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Manikaran is located at 45 km from Kullu at an altitude of 1737 m. Manikaran is the famous Hindu and Sikh pilgrimage destination in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The term Manikaran is defined as the jewel of ear. Manikaran is the most famous and extremely sacred place for the Sikh population of the country since it is believed that Guru Nanak Devji had visited here. As the record of this can be found in the Janam Sakhi or the 'Twarikh Guru Khalsa' (by Giani Gian). It is mentioned that along with his disciple Bhai Mardana, Guru Nanak came down to this place after visiting Kalanaur, Gurdaspur, Dasuya, Triloknath, Palampur, Kangra, Mandi, Chamba and Kulu and Bijli Mahadev. He was also accompanied by five of his followers or 'piaras'.

The history and the presence of Manikaran states that while roaming around, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, once chance to visit a place that was surrounded by mountains and was lush green. Attracted by the beauty of the place, they decided to spend some time there. It is believed that they actually spend 1100 years here. During the stay of Lord Shiva and Parvathi here, Goddess Parvati lost her Mani in the waters of a stream and was upset over the loss, she asked Shiva to retrieve it. Lord Shiva commanded his attendant and asked him to find out the mani for Parvati. However, when the attended and the Lord Shiva himself failed, he was extremely angry and opened his third eye which was tremendously inauspicious event which led to disturbances in the universe.

Later an appeal was made in front of the serpent god, Sheshnag, to pacify Lord Shiva. Sheshnag blessed them thereby giving rise to a flow of boiling water. This water spread over the entire area which resulted in the emergence of precious stones of the type Goddess Parvati had lost. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were happy at that outcome. This name Manikaran is derived from a legend and the water is still hot and is considered extremely auspicious and pilgrimage to this place is thought of as complete. Infact, it is also believed that there is no need to pay a visit to Kashi after visiting this place. The water of the spring is also supposed to have curative powers. The water here is so hot that rice can be cooked in it.


Lord Ramchandra Temple is the most important temple of Manikaran. The temple was constructed by Raja Jagat Singh in 17th century. The idol of Shri Ram installed here is believed to have been brought straight from Ayodhya. An idol of Goddess Sita accompanies that of Lord Rama in this temple. In the year 1889 the temple was renovated by Raja Dilip Singh. Though the history of the temple is inscribed in a stone of walls, yet nothing is visible.

Today, the temple is been looked after by a tTust. There are three halls and forty rooms in the temple complex, specially meant for the visiting devotees. A lungar is oragnised to distribute food to the devotees.

Sri Ramchandra temple is located in the center of the town and one can have a very good look in and around this temple. The Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurdwara provides some extraordinary sights while one can enjoy a dip in the hot waters from the springs. There are altogether three baths, one is located under the Gurdwara itself and the other two are privately owned and located in guesthouses.

This temple mainly belongs to Lord Shiva. In 1905 an earthquake caused a bit of damage to the temple and it got slightly tilted. The importance of Manikaran is also judged from the fact that devtas of Kullu valley pay regular visit to this place on specified date.

The Gurudwara of Manikaran is very much renowned because of its association with Guru Nanak. Devotees to this Gurdwara can take a holy dip in the hot water emanating from the springs. Out of the three baths, one is situated below the Gurdwara itself. There are separate arrangement for men and women. Quiet closeby is a langar khana where free food is served.

Manikaran Gurdwara is regarded as very much sacred by the Sikhs and located near Manali,which is a popular tourist destination. According to the Sikh sources, Guru Nanak Dev once visited this place, accompanied by his disciple Bhai Mardana. The gurdwara is commemorated to the same visit of the Guru. The Janam Sakhi or the 'Autobiography of Bhai Mardana' mentions the various miracles did by the Guru at this place. Manikaran Gurdwara is been built in the mountains, providing some extraordinary sights.

The Gurdwara is built at the place where the first Guru, Guru Nanak meditated during his journey around India. There is a hot spring which is used to cook some of the food for the Langar. One can enjoy a dip in the hot waters from the springs. There are altogether three baths, one of which is located under the Gurdwara itself. It is believed that by taking bath here and by drinking water of this place, people go to heaven. The special Manikaran hot spring is said to have Uranium and other radioactive minerals.

Besides housing the famous Gurdwara, a sacred place for Sikhs, Manikaran has religious importance for Hindus too. As legend goes, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati went to Manikaran and stayed there for a long time.

During their stay, they were engrossed with each other. One day while Lord Shiva was relaxing, Parvati discovered that she had lost her jewel. She informed her husband, but he too failed to find it. Now furious Lord Shiva opened his third eye and created tremors over the entire Universe.

Manikaran is very much popular for its innumerable sulpher hot springs in the snowy peaks. The water in such springs is believed to have tremendous healing properties. Manikaran is also a good spot for trout fishing. Manikaran is the famous pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and the Sikhs and is perched on the right bank of river Parvati in Himachal Pradesh. It is located 45 kms from Kullu at an altitude of 1760 m.

Best time to visit Manikaran is during the winter .

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

Nearby tourist places to Mangala Devi Temple Chamba Great Himalayan National Park Kullu Shimla

Kulant Pith: Out of all sectors 'Piths' of the country, this sector, which is called 'Kulant Pith', is the superior most. Here, the most sacred place of pilgrimage is Manikaran, and in it the 'Vishnu Kund' is the purest of all.

• To reach the Manikaran Temples by air Bhuntar is the nearest airport, 10kms from Manikaran.


• If one take the railways, the nearest rail heads are Pathankot and Chandigarh. Even buses and taxis are available form the station.


• By road regular bus services are available for the devotees of Manikaran from Kullu and Chandigarh.