GANGOTRI  , a celebrated

place of Hindu pilgrimage, among the Himalaya Mountains . It is situated in the native state of Garhwal in the United Provinces, on the Bhagirathi, the chief head-stream of the Ganges, which is here not above 15 or 20 yds. broad, with a moderate current, and not in general above 3 ft. deep . The course of the river runs N. by E.; and on the bank near Gangotri there is a small temple about 20 ft. high, in which are images representing Ganga, Bhagirathi and other figures of mythology . It dates from the early part of the 18th century . The bed of the river adjoining the temple is divided off by the Brahmans into three basins, where the pilgrims bathe . One of these portions is dedicated to Brahma, another to Vishnu and the third to Siva . The pilgrimage to Gangotri is considered efficacious in washing away the sins of the devotee, and ensuring him eternal happiness in the world to come . The water taken from this sacred spot is exported by pilgrims to India and sold at a high price . The elevation of the temple above the sea is 10,319 ft .