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High up under the snowy peaks, of the
Parvati Valley is situated
the hot springs at Manikaran. The water from the steaming springs is noted
for its healing properties. The springs in the area are hot enough to boil
rice in it. Manikaran, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs, has a
temple and a gurudwara. It is also a good spot for trout fishing.
Sri Ramchandra temple is located in the center of the town and one can
have a very good look in and around this temple. The Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Gurudwara provides some extraordinary sights. One can enjoy a dip in the
hot waters from the springs. There are altogether three baths, one is
located under the Gurudwara itself and the other two are privately owned
and located in guesthouses.
THE LEGEND OF MANIKARAN
While wandering of in the forests of the Himalayan ranges Lord Shiva and
Goddess Parvati came across a place now called Manikaran. The
mountain-locked area, the lush green patches and the forests charmed them
and they decided to stay there for sometime.
For as long as eleven hundred years they remained at this place. At one
time, when the Lord was relaxing with the Goddess, in the beautiful waters
of a stream running by the side, the 'MANI' (Jewel) in an earring of the
goddess dropped somewhere.
Parvati was much distressed and there was a thorough search but efforts
to find out the jewel failed. Lastly, the Lord ordered his attendants, to
trace out the jewel, wherever it may be. That was also unsuccessful. Lord
Shiva got enraged, as a result of which his third eye opened. With the
opening of the third eye of the Lord Shiva, a very ominous event, there
was a great commotionall over the universe. The entire universe was very
upset and apprehended a great calamity.
'Shesh Nag', the serpent god, was approached. In order to subside the
anger of Lord Shiva, Shesh Nag hissed and hissed and there was a flow of
boiling water, which passed over the area and out came a number of
precious stones of the type which were lost. Lord Shiva was pacified. The
water still continues to be hot. Before the earthquake of 1905, which
affected this area also, it is said, that this boiling water used to rise,
to about ten-feet high.
The visiting deities are given a ceremonial bath. The second chapter of
'Brahm Puran' recites the story of Manikaran as given above. The place is
described as one of hot and cold waters and the divine pair had repaired
there for water sports known as 'Jal-Krida'. Fragrant and attractive
flowers graced the place and by a bath at the 'Sangam' one is eternally
blessed. The Brahm-Puran enjoins the pilgrims pass a night awake at
Manikaran and do puja or 'Raat-Jagran'.
Thereby the pilgrims obtain the full virtue of the world. The story of
the loss of the jewel and the frantic search and ultimate recovery is
vividly described. The tract is Lord Shiva's own and a pilgrimage at this
place is adequate and one need not visit Kashi and other places of
pilgrimage.
Lord Ramchandra Temple: There are several temples in the Mani
Karan village. The most important is that of Lord Ramchandra. The Pandas
or priests of the village claim that the idol of Rama was brought from
Ayodhya and installed in this temple by the Raja of Kulu but this lacks a
historic confirmation. There was also an idol of Lakshman the younger
brother of Lord Rama Chandra, which has now disappeared. On the left hand
side of the Lord is the idol of Goddess Sita. The temple is very old and
on one of the stones in its wall, the history of the temple is written
which is not legible.
Temple of Lord Shiva: There is another very old temple of Lord
Shiva, which got tilted during the earthquake of 1905. The great prestige
with which Manikaran is held is seen by the fact that the Devatas of Kulu
valley pay regular visits to Manikaran. The followers of the individual
deities at different places are carried ceremoniously in a procession to
Manikaran on specified auspicious days.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara: The place is also held sacred by
the Sikhs. The Janam Sakhi or the 'Twarikh Guru Khalsa' by Giani Gian
Singh mentions about the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to this place. It has
been mentioned that accompanied by his disciple Bhai Mardana, the Guru
reached Jwalamukhi temple after visiting Kalanaur, Gurdaspur, Dasuya,
Triloknath, Palampur and Kangra. The Guru then proceeded towards Mandi and
after visiting Chamba and Kulu, he came to Bijli Mahadev. After preaching
at all these places Guru Nanak Dev came to Mani Karan. The Janam Sakhi or
the "Autobiography of Bhai Mardana" mentions the miracles did by
the Guru. The Guru came to Mani Karan along with his Five 'Piaras' or
followers.
Hot Springs: By taking bath here and by drinking water of this
place, people go to Heaven, this is said of the Manikaran tract since the
times immemorial. It is just like 'Kashi Kshetra' and there is no doubt
about it. On examination it is understood that the Manikaran hot spring is
said to have got Uranium and other radio active minerals.
Harinder Mountain & Parvati River: On the northern side, there
is a mountain, which is named as Harinder. Merely a look at this mountain
will make a person free from all evils and on the south is the Parvati
River.
Kulant Pith: Out of all sectors 'Piths' of the country, this
sector, which is called 'Kulant Pith', is the superior most. Here, the
most sacred place of pilgrimage is Manikaran, and in it the 'Vishnu Kund'
is the purest of all. Lord Shankara was mightily pleased to stay here and
this is absolutely true. No other tank in the world, could be more pure
than these high rising tanks. Even a drop of water from the tanks will
make one free of all evils. Narad, on account of the influence of the
Shankara's eye, said that this sacred place, causes the disappearance of
anger and evils. One who eats the food cooked in this boiling water goes
to the Vishnu Lok.
Air: Linked by air to Chandigarh and Delhi. The
airport at Bhuntar is 10-km from the town.
Rail: Nearest railheads are Pathankot, 285-km and more
conveniently Chandigarh, 258-km.
Road: Well connected by road. Linked to 524-km and Chandigarh.
Regular bus and coach services link Kullu to Delhi and Chandigarh.
Hotel Parvati, Manikaran
Apple Valley Resorts, Kullu
Brijeshwar Guest House, Kullu
Ambassador Resorts, Manali
Ambika Resorts, Manali
Anupam, Manali