Manikaran

Manikaran is located in the Parvati Valley between the rivers Beas and Parvati, northeast of Bhuntar in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. It is at an altitude of 1760 m and is located about 45 km from Kullu.

Manikaran is a famous pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and the Sikhs. The Ram Temple was built in pyramidal style by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century when the idol of Lord Rama was brought from Ayodhya. The idol was later shifted to Kullu. The temple was renovated by Raja Dilip Singh in 1889 AD. A trust is looking after the temple since 1981. The temple complex has three halls and forty rooms for the devotees to stay in. A 'Langar' (free communal food) is also served here.

This small town attracts tourists visiting Manali and Kullu to its hot springs and piligrim centres.An experimental Geothermal Energy plant has also been set up here.

Places to See in Manikaran

Lord Ramchandra Temple :

Among all the temples in Manikaran, the temple of Lord Ramchandra is the most famous one. According to some priests of the village, Lord Ram brought the temple from Ayodhya and installed by Raka Kullu. But this has little historical evidence. On the left side of Lord Ram stands the idol of Sita.

Temple of Lord Shiva :

The temple of Lord Shiva is very old but it got tilted during the earthquake of 1905. Followers of several deities pay homage in large numbers in Manikaran.

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara :

This is also a famous holy place for the Sikh pilgrims. The visit of Guru Nanak Dev is mentioned in the Sakhi or the 'Twarikh Guru Khalsa' by Giani Gian Singh. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev along with this disciple Bhai Mardana reached Jwalamukhi temple after visiting Kalanaur, Gurdaspur, Dasuya, Triloknath, Palampur and Kangra. After spreading his message in Mandi, Kullu and Bijli Mahadev, he reached Manikaran. He reached Manikaran with his Five 'Piaras' or followers.

Harinder Mountain and Parvati River: On the northern side of Manikaran is a mountain called Harinder and on the south is the Parvati River.

Hot Springs :

It is said that people go to heaven after taking a bath in these hot springs and drinking water from here. Manikaran hot spring has radio active minerals and Uranium.

Kulant Pith :

Kulant Pith is the most superior of all the piths of the country. Vishnu Kund is the purest in Manikaran and Lord Shankara who stayed here was mightily pleased. A drop of water from this tank will make one rid of all the evils.