place for meditation. Some years ago this was a popular halting place (chatti) when journeys were covered on foot to Gangotri, but it lost the importance as the buses continue on through here. The hot water springs are famous for bathing.
SUKHI:
This place is 18 Km. from Gangnani and situated at an altitude of 2744 M. above sea-level. From Uttarkashi to Gangotri road goes high and high and from this height every one can see the Himalayas view, crowned with snow.
JHALA:
This place is 7 Km. from Sukhi and the journey down to Jhala is an exciting descent of 305 meters. A road crosses to the left bank of Bhagirathi from Jhala and goes parallel to it.
HARSIL:
This small chatti is 6 Km. from Jhala. This is a beautiful valley of Ganga river and a temple of Lord Lakshmi Narain is visible here. From Harsil to Jangla is a delightful route.
LANKA CHATTI:
This is a little halting place and at present Lanka Chatti is the last motorhead and road from Harsil to here is not painted but metalled. Lanka Chatti is 235 Km. from Rishikesh and 215 Km. from Yamunotri. The onward journey to Gangotri is to be completed on foot, by ponies and dandies. The road is straight and it again crosses the Bhagirathi here.
BHAIRON GHATI:
The last halting place is Bhairon Ghati and it is 3 Km. trek and route must be covered on foot. Now a motor bridge is under construction here and expected to be completed very soon. The confluence of Bhagirathi and Jahnavi looks bright and beautiful. Some vehicles are taken in parts by trolleys across the Jahnavi and reassembled at Bhairon Ghati, therefore, now motors and jeeps are available from here to Gangotri for a distance of 10 Km. but transport charges are very high.
