Manikaran is situated between the Beas and Parvati rivers in the Himachal Pradesh district of Kullu in the Parvati Valley. It sits 1760 m above sea level. Manikaran is popular for the springs of hot water, the Ramchandra Temple and a Gurudwara. It is a popular pilgrimage site, and one of the best tourist spots in Kullu & Manali. Manikaran is a companion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Shiva and Parvati once came across the place called Manikaran as they roamed through the valley and decided to stay for some time.
Lord Ramchandra Temple is Manikaran’s most famous temple and is located in the town centre. The temple was founded in the 17th century, by Raja Jagat Singh. The Shri Ram idol installed here is believed to have been brought straight from Ayodhya. In the year 1889 Raja Dilip Singh restored the temple.
Manikaran is a Sikh center of pilgrimage too. It is affiliated with Guru Nanak Devji Gurudwara also known as Manikaran Gurudwara. The gurudwara has a langar which provides free meals. Kulant Pith is considered the holiest pith in Manikaran. The Temple of Shiva is located beside the Gurudwara.
Manikaran is well known for the hot natural springs. It’s claimed the hot springs possess healing powers. Many pilgrims take a bath to wash away their sins in the holy water and others try their curative qualities. The springs are close to the bank of the Parvati River. These are confined to several groups of hot water springs which emerge from the old bridge to Brahmaganga at different locations spreading up to a distance of about 1.3 km along the river. The water from these springs is so much hot that it can boil and cook pulses (dal), beans, vegetables, etc.
