Manikaran Sahib
Shrine Overview and Vibe: Manikaran Sahib is a profoundly sacred and historic pilgrimage center, revered by both Sikhs and Hindus, nestled in a spectacular natural setting just a short drive from Kasol. The complex features a large Gurudwara (Sikh temple) and numerous Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati. Its fame stems from the presence of natural, boiling hot sulphur springs—believed to possess curative and spiritual properties—which are used for communal bathing and even for cooking the Langar (free community meal). The atmosphere is one of profound devotion, community service (Seva), and awe at the natural phenomenon of the hot springs located right next to the icy-cold, roaring Parvati River. It provides a powerful cultural and spiritual contrast to the hippie vibe of Kasol, making it a mandatory visit for all travelers to the region to witness the unique fusion of faith and nature. The sense of equality and selfless service is palpable here, making it a humbling and enriching experience.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2-3 Hours for Visit and Bath:Place Type:
Spiritual Shrine and Natural Hot Springs@:Entry Fees:
Free Entry, Donation-Based, Minimal Facility Fee@:
Entry Fee@: There is No Entry Fee whatsoever for the Gurudwara, the Hindu Temples, or the Hot Spring Bathing Tanks; all are open for public and pilgrim use.
Lan...Free Entry, Donation-Based, Minimal Facility Fee@:
Entry Fee@: There is No Entry Fee whatsoever for the Gurudwara, the Hindu Temples, or the Hot Spring Bathing Tanks; all are open for public and pilgrim use.
Langar Fee@: The Langar (community kitchen) is Absolutely Free for all visitors, running on a massive community donation system.
Donations@: Visitors are welcome to leave a Voluntary Donation (Seva) in the collection boxes or donate food supplies to the Langar, but this is entirely optional and not a formal fee.
Facility Fees@: Some adjacent, non-temple-run public Locker Rooms or Shoe/Luggage Storage facilities may charge a very small, nominal fee (e. g. , Rs.10 or Rs.20) for security and upkeep.
Taxes@: The main cost is the Environmental Tax often collected by the local Panchayat (village council) at the entry point of the town (e. g. , Rs.50 per vehicle or person), but this is not a direct temple fee.Timing:
Open Most of the Day, Hot Springs are 24/7@:
Regular Timings@: The main Gurudwara and the Hot Spring Tanks are typically open 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week, to accommodate pilgrims who arrive at all hours for bathing and Langar. The main prayer hall ceremonies, howe...Open Most of the Day, Hot Springs are 24/7@:
Regular Timings@: The main Gurudwara and the Hot Spring Tanks are typically open 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week, to accommodate pilgrims who arrive at all hours for bathing and Langar. The main prayer hall ceremonies, however, follow a strict schedule.
Ideal Visit Time@: The Ideal Visit Time is the Early Morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) for the quietest, most peaceful atmosphere and to take the holy bath before the main rush begins, or the Late Afternoon for the Langar service.
Temple Closures@: The smaller Hindu Temples often adhere to a traditional schedule, closing briefly in the Mid-Day (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM) for rest before reopening in the evening.Special Events:
Major Sikh and Hindu Festivals@: The special events here are solemn and large-scale religious observances.
Gurupurab Celebrations@: Major Sikh Festivals like Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday (Gurupurab) in November and other Gurpurabs are celebr...Major Sikh and Hindu Festivals@: The special events here are solemn and large-scale religious observances.
Gurupurab Celebrations@: Major Sikh Festivals like Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday (Gurupurab) in November and other Gurpurabs are celebrated with great fervor, involving large processions, chanting, and massive Langar services for thousands of pilgrims.
Maha Shivaratri@: The Maha Shivaratri Festival (in February or March) is a key special event for the Hindu temples, attracting many devotees for all-night prayers and rituals honoring Lord Shiva.
Ram Navami@: Ram Navami (in March or April) is celebrated with special prayers and readings in the Ram Mandir, marking the birth of Lord Rama.
Daily Rituals@: The daily Kirtan (devotional singing) and the Daily Langar are the continuous, special, and sacred events that anchor the spiritual life of the complex.Best Photo Spots:
The Gurudwara and the Parvati River@: The best photo spot is a wide shot that captures the imposing Gurudwara Building and the contrasting, steamy, ferocious flow of the Parvati River in the background, symbolizing the blend of faith and nature.
...The Gurudwara and the Parvati River@: The best photo spot is a wide shot that captures the imposing Gurudwara Building and the contrasting, steamy, ferocious flow of the Parvati River in the background, symbolizing the blend of faith and nature.
The Steamy Bathing Tanks@: A respectful shot of the Communal Hot Spring Bathing Tanks, capturing the thick steam rising dramatically against the backdrop of the mountains, is a highly atmospheric picture (must be taken discreetly and with cultural sensitivity).
The Cooking Spot@: A close-up of the Cloth Bags of Rice being lowered into the Boiling Springs for cooking, a unique cultural and culinary photograph.
The Ancient Ram Mandir@: A focused, artistic shot of the intricately carved Exterior Stone or Wooden Features of the old Ram Mandir, highlighting its ancient architecture against the newer Gurudwara structures.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Communal Bathing, Temple Visit, and Langar Seva@:
Bathing in the Hot Springs@: Take a Holy Dip in the designated, enclosed Hot Water Tanks within the Gurudwara complex; the water is believed to have medicinal and spiritual properties—a mandatory part of the pilgrimage.
Partake in Langar@: Accept and partake in the Free Community Meal (Langar), sitting on the floor with pilgrims from all walks of life, symbolizing equality and selfless service.
Visit the Temples@: Visit the ancient Hindu Temples (Ram Mandir) within the complex, offering prayers and observing the traditional Himachali temple architecture and spiritual practices.
Seva (Selfless Service)@: Volunteer for Seva, even for a few minutes, in the Langar hall (chopping veg...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Holy Hot Springs and Dual Faith Site@: Manikaran Sahib is famous globally for its unique boiling hot sulphur springs, a geological wonder whose heat is used to cook the Langar (community food), symbolizing a miracle of faith and nature.
Guru...The Holy Hot Springs and Dual Faith Site@: Manikaran Sahib is famous globally for its unique boiling hot sulphur springs, a geological wonder whose heat is used to cook the Langar (community food), symbolizing a miracle of faith and nature.
Guru Nanak's Visit@: It is highly famous among Sikhs as the place visited by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 16th century, establishing its spiritual prominence.
Hindu Mythology@: It is equally sacred to Hindus, associated with the legends of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the presence of numerous ancient temples, making it a rare, famous Dual Faith Pilgrimage Site.
The Langar Tradition@: The practice of serving the Free Community Meal (Langar) to all visitors, regardless of background, cooked using the spring's natural steam, is a celebrated and famous tradition that exemplifies community service. -
Architecture:
Traditional Temple and Gurudwara Architecture with Modern Intervention@: The complex's architecture is a fascinating blend of traditional Himachali Hindu temple design and the institutionalized, modern style of a Sikh Gurudwara, centered on the hot springs.
The Gurudwar...Traditional Temple and Gurudwara Architecture with Modern Intervention@: The complex's architecture is a fascinating blend of traditional Himachali Hindu temple design and the institutionalized, modern style of a Sikh Gurudwara, centered on the hot springs.
The Gurudwara Structure@: The Gurudwara is a large, multi-story structure built with a mix of modern concrete and stone, featuring the signature domes and flagpoles (Nishan Sahib) of Sikh architecture. It contains large, communal Bathing Tanks and the massive Langar Hall.
The Hindu Temples@: The adjacent Hindu Temples (like the Ram Mandir) are much older, constructed in the traditional Himachali Shikhara or pyramidal style, using slate and local stone, often with intricate carvings on the exterior, showing centuries of seismic damage and repair.
The Hot Spring Infrastructure@: The springs themselves are encased by man-made structures—concrete tanks, steam vents, and a simple piping system to divert the hot water for cooking and heating, a unique, functional architecture built to harness the natural resource.
Dimensions@: The entire complex is sprawling, covering a large area on the riverbank, accommodating the thousands of daily pilgrims in its halls and lodging units. -
How To Reach:
Short, Easy Drive from Kasol, Highly Accessible@:
By Air@: Fly to Bhuntar Airport (KUU) (approx. 35 KMS). Take a taxi or bus from Bhuntar directly to Manikaran.
By Train@: Nearest major railway station is C... -
Near Tourist Places:
Near Tourist Places for Each Time:
10 Places with Distance@: Kasol Bus Stand (4. 5 KMS, cab/bus), Kasol Market (4. 5 KMS, cab/bus), Chalal Village (5. 5 KMS, cab/bus), Jari Village (10 KMS, bus/cab), Chhoj Village (10 KMS, cab), Bhuntar (35 KMS, bus/cab), Tosh Village (26 KMS, cab/bus to Barshaini then trek), Pulga/Tulga Villages (27 KMS, cab/bus to Barshaini then trek), Rudra Waterfall (27 KMS to Barshaini, then trek), Kullu (45 KMS, bus/cab).
Tourism Tips
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Dress Code, Cultural Sensitivity, and Cash for Donations@:
Health & Safety@: The hot spring water is Very Hot; check the temperature before entering the main tank. If you have any heart or skin conditions, consult a doctor beforehand.
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