The Miraculous Land.
Manikaran is a holy place visited by thousands of devotees every year. It is held in high respect by the Hindus and Sikhs. Perched at a height of 1760 m, Manikaran is located in the Parvati Valley between the rivers Vyaas and Parvati in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The land of Manikaran is dotted with several temples and a Gurudwara. The hot water springs of Manikaran are famous across the country for their healing properties.
Hot Springs At Manikaran
Located near the bank of Parbati river, the hot springs of Manikaran are famous for their healing and medicinal properties. People from across the country come here to cure themselves of various ailments, especially rheumatism and muscular pains. It is believed that people suffering from rheumatism and muscular pains can recover quickly by taking a bath in the waters of the hot springs of Manikaran. There are several hot water springs at various locations at Manikaran along the river?from the old bridge to Brahmaganga.
There is an interesting legend attached to Manikaran, which goes that once when Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati were resting at a kund in the valley, goddess Parvati lost one of her earrings. Shesha, the serpent deity got hold of the jewel and he vanished from there into the earth. After a futile search, Lord Shiva was enraged,?resulting in the opening of his third eye. Lord Shiva performed Tandava, the cosmic dance, ymbolizing the possibility of a great calamity in the universe. Fearing Lord Shiva, the serpent deity threw the jewel up through the water of the kund. Since then, the waters of the springs has been very hot. The waters of the springs is so hot that rice and pulses can be boiled and cooked in it.
Manikaran Gurudwara
It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Sikhs as it is the place Guru Nanak Dev once visited with his disciple Bhai Mardana during his journey around India. The Guru performed many miracles at this place, later recorded in the Janam Sakhi or the 'Autobiography of Bhai Mardana'. Set amidst beautiful surroundings, the Gurudwara offers mesmerizing views of the mountains and the hot water springs. It is believed that one goes to heaven by taking bath in the spring or by drinking its waters.