Manikaran Sahib

Famous Sikh temple of Manikaran Sahib is located in Manikaran amidst the Parvati Valley between the Beas and Parvati rivers in Himachal Pradesh state of India. This pilgrimage center is popular among the Sikhs communities as much as amongst the Hindus. Located in the northeastern Bhuntar in Kullu District, this place remains the most visited as a religious place and as a tourist destination, since Kullu is at a distance of approximately 45 kilometers from the Gurudwara.

History

As the Sikh scriptures mention the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak had visited this place during the 3rd Udasi in 15 Asu 1574 Bikrami with his disciple Bhai Mardana in one of his tours. Mythical stories go on how Sikh Guru had to cook food while he felt hunger and a miracle happened at that time. This place became historic to preach Sikhism thereafter. There is an evidence of other famous Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh visiting here on the later stage.

Although Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib is situated in a small town, it is always in notice for being a great religious center, and it attracts many tourists, both Sikhs and Hindus, from around the country. Large number of Manali and Kullu visitors from around the country visit here on regular intervals.

Dual purpose of visiting this tourist destination is that while people spend quality time as tourists they do equally involve themselves as pilgrims no matter what the climatic condition is. Such trend is continuing since the time Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib was built. It has now come into national and international limelight.

Architecture and Covered Area

Architecture and covered area of Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib appeal large number of visitors. Structure of this shrine looks amazing and welcomes large chunk of devotees in its serene area. This Gurudwara has been renovated several times and is maintained by its management committee. Devotees are not confined to only Sikhs, a good number of Hindus too arrive here to see the campus of Gurudwara which has now been extended further to ensure it accommodates large number of devotees. The location and surrounding of this Shrine in Manikaran offers a unique view due to the presence of wonderful landscape in and around this area covered by valleys.

Celebrations

There is no doubt that Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib mainly focuses on the key concept of preaching and spreading Sikhism. This shrine also welcomes a good number of Hindu devotees so the celebrations are of unique types-from tourists to pilgrims participating in multiple activities. The most common activity is bathing in hot spring in Gurudwara complex to purify soul. Devotees enjoy various celebrations held regularly and so do they involve in many activities and festivals. Baisakhi celebration is celebrated with great zeal.

Visitors Info

Best time to visit

In Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib visitors keep thronging throughout the year. Avoid monsoon season since there is too much rainfall in this area. Summers and winters are enjoyable months to arrive in Manikaran as a tourist cum pilgrim.

Traveling To Manikaran

By Air

Domestic Bhuntar Airport located nearby the tourist spot Kullu is at a distance of only 45 kilometers from Manikaran. This airport operates many flights from Delhi, Pathankot and Shimla.

By Train

Pathankot Railway station is nearest which link Manikaran through a railhead at a distance of approximately 150 kilometers. One more railway station located at a distance of 310 kilometers is Chandigarh which links this famous religious place cum tourist spot with the rest part of the country.

By Road

State and interstate buses operate from various nearby locations like Kullu, Manali and Chandigarh cities whose distance from Manikaran are usually at 45, 85 and 278 kilometers respectively. The highways connecting these cities are well maintained and link these places by roadways to ensure better travelling options to all those pilgrims and tourists arriving here by roadways.