Explore The Miracle Of Hot Water Spring At Manikaran!

Manikaran: The Town

Renowned for its pilgrimage centers, the small town of Manikaran in the state of Himachal Pradesh is nestled amidst the lush green Valley of Parvati at an altitude of 1760 meters. Nearly 45 kilometers away from the main town of Kullu in the Kullu District, this sacred town of hot water spring lies between the roaring rivers of Beas and Parvati. The town houses a number of Hindu temples and a gurudwara for the Sikhs. Hence, a large number of pilgrims throng to this town every year during their visit to Manali and Kullu. The place also holds its significance for its therapeutic spring of hot water and sparkling landscape.

Main attractions of the town

Although the town is symbolic of its religious importance for the Hindus with several temples scattered throughout, the main attraction of the Manikaran lies in the famous Shiv temple and the Sikh Gurudwara between which flows the miraculous hot water spring. Other attractions of the place include the temples of Lord Vishnu, Krishna and Rama. Apart from the above, the place also holds its importance for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere.

The Myth of Manikaran Gurudwara and the Hot Water Spring

The multistory building of Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which lies amidst the pool of hot water, has been built in the memory of Guru Nanak Dev's first visit to India along with his disciple Bhai Mardana. Legends tell that Guru Nanak did several miracles in this place. One of such instance is when Mardana was hungry and had no food to eat. Seeing this, Nanak sent him to collect food from the locals for both of them. Although, Mardana was successful in accomplishing the task assigned to him, yet the absence of fire could not let him cook the food. Then Nanak ji asked his disciple to lift a huge stone on which he was sitting and meditating. Mardana complied and a stream of hot water began to flow from that place. Now Guru Nanak asked Mardana to throw the uncooked food items in the stream and pray to God. After a while, the food items reappeared floating in the water in duly cooked form. Since then, the water of the hot water pool located inside the Gurudwara is used for cooking langar. Huge vassals loaded with raw food items are immersed in the hot water.
Today, the Gurudwara also has the capacity to accommodate approximately 4,000 people at a time. It also provides room facilities for the pilgrims who come to visit the place from far lands. The hot rocks inside the Gurudwara caves are exceptionally soothing and are sure to offer you a natural sauna feeling.