Gomukh

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Map of Uttarkashi district

Gomukh (गौमुख) is the terminus or pout of the Gangotri Glacier and the source of the Bhagirathi River, one of the primary headstreams of the Ganga River. It is situated in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India.

Variants

Origin

The word Gomukh/Gaumukh (go/gau=cow, mukh= mouth) literally means "Mouth of a Cow."

Location

Gomukh is situated at a height of 13,200 ft (4,023 m) in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometers. It is a holy Hindu pilgrimage site, along with Gangotri, as well as trekking destination. Gomukh is 18 km from Gangotri in the foothills of Bhagirathi at a height of 4255m. It is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. The Bhagirathi river here is pretty speedy.

History

Gomukh is mentioned in the Puranas. It is said there that, searching a lost sheep, a boy reached near a glacier in Gangotri, the snout of which exactly looked like the face of a Cow, and thus it got its name 'Gomukh' . From then many holy saints, sages, sadhus, hermits, adventure seekers, as well as religious people and adventure seekers also went there to worship the place. It is also rumored that, if anyone visits Gomukh / Gawmukh with evil intentions or polluted body or mind, his ancestors fall in Burning Hell and that person experiences grave horrors and deep melancholy surrounds him.

Gomukh trek

The first and foremost thing for Gomukh trek is that you must have permission from (D.F.O.) District forest officer, Uttarkashi. The trail to Gomukh begins from Gangotri, about 19 km from Gomukh.

9 km ahead of Gangotri is Chirbasa, the abode of Chir trees. After 3 km of Chirbasa comes the dangerous Gila Pahar, the place well known for its landslides. Here the Bharals, a type of mountain antelope, are sometimes seen. The Bharals are found above the altitude of 10,000 ft. Only 4 km from here is Bhujbasa, the only night halting place on the way with buildings. One can stay at the GMVN Bungalow, or at the Lalbaba's Ashram or at Ram Baba's ashram. After trekking 4 km from Bhujbasa, one reaches Gomukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. A little before Gomukh, the majestic view of Shivling welcomes the trekkers to the place.

On the trail no horses are allowed, so one must take preparations to walk on foot. The trek to Tapovan and Nandanvan starts from here.

The route after 'Bhojbasa' can be quite difficult, more so since the 2013 floods. One has to cross a boulder zone to reach the Gomukh snout.

The trek beyond Gomukh is quite difficult. Crossing the glacier and going towards Tapovan has become quite dangerous nowadays because of the landslides.

गौमुख

गौमुख: गंगोत्री से 19 किलोमीटर दूर 3,892 मीटर की ऊंचाई पर स्थित गौमुख गंगोत्री ग्लेशियर का मुहाना तथा भागीरथी नदी का उद्गम स्थल है। कहते हैं कि यहां के बर्फिले पानी में स्नान करने से सभी पाप धुल जाते हैं। गंगोत्री से यहां तक की दूरी पैदल या फिर ट्ट्टुओं पर सवार होकर पूरी की जाती है। चढ़ाई उतनी कठिन नहीं है तथा कई लोग उसी दिन वापस भी आ जाते है। गंगोत्री में कुली एवं ट्ट्टु उपलब्ध होते हैं। 25 किलोमीटर लंबा, 4 किलोमीटर चौड़ा तथा लगभग 40 मीटर ऊंचा गौमुख अपने आप में एक परिपूर्ण माप है। इस गोमुख ग्लेशियर में भगीरथी एक छोटी गुफानुमा ढांचे से आती है। इस बड़ी बर्फानी नदी में पानी 5,000 मीटर की ऊंचाई पर स्थित एक बेसिन में आता है, जिसका मूल पश्चिमी ढलान पर से संतोपंथ समूह की चोटियों से है।[1]

External links

References


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