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Manikaran is a pilgrimage suburb in the Kullu district holy for Hindus and Sikhs. Manikaran is the central attraction in Parvati valley on the side of the Parvati river at an altitude of 2650 meters above sea level. Manikaran is host to hot water springs, a holy site for Hindus, and the Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, a holy site for Sikhs. Manikaran is about 45 km from the Kullu. The surrounding complex also includes the temples of Lord Rama and Lord Shiva.
Etymology
According to the mythological legends, Lord Shiva visited this place with his wife Goddess Parvati. Dazzled by the beauty and calmness of the place, they decided to spend some time in this place. Once, while playing with the water, the ear (Hindi: Karan) jewel (Hindi: mani) of Mata Parvati was lost in the river water. After many attempts, when the jewel was couldn't be found, Lord Shiva got infuriated and open his third eye and performed the Tandava dance at this place. Due to this, the place blasted off with the hot water springs from the ground, and the lost jewel of Mata Parvati came out along with others jewels from the womb of the Earth. Hence, the place got its name Manikaran after this. Manikaran literally means 'Jewel of the ear'.
Manikaran Hot Water Springs
The water and the stones/rocks near the water springs of Manikaran are uncomfortably hot to the point that It is said that a bag full of rice can be cooked from the water of the hot springs. Locals and tourists alike enjoy hot water baths in the hot spring of Manikaran that is believed to be slightly radioactive and of high medicinal value possessing healing powers. Unlike other hot water springs, the waters of the Manikaran hot springs do not contain sulfur. The baths give inclusive mental peace and spiritual gratification. It is believed that people get moksha and nirvana after taking dips in the waters of Manikaran springs.
Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib
According to Sikh beliefs, the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Ji visited this place along the Bhai Mardana, the first Sikh. It is believed that Guru Nanak Jia and Bhai Mardana cooked food and rolled rottis using the water of the springs and the hot stones surrounding them.
References
- Thumbnail Image Credit: hpkullu.nic.in
- https://hpkullu.nic.in/tourist-place/manikaran/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manikaran