Manikaran, Sacred pilgrimage town in Kullu District, India
Manikaran is a town on the banks of the Parvati River in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh. Several hot springs rise from the ground along the river, surrounded by temples and a large Sikh shrine.
Guru Nanak visited this place in the 16th century and is said to have spent a week here, which led to the founding of the Gurdwara. Since then, the town has been a destination for Sikhs and Hindus seeking the healing powers of the springs.
The name Manikaran means earring and recalls an old legend about the goddess Parvati. Visitors today see pilgrims from both religious communities bathing in the hot springs and visiting temples or the Gurdwara.
The town lies about 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Bhuntar, where the nearest airport is located, and is accessible by a mountain road. Those wishing to use the hot baths should bring simple clothing that can get wet.
The water in the springs is so hot that pilgrims cook rice and vegetables in cloth bags directly in the pools. Some believers also fill small bottles with the spring water to take home.
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