Manikaran has located 35 km from Bhuntar, near Kulu. Legend has it that once Lord Shiva and his divine consort Parvati were wandering in this sublime environment. Shiva liked the place and started meditating and did for 11,000 years. Once Parvati was taking a bath in the blue waters. While she was playing in the water she lost her earring. Shiva was enraged when he could not get back the earring, he started doing Tandav, the dance of destruction. The atmosphere got tense and Shiva threatened the serpent, the probable thief. The serpent fished the jewel out from the waters. Thus the river came to be known as Parvati and the place was called Mani(ring)Karan(ear). During Third Udasi, Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to this place in 15 Asu 1574 Bikrami with his disciples Bhai Bala & Bhai Mardana. His Sikhs were hungry and there was no food. Guru Nanak Devji sent Bhai Mardana to collect food for langar. Many people donated rice and flour(atta)to make parsadas (bread). The one problem was that there was no fire to cook the food. Guru Nanak Devji than lifted a rock and a hot spring(hot water) appeared. The Sikhs were able to make rice and beans. Bhai Mardana was having trouble making Chapatis because they kept sinking. Bhai Mardana said, “I am going to donate my life in the name of God”. The parsada amazingly floated. Guru Nanak Dev Ji said that anyone who donates his life in the name of God, All his(or her)drowned items float. This was a miracle. Guruji reached Jwalamukhi temple after visiting Kalanaur, Gurdaspur, Dasuya, Triloknath, Palampur, and Kangra. Then Guruji proceeded towards Mandi and after visiting Chamba and Kulu, he came to Bijli Mahadev. After preaching at all these places Guru Nanak Devji came to Mani Karan. The Janam Sakhi or the “Autobiography of Bhai Mardana” mentions the miracles did by the Guru. Then Guruji came to Mani Karan along with his Five ‘Piaras’ or followers.

HISTORY OF SHRI MANIKARAN SAHIB JI