![]() ![]() Gangotri Glacier The Gangotri glacier happens to be the origin of the Bhagirathi River. The glacier is 30 kilometers long and between 2 to 4 kilometers wide. It is located in the Uttarkashi district in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, near the border of China. It is a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindu devotees as well as trekkers who come here to take a dip in the waters near the glacier. Due to global warming, the glacier is often observed to be diminishing. The journey though strenuous is worth it, in ways more than one. Gaumukh This is considered to be the accurate source of the Bhagirathi River- the main channel that forms the sacred Ganga River along with some more rivers. The place looks like a cow's mouth and offers stunning natural beauty along with spiritual significance. Gangotri Temple A Gurkha commander Amar Singh Thapa built this temple in the 18th century. The temple has an attractive white marble structure about 20 feet high. During the winter months, the statue is moved away to the nearby Mukhimath village and is kept there for the next six months. The Shiva Linga The submerged Shiva Linga is a phallic form of Lord Shiva and is visible only during winter when the water levels are low enough. This is believed to be the exact spot where Lord Shiva had entangled the river in his locks. |
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