Uttarakasi - Gangothri

I felt that I should write more about Uttarakasi.

Uttaarkashi is at an elevation of about 1150 meters. It is situated on the bank of Bhagirathi river.

On January 14th, the Makara Sankramanam day devotees take a dip in the holy river. The event is called Magh Mela. Some bring the image of their village (family) deity and hold it in their hand while taking the holy dip.

We did not participate in this. Well, we were there in May. Come to think of it, the temperatures would have been in sub-zeros. A dip in that cold water??

This is the most sacred portion of the river Ganga. According to mythology, Goddess Ganga manifested in the form of a river due to Bhagirath’s severe penance of many hundreds of years. Lord Shiva received her into his matted locks to minimize the impact of her fall. Hence the name Bhagirathi. The shrine of Gangothri is dedicated to the Goddess. It is situated along the right bank. Every year, millions of devotees visit this sacred temple between May and October. The area is covered with snow from November onwards. The local Sthala purana says that the Goddess retreats to her winter abode Mukhba in winter.

Uphill, when you go about 18 kms along the glacier of Gangothri, is the source of the holy river at Gaumukh. Those pilgrims interested in trekking upto the source to offer prayers go either on foot or on ponies. The forests and peaks offer excellent trekking and mountaineering opportunities. Those interested in Mountaineering may visit or contact NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering).