Manikaran

Manikaran is located at an altitude of 1760 meters. Several hot water springs emerge at various locations at Manikaran along the Parvati river. The springs come out to surface with great pressure and are very hot. There is no sulphur or iron mixed in the waters, but it is said contain radioactive elements such as uranium and radium. The water from the springs are so hot that rice, pulses and vegetables can be cooked with it. The springs are also well-known for their miraculous healing powers. People come here from different part of India for taking a dip in the spring water, which is believed to cure ailments such as rheumatism, gout and muscular pain.

About 5,700 ft from mean sea level, Manikaran lies next to the Parvati River. The river gets its name from mythological stories connecting it to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Religious significance

Manikaran is a well-known pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. There are several temples in Manikaran, the most important one being the Lord Raghunatha (Rama) temple that was constructed by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century. Though there is no historical evidence, the pandas (priests) of the temple claim that the idol of Rama was brought from Ayodhya and installed here. There is another very old temple at Manikaran. This temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. It suffered extensive damage during the 1905 earthquake and got tilted.

Manikaran is also held sacred by the Sikhs because of its association with Guru Nanak. There is a famous gurudwara - Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara here. Devotees visiting the Gurudwara take a holy dip in the hot water emanating from the springs.

Legend associated with Manikaran

The mountains, the lush green patches and the forests of Manikaran is belived tp have charmed Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati and they decided to stay there for sometime. For long eleven hundred years they stayed at this place. At one time, when the Lord and the Goddess were relaxing in the waters of a stream running by the side, a 'mani' (precious stone) from the ear-ring of the Goddess dropped somewhere. Parvati was much distressed and there was a thorough search but efforts to find out the mani failed. Lord Siva got enraged and opened His third eye of the Lord Siva. As a result, there was a great commotion all over the universe. In order to subside the anger of Lord Shiva, Sheshanag hissed and there was a flow of boiling water continuously, which passed over the area and out came a large number of the precious stones.

Other interesting places

A number of breathtaking places can be part of the expedition to Manikaran. Pulga, 16 km on left bank of the river, is a stiff march with a challenging climb of 1600 m. Khirganga is also famous for its hot springs containing medicinal properties. Pandapul has an ancient heritage. Two kilometres ahead, Mantala is another enchanting place.

Chandra khannipass, which can be reached after stiff climbing, looks like a flower paradise in season. There is no end to nature's captivating places around Manikaran. Besides a comfortable stay in the premises of the Gurdwara and private guest houses, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism runs Hotel Parvati on the banks of the river. You can also have a sulphur bath in the attached bathroom of the hotel.

Hot water spring

A Hot Water Spring located in Manikaran (45 km. from Kullu) in the Parvati Valley of the state of Himachal Pradesh is a site to be visited if you are planning a holiday to that particular area of India. It is located at a picturesque spot with clouds of steam thrown up by the springs surrounding it.

Hot Springs are natural geological wonder. India has more than 350 hot water springs found all over the country from the most famous water spring which is located in Manikaran near Kullu and Vashisht near Manali to the sulphur rich springs of Yeshi and Yumthang in Sikkim. On the banks of the river Parvathi, the Manikaran hot water springs are located. They have both religious and geological significance.

Manikaran is famous for the natural hot springs. The hot springs is said to possess curative powers. Many pilgrims take a dip in the holy water to wash away their sins and others seek its curative qualities.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many stalls and restaurants that serve good North Indian dishes. Most restaurants also offer Chinese, Punjabi and South Indian dishes. Some restaurants attached to the luxury hotels also serve Italian and Continental dishes.