Manikaran Sahib is a holy site located in the Parvati Valley of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a popular pilgrimage center for both Sikhs and Hindus. The site is famous for its hot springs, which are said to have healing properties due to the high levels of minerals present in the water. Apart from the gurudwara, there are also several temples, including the Lord Ramachandra Temple and Lord Shiva Temple. The region is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery including the Parvati River, the Parvati Valley, and the lofty peaks of the Himalayas.
History of Manikaran Sahib
Manikaran Sahib has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati stayed at Manikaran Sahib for many years. It is also said that the Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic also visited Manikaran Sahib during their exile.
The history of the region is also linked to Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, is said to have visited Manikaran Sahib in the early 16th century with his disciple Bhai Mardana. Bhai Mardana complained to Guru Nanak Dev that he had no food to eat. Then Guru Nanak Dev asked him to pick up a stone and cook rice under it. When Bhai Mardana picked up the stone, he found that the rice was already cooked. Since then, the hot springs of Manikaran Sahib have been used to cook food for langar at the Gurdwara. This place is also known as Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara. In the late 18th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of the Sikh Empire, built a Gurdwara at Manikaran Sahib to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev. The gurudwara has since become one of the most important religious sites in the region.
Manikaran Gurudwara Stay
Visitors can stay at the Manikaran Sahib Gurdwara, which provides free accommodation to all visitors regardless of their religion, caste, or creed. The accommodation provided is simple and basic with shared dorm rooms and bathrooms. The Gurudwara also provides free food (langar) to all visitors. For a stay at the Gurdwara, visitors must follow the rules and regulations of the Gurdwara. They should cover their heads and take off their shoes before entering the Gurdwara. Visitors are also expected to maintain cleanliness and hygiene and follow Gurdwara’s code of conduct. Many other accommodation options are also available in Manikaran Sahib. Visitors can choose from a variety of budget and luxury hotels, guest houses, and homestays. Some of the popular hotels in Manikaran Sahib include Hotel New Manikaran, Hotel Aroma, and Hotel Blue Diamond.
Manikaran Manali
Manikaran to Manali is around 85 km and it takes around 3-4 hours. Kullu to Manali is around 40 km and takes around 1-2 hours. Traveling by road between Manikaran, Kullu, and Manali is a popular way to explore the region. And provides an opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
Manikaran Sahib is a unique and sacred site that attracts tourists from all over the world who come to experience its healing hot springs, religious significance, and natural beauty. Manikaran is well connected by road and can be reached by bus or taxi from Kullu, Manali, and other nearby towns. Regular bus services are available from Kullu, Bhuntar, and Manali to Manikaran. Private cabs and shared cabs are also available for hire. Manikaran can also be reached by trekking. The trek from Kasol to Manikaran is a popular route that offers spectacular views of the Parvati Valley and the surrounding mountains.
