|
THE MANDIR
The
place where Ganga descended is called Gangotri. And now there lies a temple of
modest size dedicated to Ganga. It was p built on the exact place, where,
Bhagiratha did penance by Amar Singh Thapa, the Gurkha commander as early as in
eighteenth century, and made it sacred with installation of the statue of Ganga
in it. And it is visited by millions of pilgrims round the year, since then for
offering fervent prayers. Though there was no big Mandir in the dim past, it was
visited by several celebrities in the Tretha and Dwapara Yugas. The Pancha
Pandavas made a pilgrimage to this sacred spot after the Kurukshetra war to
atoning the sin of killing akshonhinis of innocent for the sake of one wicked
Duryodhana.
It is a small town, and only a few, in thousands, of course, are dwelling
here. There are facilities for food and staying. Yogis, Sadhus, old and highly
evolved souls form the majority, who made this their permanent home, and are
engaged in counting of beads, awaiting the final call from the heaven.
|
