Where was Lord Ganesha born? The answer lies in this stunning Himalayan lake in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is known as the ‘Land of Gods’ for a reason. The state is known for being home to some of the ancient and historically significant temples in the world. People already know about the Chota Char Dham temples which are four holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. But did you know that a lake in Uttarakhand, known as Dodital, is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha? Set in the picturesque Garhwal Himalayas, this mystical freshwater lake is a lesser-known sacred site. Blending mythology with natural beauty, Dodital offers rare experiences. There’s a small temple close to the lake which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. People visit here to offer prayers at his legendary birthplace.Let’s find out more about this mystical lake:The mythological story of DoditalAs per Hindu legends, Dodital is the same place where Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati, consort of Shiva. He was made out of sandalwood paste used by Parvati before bathing. She created him to guard the doors while she bathed in the pond. The mythological story further narrates that Lord Shiva, when tried to enter the pond, Ganesha immediately stopped him. As a kid, he was clueless who Shiva was. Shiva, in a fit of anger, cut Ganesha’s head. When Parvati saw this, she became extremely furious and asked Shiva to bring her baby back to life. Afraid of Parvati’s anger, Shiva revived Ganesha with an elephant’s head. Where is Dodital?Dodital in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand is set at an altitude of about 3,024 m (9,921 ft). The lake is extremely beautiful and is enveloped by snow-covered peaks and alpine meadows. The kind of peace you get here is hard to find elsewhere. The place has a healing vibe that instantly soothes the soul. In the waters of this magical lake thrives the Himalayan golden trout.How to reach DoditalReaching Dodital is no less than an adventure. The nearest town to Dodital is Uttarkashi which is about 30 km away.By road: Uttarkashi is connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun via regular buses. One can also get private taxis and local cabs. From Uttarkashi, reach Sangam Chatti which is the starting point of the trek.By train: The nearest railway stations are Haridwar (around 170 km) and Dehradun (around 200 km). From outside the railway station, you can hire a cab or take a bus.By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, which is some 200 km away.Sangam Chatti, the trekking pointFrom Sangam Chatti, it’s a long trek of about 21 km. It might be tiring but the experience is rewarding as it takes travellers through dense forests, streams, and tiny Himalayan hamlets including Agoda and Bebra. Best time to visit DoditalThe best time to plan a trip to Dodital completely depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for:Summer (April to June): During this time, the weather remains pleasant. The whole place is surrounded by lush greenery. The sky is clear making it perfect for trekking.Autumn (October to November): The weather is rosy during this time. People can enjoy stunning mountain views.The belief that this is where Lord Ganesha was created itself gives goosebumps making the lake sacred to devotees. This is why Dodital holds a sacred spot in the religious circuit of India. Whether you travel for the mythology or the adventure, Dodital is a must-visit hidden gem of Uttarakhand.