Due to Raghunathjee and Gurudawara, Manikaran is a favorite resort of pilgrims for Hindus and Sikhs. According to an ancient legend, Manikaran is also connected with Lord Shiva and his divine consort Parvati. Located at a distance of 4 km from Kasol along the banks of river Parvati in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, Manikaran is known as a famous pilgrimage destination for both Sikhs and Hindus. A good number of temples, Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, and hot springs attract pilgrims and tourists alike. There are three hot springs where one can take a bath, one being inside the Gurudwara itself and the other two being privatized by the guesthouses. Different sections for men and women are made at the bathing place. The water in these springs contains sulfur which is capable of curing diseases.
The water is hot enough to prepare food by directly placing the vessels and is served as a langar. Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is mentioned in the 'Twelfth Guru Khalsa' by Giani Gian Sikh. A highly revered center for worship amongst Sikhs, this Gurudwara is believed to have been visited by the Guru Nanak with his five disciples.
This Gurudwara is also mentioned in the 'Twelfth Guru Khalsa' by Giani Gian Sikh, making it a worship place of immense significance for the Sikhs. The langar here is very big and it serves free food to disciples and the needy. The entry fee for a two-wheeler is Rs 50, for a car Rs 100, for SUV and MUV Rs 300 while for all types of buses and trucks, it is Rs 500. Manikaran is a well-known spot apart from Kasol, which, off-late, has become a favorite among foreigners. An appeal was made before the serpent god, Sheshnag, to pacify Lord Shiva. Sheshnag hissed, thereby giving rise to a flow of boiling water. The water spread over the entire area, resulting in the emergence of precious stones of the type Goddess Parvati had lost, and Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were happy. Get on a local bus from Bhuntar Bus Stop and you will reach Manikaran in less than 90 minutes. Local buses are easily available from Bhuntar. The nearest major airport is in Chandigarh and it's around 8 hours from Bhuntar. Buses and taxis are easily available from Chandigarh to Bhuntar. The best time to visit Manikaran is from March to June.
The weather during this time is pleasant for adventure and sightseeing. There are three hot springs where one can take a bath, one being inside the Gurudwara itself and the other two being privatized by the guesthouses. The water is hot enough to prepare food by directly placing the vessels and is served as a langar. Manikaran Gurudwara. Sir, you are welcome to stay on the Gurudwara Premises. There are close to 300 rooms for pilgrims which are given free of charge. Though during peak season they are also seamless.
The legend of Manikaran says that while walking around, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once chanced upon a lush green place surrounded by mountains. Enamored by the beauty of the place, they decided to spend some time there. It is believed that they spent eleven hundred years here. Bradha ( 11 KM ), Jari ( 11 KM ), Malana ( 12 KM ), and Parli ( 15 KM ) are the nearby Villages to Manikaran. Manikaran is surrounded by Spiti Tehsil towards the North, Kullu Tehsil towards the west, Banjar Tehsil towards the South, and Drang Tehsil towards the west. In Manikaran in December, there's a 17% chance of rain or snow on an average day. And on the average day it rains or snows, we get 0.68 in 17.4 mm, of precipitation.
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