“Where Lord Ganesha wrote the epic Mahabharata”
Ganesh Gufa, nuzzled in Mana village in Chamoli District, is a place of mythological and historical importance. This naturally formed cave is a marvel in itself, which draws the attention of several Globetrotters. Within the proximity of Ganesha Cave is another famous cavern called Vyas Gufa, which can be visited altogether. Since the trek involves a steep climb, elderly and unfit people should avoid it at any cost.
Religious Importance of Ganesha Gufa: The Broken Tusk Story of Ganesha
Although being small in stature, Ganesha Gufa has utmost religious significance as it is associated with a famous Hindu legend which states. When sage Vyas was composing Mahabharata, he needed someone to note the verses that he was dictating.
For which he approached Ganesha hailed as the “God of Wisdom”, the Lord agreed to it but only on one condition. It was that Ved Vyas shouldn’t stop dictating for a moment or else he will stop writing and leave. Maharishi Vyas agreed to it, telling Ganesha not to write anything on his own or without discussing with him. Sage Vyas narrated the legend as fast as he could.
When Ganesha pressed over the texts to keep up with the pace, his reed pen broke. However, this didn’t stop Ganesha from writing, so he continued the task by breaking a part of his tusk to be used as a pen. Finally, the epic Mahabharata was created by Ved Vyas which was etched by Lord Ganesha in this tiny cave.
Things to do in and around Ganesha Cave:
Ganesha Cave is one such place which is often thronged by pilgrims visiting Badrinath Dham. Those who come here don’t forget to see other famous caves hidden in this place. Ganesh Gufa is enveloped by the wilderness that surrounds this area. One can see a small temple located nearby. If you are interested in knowing more about the rich Himalayan culture, then you should visit the nearby villages.
Soak in the serenity of Badrinath town, immerse in spirituality, take a holy dip in Narad Kund and feel the bliss. Indulge in photography or you can embark on thrilling treks that meander through Mana village. Some of the famous tourist attractions to visit from Ganesha Gufa are Badrinath Dham, Bhim Pul, Saraswati Temple, Alaknanda river and Tapta Kund.
Location: Mana Village, Chamoli District
Entry Fee: Free
Transportation Options: Walk/Trek
Visited from: Mana village near Badrinath
Distance (From Badrinath): 4 km
Best Time to Visit: From May to November
Trip Duration: 30 minutes
Nearby Hotels (3-4 km away): Sarovar Portico Badrinath, Hotel Yoga & Hotel Narayan Palace
Explore other caverns around Ganesh Gufa:
The area around Ganesha Gufa houses several other caves like Vyas Gufa which is in the proximity. According to the Hindu mythology, Vyas Gufa is the place where Maharishi Ved Vyas wrote the 18 Puranas and compiled the Vedas into four parts.
Further, 3 km upward climb from Vyas Gufa is another cavern called Muchukand Gufa. An age-old legend suggests that Muchukand Gufa is the place, where Lord Krishna annihilated Kaal Yawan demon with the help of Sage Muchukand.
How to reach Ganesh Gufa:
The Ganesh Gufa (Ganesha Cave) is located in Mana, the last village in India. It is a natural cave situated near Bhim Pul erected over Saraswati river. This holy place is around 4 km from Badrinath Dham in Chamoli district. Upon reaching Badrinath, you need to take a short 3 km hike to reach Mana village or you can hire a taxi instead. From Mana, a swift 1 km trail will guide you to Ganesha Gufa.
By Road
If you are taking the road, follow the route to Joshimath through NH51 and then head towards Mana village. Alternatively, one can also take the bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate, New Delhi to the nearest city Badrinath. Buses and taxis to Badrinath ply from Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Srinagar etc.
By Train
Rishikesh railway station at 297 km away is the nearest railhead to Mana. From here, you can take the bus or hire a taxi to reach the hamlet.
By Air
Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the closest air connectivity from Mana village. Mana is approximately 315 km away from Dehradun. Taxis to Mana are easily available from Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun.