Gurudwara Sri Manikaran Sahib- Himachal Pradesh

Address

Gurudwara Sri Manikaran Sahib- Parvati Valley, Beas River, Bhuntar, Manali, Kullu, 175131, Himachal Pradesh

Deity

Guru Nanak Ji

Introduction

• Location: Manikaran is situated in the Parvati Valley on the banks of the Parvati River, northeast of Bhuntar in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India.
• Altitude: The town is located at an altitude of 1,760 meters (5,770 feet).
• Accessibility: Manikaran is approximately 4 km from Kasol, 45 km from Kullu, and 35 km from Bhuntar.

Puranic Significance

• Pilgrimage Center: Manikaran is a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Sikhs.
• Hindu Beliefs:
  • According to Hindu tradition, Manu, the progenitor of human life, is said to have recreated humanity in Manikaran after a great flood, thus making the area sacred.
  • The region is home to several temples, each representing various deities and aspects of Hindu spirituality.
• Sikh Beliefs:
  • For Sikhs, Manikaran holds a special significance related to the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak.
  • It is believed that during the third Udasi (a religious journey), Guru Nanak visited Manikaran on the 15th of Asu in 1574 Bikrami calendar, accompanied by his disciple Bhai Mardana.
  • During their stay, they faced a lack of food, prompting Guru Nanak to send Mardana to collect ingredients for the community kitchen (Langar).
  • Locals generously contributed flour (atta) to make chapatis (bread), but there was no fire to cook them.
  • Guru Nanak instructed Mardana to lift a stone, which miraculously revealed a hot spring. When Mardana attempted to cook the chapatis in the spring, they sank to the bottom.
  • Guru Nanak advised him to pray to God, promising that if the chapatis floated back, he would donate one in God’s name. Miraculously, the chapatis began to float, perfectly baked, affirming the belief that donations made in God’s name will return blessings.

Century/Period/Age

15 Asu 1574

Nearest Bus Station

Manikaran

Nearest Railway Station

Pathankot

Nearest Airport

Bhuntar

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