Nestling among sylvan surroundings in Parvati valley, Manikaran is famous for its hot springs. Manikaran at an altitude of 1,829 mt. and 40 kms from Kullu has the finest hot water springs. Probably the most important and most useful is the one on the river bank at the entrance to the village which is always in great activity and is said to rise and fall with the increase and decline of river water. Rocks surrounding the spring are uncomfortably hot, while the temperature of the water is above boiling point. Rice can be cooked if placed in a muslin bag or tied up in cloth and thrown into the hot water pool. The water of the springs is said to be radioactive. It is supposed to be beneficial to sufferers from rheumatism and similar ailments. Due to Raghunathjee and Gurudwara, Manikaran is a favorite resort of pilgrims for Hindus and Sikhs. According to an ancient legend, Manikaran is also connected with Lord Shiva and his divine consort Parvati.
Himachal Pradesh’s Parvati Valley is a treasure trove of beautiful sights and experiences. One of these treasures is Manikaran, a sacred pilgrimage site revered by both Sikhs and Hindus. This idyllic high-altitude town is renowned for its hot springs, religious significance, and breathtaking natural beauty. The high number of tourists and pilgrims visiting the town every year is proof that Manikaran is a much-loved destination in the hills.
Manikaran for Hindus
It is believed that one day Shiva and Parvati chanced upon a place, surrounded by mountains and lush forest. The beauty of this place won their hearts and they decided to reside here for some time. One fateful day, Parvati lost her mani (precious stone) in the water. The search for the stone was made but it was unsuccessful. Shiva became extremely upset over this and there were repercussions in the universe. A plea was made to Sheshnag, the serpent God, to help pacify Shiva. Sheshnag hissed and the water boiled and was then spread in the entire area; this somehow brought back the mani.
Manikaran for Sikhs
We know of Manikaran mostly because of Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib. The town holds immense religious importance for Sikhs. As per the story goes, Guru Nanak came to Manikaran with his disciple Bhai Mardana. They were going to set up a langar (community kitchen) and for that, Guru Nanak sent him to collect food. Several people donated ingredients, but they didn’t have fire to cook the food with. This was when Guru Nanak asked Mardana to lift a stone, and upon lifting the stone, a hot spring appeared in its place. Guru Nanak then told Mardana to put the uncooked chapatis in the hot water in order to cook.Gravity played its role and sank the chapati. After seeing this, Guru Nanak told his disciple to pray to God for the chapatis to float back up. There was also a promise that if that happens, one would be donating in God’s name. Lo and behold, the chapatis resurfaced, all cooked and ready to eat. Since then, it is believed that whoever donates in the name of God will always have their needs met. The hot springs of Manikaran have been considered sacred by the Sikh community.
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Manali, the Manikaran Shiva Temple stands as a testimony to the rich, cultural and religious heritage of this region. With a history dating back centuries, this temple has become a spiritual oasis for pilgrims and a point of interest for travelers seeking to explore the mystique of the Himalayas. This temple is also called Manali hot water temple Manikaran.
A divine tale of origin
The history of the Manikaran Shiva Temple is steeped in mythology and folklore, making it a captivating destination for those who are intrigued by the cultural heritage and tapestry of India.
According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once chose this sacred spot as their home.
Godlore has it that after a severe spell of penance, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati decided to make Manikaran their abode. It is said that Lord Shiva’s vexation caused the earth to shake, resulting in the instauration of hot springs in the vicinity.
The legend of the earrings
A notable legend associated with the temple involves Goddess Parvati losing her earring in the swirling waters of the Parvati River.
Distressed by this loss, she asked Lord Shiva to retrieve it for her.
Lord Shiva commanded his serpent, Sheshnag, to find the earring. When Sheshnag failed, Lord Shiva became furious and opened his third eye, causing a massive eruption of hot water.
Miraculously, the earring emerged from the hot waters which were boiling, and the springs of Manikaran were born.
Manikaran Shiva Temple Architecture
The temple itself is a marvel of ancient architecture. Constructed in the traditional Himachali style, the Manikaran Shiva Temple boasts intricate woodwork, reflecting the craftsmanship of the artisans who made it in the past. The temple stands against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountains, offering a serene atmosphere for devotees and visitors alike.
“Every experience is an opportunity to encounter the Divine”. Manikaran Shiva Temple, Parvati Ghati, Himachal Pradesh, India where you can witness hot water springs and the temperature varies from 45 degrees to 60 degrees that is used for boiling rice as a Prasadam.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple attracts devotees and tourists alike, drawn not only by its religious aura but also by the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it. The temple complex is adorned with intricate architecture, reflecting ancient design elements and spiritual motifs. The most captivating feature of this sacred site is the natural hot spring that flows nearby. The geothermal springs are believed to have therapeutic properties and are an integral part of the religious rituals performed at the temple.
The serene ambience, coupled with the spiritual aura, creates an atmosphere of tranquility and devotion. Pilgrims flock here to seek blessings, perform rituals and immerse themselves in the divine presence of Lord Shiva.
The Manikaran SHIVA Temple stands not just as a religious edifice but also as a testament to the fusion of spirituality and nature’s wonder for seeking both inner peace and cultural exploration amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Manali.
The architecture of the temple showcases traditional Hindu design elements, reflecting the cultural and historical heritage of the region. Its serene location amidst the Himalayas adds to its allure, attracting not only religious pilgrims but also tourists seeking a blend of spirituality and natural beauty.
The Manikaran SHIVA temple has stood as a symbol of devotion and faith, preserving the ancient legends and traditions that continue to captivate devotees and visitors alike. Its rich history, coupled with the awe-inspiring surroundings, makes it a place of reverence and wonder in the heart of the pilgrimage sacred site of Parvati valley flowing through the Kullu district with exuberance amidst the sacredness of the Manikaran SHIVA Temple and Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara.
