Manikaran Hot Springs

Manikaran Hot Springs is a geothermal spring system located on the banks of the Parvati River in Manikaran, Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of 1,829 meters, the springs are renowned for their extremely high water temperature, which exceeds boiling point and is used to cook food at the adjacent Gurudwara. The site is a significant pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Sikhs, associated with legends of Lord Shiva and Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Visitors can expect to see natural hot water springs emerging from the earth beside the Parvati River within a managed compound near Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib. Designated bathing pools are available for men and women where the water temperature is regulated for safe use. Devotees and tourists often observe or participate in cooking rice wrapped in cloth directly in the raw spring water. The area is a shared sacred space for Hindu and Sikh pilgrims.

According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati meditated here for thousands of years, and Shiva recovered Parvati's lost earring from the spring using his third eye. The site is also historically linked to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who visited Manikaran during his travels, establishing its importance in Sikh tradition.

Manikaran Hot Springs is a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Sikhs. Hindus believe the springs are sacred due to associations with Shiva and Parvati, while Sikhs venerate the site because of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit. The springs are integral to religious practices, including ritual bathing and cooking offerings in the hot water.