Manikaran

Introducing Manikaran

Manikaran means ‘Jewel from the Ear’, and according to local legend, a giant snake stole earrings from Parvati while she was bathing, then snorted them out into the ground releasing the hot springs bubbling beneath. The water emerging from the ground is hot enough to boil rice and it has to be cooled with river water for bathing. Locals claim it can cure everything from rheumatism to bronchitis.

The town is centred on the huge Sri Guru Nanak Ji Gurdwara, lurking behind a veil of steam on the far side of the river. The shrine inside is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs, and the road through the village is chock-a-block with pilgrims and shops selling prasad (food offering used in religious ceremonies) and Guru Nanak souvenirs.

There are baths with separate facilities for men and women in the gurdwara and the village, with water diluted to a bearable temperature. The village also has several temples, including the stone hut–style Raghunath Mandir. Keep an eye out for bags of rice, boiling in the vents and fumaroles around the village.

Amar Money Changer (8am-8pm) in the bazaar can change major currencies.

Last updated: Sep 16, 2008