82 Abode of Gods

From Harsil there is a trekking route to Simla in Himachal
Pradesh. It goes all allong Hari Ganga which is also known as
Jalandhari Gad. This route was once quite in vogue.

Bol Ganga Maiya-ki-jai

Leaving Harsil is no pleasure but since our destination is Gan-
gotri and Gaumukh, we proceed on. A little ahead lies Dharali and
Mukhwa, the twin villages on either side of the Bhagirathi.
Walking through thick deodar forests, we now cross into an area
of blue pine and spruce. At Jangla we cross Bhagirathi. Here
the river seems to have cut deep gorges over the rocks which
look like a thigh, hence Bhagirathi is known here as Jahnavi. A
little ahead is Lanka. A huge bridge hanging hundreds of feet
above the Jadh ganga has been constructed. One can see Jadh
Ganga meeting and merging with Ganga, Formerly, this valley
had to be walked on foot. Opposite Lanka is Bhairon Ghati.
From Bhairon Ghati onwards, the whole environment changes.
Everything seems crystal clear. There is no noise, no disturbance,
no whim of whine of engines. There is perfect ease, calm and
tranquility except for the shouts of yatris from different parts of
India singing or shouting in unison 'Bol Ganga Maiya ki jai.'

Gangotri is at an altitude of 10,700 ft. At Gangotri, Kedar
Ganga meets Bhagirathi. Gangotri is a small town. It has
Tourist Rest House, Dharamsalas and ashrams of Sadhus. All
basic amenities are available.

The source of Ganga

Gangotri is designated as per legendary accounts as the source
of river Ganges. A huge temple of Mother Goddess 'Ganga'
has been constructed here which was remodeled by Amar Singh
Thapa, the Nepalese General who held the belief that "By the
practice of charity, the territory acquired in four generations may
be preserved and, through the favour of God, our power and
dominion may be still further extended."1

The temple built by Amar Singh was damaged by a rock fall
which was subsequently repaired by the Raja of Jaipur. The
existing temple is magnificent and spacious. The sanctum sanc-

1. Himalayan Districts, p. 694.