Manikaran

Nestled in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, Manikaran is a small town that holds profound spiritual significance. Renowned for its hot springs and sacred temples, this picturesque locale is a serene pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs alike. The temples in Manikaran are not just places of worship but are also rich in mythological history, believed to be the abode of many deities.

One of the most prominent temples in Manikaran is the Sri Guru Nanak Devji Gurudwara, which commemorates the visit of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. It is said that during his stay, a miracle occurred whereby a hot spring emerged from the Earth to cook food for the needy. This hot spring is now a central feature of the Gurudwara, where pilgrims take a holy dip to cleanse their souls.

Adjacent to the Sikh shrine, the Hindu temples such as Lord Ramchandra Temple and Shiva Temple add to the spiritual mosaic of Manikaran. These temples are steeped in legends, one of which recounts how Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, during their stay in the valley, lost and found a precious jewel in the waters of the Parvati River, giving the town its name, 'Manikaran', meaning 'jewel of the ear'.

The natural hot springs at Manikaran are not only a spiritual attraction but also have geological significance. The waters are believed to possess healing properties and are used by the temples for cooking the 'langar' or community meal served to all visitors regardless of religion or caste.