This temple mainly belongs to Lord Shiva. In 1905 an earthquake caused a bit of damage to the temple and it got slightly tilted. The importance of Manikaran is also judged from the fact that devtas of Kullu valley pay regular visit to this place on specified date.
Shrine’s History
The history and the presence of Manikaran state that while roaming around, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, once chance to visit a place that was surrounded by mountains and was lush green. Attracted by the beauty of the place, they decided to spend some time there. It is believed that they actually spend 1100 years here. During the stay of Lord Shiva and Parvathi here, Goddess Parvati lost her Mani in the waters of a stream and was upset over the loss, she asked Shiva to retrieve it.
Lord Shiva commanded his attendant and asked him to find out the mani for Parvati. However, when the attended and Lord Shiva himself failed, he was extremely angry and opened his third eye which was the tremendously inauspicious event which led to disturbances in the universe. Later an appeal was made in front of the serpent god, Sheshnag, to pacify Lord Shiva. Sheshnag blessed them thereby giving rise to a flow of boiling water. This water spread over the entire area which resulted in the emergence of precious stones of the type Goddess Parvati had lost. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were happy at that outcome. This name Manikaran is derived from a legend and the water is still hot and is considered extremely auspicious and pilgrimage to this place is thought of as complete. In fact, it is also believed that there is no need to pay a visit to Kashi after visiting this place. The water of the spring is also supposed to have curative powers. The water here is so hot that rice can be cooked in it.
By Road
The nearest bus stop is Manikaran
By Rail
The Nearest railway station is Kullu
By Air
The nearest airport is Kullu-Manali Airport at Bhuntar 37 km.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Shivaratri
