Located in the Parbati valley amid the Parbati river, this little town is quite famous and a common halting point. The place of worship welcomes you through a bridge right across the hot spring. The fluttering of the colourful flags hung from the Gurudwara and the prayer hants ehoing from within is an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Manikaran is a pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Sikhs. Hindus believe that Manu recreated human life in Manikaran after the flood, making it a sacred area. It has many temples. The temples are dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. According to legend, when Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati were walking in the valley, Parvati dropped one of her ear rings. The jewel was seized by Shesha, the serpent who, then, disappeared into the earth with it. Shesha only surrendered the jewel when Shiva performed the cosmic dance, the Tandava and shot the jewel up through the water.
Apparently, jewels continued to be thrown up in the waters of Manikaran until the Kangra earthquake of 1905.
The name Manikaran is derived from this legend. Its importance is also judged from the fact that the devas of Kullu valley pay regular visits to this place on specific dates.
Carved out of stone is the iconic Shiva sculpture at the mandir in Manikaran. The steam rising from the hot springs creates a clouded view of the structure, which gives a very mystical vibe to it.
........to be continued.
Tailpiece.
Got up at 6, lit the lamp in the puja room, the house was opened up and the music was switched on. The chores and was ready by a quarter past 9.
A quiet Monday. The schools had reopened after the Christmas holidays.
The evening chores.
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