Set within the beautiful Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Manikaran Sahib is an incredible place where, amidst snow-capped mountains and the cold rush of the Parvati River, steam billows off the ground, signaling the presence of hot springs under the earth’s surface. There is something mesmerizing about the place where freezing air meets the scorching hot water, and it is no surprise that this area has always attracted people from all walks of life throughout history.However, Manikaran is more than just an interesting geographical spot; it is a spiritual sanctuary attracting thousands of devotees looking for either divine blessings, miraculous cures, or just peace of mind in general. These hot springs, regarded as one of the major landmarks of Manikaran, are seen not just as natural phenomena but as a miracle created by some divine intervention. It comes as no surprise that several compelling myths about their emergence exist and continue to live to this day.
Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh
The Hindu legend of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
As per ancient stories in Hindu myths, there existed a time when Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati lived in the Parvati valley for thousands of years. As per the myth, Goddess Parvati lost her mani (precious stone) in the river running through the valley.Lord Shiva could not find the missing mani, hence became infuriated. To appease his rage, Sheshnag, the god-serpent, supposedly came forward. It released a loud hiss, resulting in a gush of water and gems spewing from the ground below. The missing mani was thus returned to Parvati.It is said that this was the origin of the hot springs.
Hot spring in Manikaran
Sikh legend of Guru Nanak’s miracle
There is also a connection between the place and Sikh mythology. As per the Sikh legend, Guru Nanak paid a visit to Manikaran during the 16th century accompanied by Bhai Mardana.During the visit, Mardana felt hungry but could not make food due to the absence of fire. Guru Nanak directed Mardana to prepare dough and put it next to the water. Mardana was reluctant to do so, and Guru Nanak allegedly told him to pick up a rock; soon, a hot spring was formed. The bread was cooked inside the hot spring.Alternatively, when the bread sank, Guru Nanak instructed Mardana to pray to God. Soon, the bread resurfaced, already cooked.It was believed that this miracle demonstrated the spiritual strength of the hot springs, and to this day, food is prepared in the hot springs as a part of langar in the gurudwara.While the legends make the hot springs seem spiritually powerful, science has found out why this natural phenomenon occurs. The hot springs are a result of geothermal energy, which means that water is heated through natural processes underground and comes out boiling.Do you know of any other legends related to Manikaran?
