Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib

Location - Manikaran Road, Manikaran, Kulu Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India

Associated with - Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji

Sikh Artifacts - None

Sarovar - Yes

Sarai - Yes

Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib was discovered by Bhai Narayan Hari, the history of the Gurdwara Sahib is mentioned in Bhai Bala Janamsakhi and Twarikh Guru Khalsa.

Guru Nanak was in the himalayas around 15 Asu 1574 Bikrami with Bhai Mardana. Mardana felt hungry and they had no food. Guru Nanak sent Mardana to collect food for the langar (the community kitchen). Many people donated atta (flour) to make prasada's (chapattis).

Unfortunately, there was no way to cook the food. Guru Nanak asked Mardana to lift a stone and a hot spring appeared. The Sikhs were able to make rice and beans but Bhai Mardana was having trouble making parasadas (chapatis) because they kept sinking.

As directed by Guru Nanak, Mardana put the rolled prasada's in the spring but to his despair the prasada's sank. Guru Nanak asked Mardana to pray to God. Bhai Mardana said, "I am going to donate my life in the name of God" as Mardana prayed all the prasada's started floating.

The Sikhs were able to make rice and beans. Bhai Mardana was having trouble making parasadas (chapatis) because they kept sinking. The parsada amazingly floated. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji said that anyone who donates his life in the name of God, All his (or her) drowned items will float. This was a miracle.

There is a hindu temple nearby which was built after Guru Nanak's visit.

Sikh's still use the hot springs to prepare langar (tea and food) or individual bags of rice or dal. Scientists are unsure as to how the hot springs exist, being nearby cold flowing water and high up in the mountains in an area which is not known for volcanic activity.

The location is famous for its hot boiling springs, which are revered by many who come here for a dip in the curing waters. It is believed that the hot springs can cure skin diseases or even ease the swelling caused by gout.

There is a water pool in the gurdwara where one can enjoy a hot bath. The local residents use hot water in narrow bazaar through pipes.

Tibetans dominate the market here where one can buy religious idols, offerings, books, prasad, and Tibetan products. The amazing union of cold water and boiling springs in Parvati river has mystified many a scientist and the devout alike. Nature has used an array of colours, textures and materials to form fascinating mountains with many medicinal herbs. Transparent stone crystals, which resemble topaz, can be found at some points.

Water flowing through the curves of hill land shapes has given rise to driftwood in various shapes and forms. Due to the climate, local vegetables and pulses like rajmah and urad are of rare quality and taste different from those available in the plains.

Guru Nanak and the Hot Springs at Manikaran
Guru Nanak than lifted a rock and a hot spring (hot water) appeared.

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