Gangotri is in Uttarakhand state of India. It is a place of origin of the Holy river Ganga or the Ganges. It lies at a height of about 3042 metres above sea level. It is about 100 kms from Uttarkashi. Gangotri is one of the four Dhams (centre of pilgrimage) of Uttarakhand. There is a famous temple of Gangaji. The construction work for this temple was initiated in 18th century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa. However, the temple was finally built by Jaypur rulers. The deity here is called Patit Pawani Ganga Maiya. It opens for devotees on Akshaya Tritiya and is closed on Diwali. It meant the period between May to October November is assigned for devotees who gather here in great numbers to worship the deity. According to the legend, the King Bhagirath meditated at this place and worshiped Lord Shiv. The rock believed to be the sitting place of Bhagirath has now become a place of pilgrimage. The Ganga Temple is built nearby in 18th century. It is believed that the Goddess Bhagirathi had touched the Earth at this very place. The tradition tells us that Pandavas of Mahabharata had come here to perform Dev Yagya for their kith and kins who were killed in the Mahabharat war. There is also a Shiv Ling here in the form of a rock submerged in the waters of Bhagirathi. The deity is visible in winter when water level goes down. It is said that Lord Shiv had enslaved the Ganges in his locks when it came down from heaven. Later she was allowed to come down on Earth after Bhagirath's penance and worship. __Places of interest__ ((Gomukh or Gaumukh)) ((Kedartal)) ((Uttarkashi)) ((Ganganani)) ((Harsil)) ((Sattal)) ((Dodital))