History of Manikaran Gurudwara in Himachal Pradesh
A trip to Kullu Manali in Himachal Pradesh is incomplete without a rest day at the Manikaran Sahib. Located 35 kilometers from Kullu and 4 kilometers from Kasol, it is a destination that combines beautiful landscapes and religious feelings with an adventurous trip. It is one of the few auspicious sights that have both Hindu and Sikh sentiments united simultaneously. Thus, millions of tourists visit it every year. Located on the banks of the Parvati River, Manikaran offers many stunning sites with the majestic snow-capped mountains in the background.
Manikaran Sahib, the gurudwara is the most important place to visit in Manikaran. It is a very well maintained Gurudwara. It also offers free ‘langar’ (food distribution) as well as accommodation options. The Gurudwara is also famous for its bridge and gushing hot springs. The rice dishes in the ‘langar’ are made by putting small packets of rice into the hot springs themselves.
LEGEND BEHIND MANIKARAN SAHIB GURUDWARA
According to mythology, Guru Nanak Devji, the first Guru of Sikhism, is believed to have visited this place in the third Udasi. He was accompanied by one of his ardent disciples, Bhai Mardana. After traveling, Bhai Mardana was hungry and they had no food. Guru Nanak Devji then asked Bhai Mardana to order food for Langar. The generous townspeople donated flour. But, it still had to be cooked as ‘rotis’ (wheat breads made in India). Due to the high altitude there was no fire or heat to cook them. Guru Nanak Devji then advised Bhai Mardana to pick up a stone in the valley. Hot springs are believed to have sprung from this very spot. Guru Nanak Dev ji then asked Bhai Mardana to roll up the chapatis and put them in the hot springs. To Bhai Mardana’s despair, the chapatis sank into the spring. Guru Nanak Dev ji then asked him to offer prayers to God and promise to donate one chapatti from his part of chapattis. He did as he was told and the chapattis came out again, fully baked and ready to eat. Therefore, it is believed that whatever is offered to the spring with prayers and the intention to donate, floats back to the surface of the spring.
The pious spring water is sulfur free and is said to possess special healing properties that help cure diseases such as arthritis.
Apart from Grudwara, Manikaran offers various places to visit near Manikaran Sahib such as the various temples and the Brahma Ganga Sangam (confluence of Paap Nasini River and Parbati River) to take a dip.