There are a couple of major attractions for tourists
that keep them coming back year after year. The major tourist
attractions of Gangotri are the following:
Submerged Shivling
The Shivling which is submerged in river water is a magnificent sight
which reinforces the power of the divine God. Mythology has it that Lord
Shiva sat at this spot to receive Ganga in his locks.
The submerged shivling is visible in the early winters when the water
level goes down. The submerged Shivling is perhaps the most sacred spot
where Ganga, the stream of life touched mother earth for the very first
time.
Gangotri Shrine
Right by the side of the bank of Bhagirathi River stands the shrine of
Gangotri. It is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. Located at a height of
3,042 metres above the sea level, it is believed to have been
constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander named Amar
Singh Thapa.
Each year, the temple sees lakhs of tourists visiting between the
months of May and October. However, by November, Gangotri is covered in
snow. There is the Gangotri temple located near-by the shrine. The
temple is 20 feet in height and is made of exquisite white granite.
