Thursday 30 April 2015

V for Vagabonds - the Gaddis

This post is written for A to Z Challenge.

V for Vagabonds - the Gaddis

We all have heard about Gaddis. They are rare nomadic tribes found in HP & JK mostly dependent upon rearing of Sheep & Goat. 

They spent their summers in upper hills and when the winter falls the male folks move down hill along with the flock which is as big as 200 - 300 animals and keep on moving rearing there animals on the fields there on. I salute the endurance and stamina of these people. The just keep travelling for the six months and return only after March April. The view of the person with the herd is amazing. They normally keep one or two dogs in the herd that saves the otherwise tame animals from wild animals.

Starting October they can be seen in different parts of Chamba / Kullu / Kangra etc coming downhill and in March - April moving back to their hills with a smaller flock.

Gaddis



These Gaddis are mainly settled in the Ravi and Budil river basins in Bharmaur, and scattered across Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu districts on the outer foothills of the Dhauladhar mountains and also on the fringes of the Pir Panjal ranges. Their habitat offers breathtaking landscapes coloured with hills, cliffs, streams, rivulets and even thick jungles. A sizable number of Gaddi families have land and assets on either side of the Dhauladhars. 

That's with V . Next W.

For other posts on Himachal written as part of Ato Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge

U for Ultimate festivals in Himachal


This post is written for A to Z Challenge.

U for Ultimate festivals in Himachal 

Himachal is a land of Gods. Every tribe, clan, area etc. have some God of themselves in the area. This is true with other parts of the country as well – like we call Kuldevta etc. But in most of the other parts we hardly revere the Kuldevta in the year. We only remember them during some celebration in the family. Unlike those here in Himachal you would find these Devta’s roaming around the state sitting in Palki on the shoulders of two devotees. Some are genuine, while others are just roaming to collect offerings. These Devtas play a significant role in the festivals here. Two such festivals which have famed to International level are the Kullu Dussehra and Shivratri at Mandi. 


Kullu Dussehra – Dussehra in Kullu is celebrated in a totally different way. It is celebrated at the same time as other parts of India mostly falling in the month of Oct. Here it is celebrated in the local Dhalpur Ground of Kullu , where processions of different Gods come to this Dhalpur ground on Vijaydashmi and stays there for seven days. There is local trade fair and musical nights that goes on along with it for the seven days. 

Kullu Dussehra


Its history dates back to the 17th century when local King Jagat Singh installed an idol of Raghunath on his throne as a mark of penance. After this, God Raghunath was declared as the ruling deity of the Valley. The State government has accorded the status of International festival to the Kullu Dussehra, which attracts tourists in large numbers. 

As per legend Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu who had been informed that bowl full of pearls was in the possession of Durga Dutt, a poor Brahmin of village Tipri. The Raja directed his courtiers to fetch the pearls from the Brahmin, was greatly harassed by them. Finding the torture rather unbearable, he told them that the pearls would be delivered to the Raja on his return to the village from Manikaran where he was going. When the Raja arrived in the village, the Brahmin locked himself along with his family members and set fire to the house. Sitting by its side, he cut his flesh with a sharp blade at every leap of the fire and vowed curse to the Raja for his unjust demand by saying "Have the pearls, O' Raja". The entire family was reduced to ashes. 

After sometime the Raja was haunted by the spirit of the Brahmin family. Under guilt conscious and hallucination he used to see crawling worms in place of rice and human blood in place of water in the tumbler. The Raja did whatever he could do but to no respite. The news of raja’s illness spread and no body could help. At last a Bairagi named Krishan Dutt (Pahari Baba) offered his counsel that no medicine can be effective to cure the Raja except the blessing of lord Rama. He further suggested that Raja should take charanamrit of an idol of lord Rama. This idea struck sound in the mind of the Raja and further efforts were made to procure a holy idol from Ayodhya. His efforts succeeded in procuring a genuine idol from Ayodhya. For this work a disciple of Bairagi Krishan Dutt name Damodar Dass was selected and deputed for this purpose. Damodar Dass had attained miraculous power known as 'Gutka Sidhi'. Through this miraculous power he was able to procure the rare piece of Rama's idol alongwith Pujari from 'Tret Nath' Temple of Ayodhya in July 1651 AD which was installed in Raghunathjee's temple at Sultanpur Kullu with full rituals. 

Raja Jagat Singh with this showed signs of recovery. He was greatly influenced by the divine power of Rama, and thus offered his throne to the will of Raghunathjee and became 'Chharibardar' of Raghunathjee. This incident had a great impact in his state and as a consequence thereof all the Devis and Devtas accepted the overall lordship of Raghunathjee. The Raja sent his order to all the 'Kardars' of all Gods and Goddesses of the state to assemble at Kullu on the festive occassion of Vijya Dashmi to first pay obeisance to Raghunathjee and then participate in the festivities thereafter. 

Thus started the Kullu Dussehra. 

Tradition : On the first day when the Dussehra fair begins, the idol of Raghunth ji saddled in a gaily attired Rath is pulled from its fixed place in Dhalpur Maidan, to another spot across the maidan by big ropes by the local people. The village gods more than one hundred in number mounted in colourful plaquine attend this fair. There-after for seven days the fair goes on. At night in Kala Kendra International dance festival is held which is a stage of great cultural activities. Thousands of people witness the show in the open theatre at Dhalpur. Dussehra is a well-organised fair that provides entertainment business opportunities, fun and frolics to all. On the 6th day, the assembly of Devtas takes place. All the village Gods attending the fair with their followers and band of musicians participate in the assembly. It is an impressive and rare scene to witness. Devtas sitting together in colourful attires round the camp of Raghunathji. On the concluding day, the Rath is again pulled near to the bank of the river Beas, where a pile of thorn bushes is set on fire that symbolises the burning of Lanka. Some animals are sacrificed and Rath is brought back ina procession to its original place. Raghunathji is carried back to his temple at Sultanpur. The attending Gods disperse and so the people. Kullu Dussehra is full of grandeur and festivities. 

Shivratri at Mandi

Shivratri at Mandi. : Shivratri at Mandi is also celebrated in the same manner where Gods from all Himachal assemble at the Paddal Ground of Mandi. The festival continues for 7 days and is also treated as a festival of International level. The festival is celebrated in front of the Bhootnath Temple which is devoted to lord Shiva.

More than 200 deities of the Mandi district and around assemble here, starting with the day of Shivaratri. Mandi town located on the banks of the river Beas is popularly known as the "cathedral of temples", and is one of the oldest towns of HP with about 81 temples of different gods and goddesses in its periphery. There are several legends linked to the celebration of this event. The festival is centred on the protector deity of Mandi "Mado Rai" (Lord Vishnu) and Lord Shiva of the Bhootnath temple.

Shivratri at Mandi

That's with U . Tomorrow it would be V.

For other posts on Himachal written as part of Ato Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge

Wednesday 29 April 2015

T for Triund and other Trekking Trails in HP


 This post is written for A to Z Challenge.

T for Triund and other Trekking trails in HP

In my last post I had written about all the adventure sport that you can look for when you are visiting Himachal. Here I would just like to take a step forward and write a little more on trekking. As a novice and a family member when I stayed at Dharamshala I needed a relatively easy trail to trek. Triund offered me such trek.

In the Dhauladhar there is a ridge named Triund which gives a very close look for Moon peak - Inderahar Pass. Triund is situated just 9 kms from Bhagsu Nag (in McLeod Ganj) and thus has become very famous trekking destination among tourists. Rested at a height of 2827 m, the place is noted for its scenic splendor of the imposing mountainous terrain. Triund offers a fascinating view of the Dhauladhar ranges and the Kangra Valley. One can trek along alone through this pass without a guide. Because of its proximity to the snowline which is just 13kms away, this region is becoming popular with time. Snow birds and wild animals like musk deer and black bear are well seen from this place.

A typical trek in Triund can be of three days i.e
Bhagsu Nag - The starting point of Triund Trek



Day 1: Bhagsunath to Triund (via Gunnadevi and Bahl) - You have to walk from Bhagsu Nag to the small farming village of Bahl, passing through dense cedar. Then go for a 4 kms ascent , for a climb to the temple of Guna Devi. The route passes through forest areas teeming with Himalayan birds. Later a steep ascent through mixed forest of oak, rhododendron and deodar trees takes us to Triund, an alpine meadow situated on top of a ridge.

( one can stay overnight here and return the next day. Alternatively you can mave to Laka Glacier)
The Bhagsu Trail

Day 2: Triund to Laka Glacier(3700 mts) - A 2 to 3 hour ascent takes you to Laka Glacier. Laka glacier is no more glacier now as there is as such no snow or glacier there. It's a small moraine and a shepherd pasture. The spectacular mountain views and vistas will mesmerize you.

Day 3: Laka to BahgsuNath - Next morning you come back by trekking downhill to reach Bhagsunath.

Triund Base


Best time for trekking in Himachal Pradesh:

All the treks in Himachal Pradesh have their own enthrallment, excitement and timings. While winter has their own charm and appeal, monsoons are considered to be the ideal time to undertake most of the treks. The period of June – September is the best and suitable time to undertake any of the treks in Himachal Pradesh, as the entire region starts blooming with varieties of colourful flowers and lush greeneries.

One must keep the check list as below before taking a Trekking Tour:
Suitable and waterproof back-pack , Trekking gears like sleeping bags and mats, rucksack, ropes and walking stick , Waterproof clothing: jackets, windcheater and other similar
Proper shoes , Water bottles, Clothes according to the season , Caps or hats, towels and handkerchiefs , An extra pair of socks, shoe laces and undergarments , Torchlight with extra cells and bulbs , Basic medicines and first-aid kits , Matchbox or lighter, insect repellents, plastic bags and toiletry items , Multipurpose knife or other similar accessories , Energy bars or drinks and items according to the duration of the trek , Journal to keep track of everything
Waterproof and airtight containers , Handy cams or cameras , Slippers to relax at the end of the tour .

Aside from Bhagsunag – Triund trail , other easy treks for beginners are : 

1. Baralacha Chandertal Trek :Chandertal is at an altitude of 4270 metres and lies between the main Kunzum ridge and low ridge. The lake is believed to be the source of the river Chandra and is also called the 'Moon Lake' . The trek from Baralacha to Chandertal is comparatively an easier trek and the beautiful vistas that open up as you gain altitude present such magnificent views of the lake bounding with turquoise blue and crystal clear waters that you have an out-of-the-world feeling.

The Chandrataal Lake Base


2. The Hampta pass trek begins from the lush green Kullu-Manali valley and ends in the rather barren Chandra valley of Lahaul. This is a moderately difficult trek and does not put too much physical strain on the trekkers. The trek passes through oak, walnut and alder forests hypnotizing your senses with the sheer beauty of the landscape

Hampta Pass Trek Base

The stark contrast between the two valleys is available to the naked eyes. While the Kullu valley abounds in flora and fauna, the Lahaul valley stands out in its barrenness. Along your path, you will come across pretty streams, glaciers and rivers, rare flowers and birds. While the third Triund offers moderate greenery and a view to hanuman Tibba the highest peak in Dhauladhar.


3. Another famous trekking route is the McLeodGanj to Chamba trekking route . This trek offers trekkers a chance to look at the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges from close quarters. This is a moderately strenuous trek and passes through thick Rhododendron and deodar forests. Here one can see the Gaddi shepherds herding their flock from Chamba valley to Lahaul and Spiti. From the Indrahar pass the Pir Panjal ranges can be seen in the north in their royal glory while in the south plains extend as far back as the eyes can see. In the east the Mani Mahesh Kailash is visible. 

Mc Leod Ganj - Chamba trek 



These are some of the famous trekking routes. There are many more in Himachal. Infact you can devise your own route and all would give enjoyment of its own kind. 

I would still advise if you are an ametuer try the Triund trail first.

This was from T. Tomorrow it would be U.


For other posts on Himachal written as part of A to Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge


Sunday 26 April 2015

S - Sports for tourists in Himachal


This post is written for A to Z Challenge.



S - Sports for tourists in Himachal

Tourism in Himachal is not only about Pilgrim visit, Snow fall or sight-seeing. It is also the hub of some interesting sports – esp. adventure sports. If you are young, energetic and love to test your nerves, don’t miss them.


Rafting
The diverse landscape and difficult terrain, the high altitude and the gorges intermingled with ranges is a delight for sports lovers eager to engage in land and water adventure and thus becomes the hub for Trekking, Angling and Paragliding etc. We know the breath taking landscape is obvious choice for the romantic rendezvous, but it also presents some thrilling opportunities for heli-skiing, biking, angling or water rafting on the River Beas.

Let’s take a look at the options:

1. Trekking: Himachal offers all type of trekking routes. Easy ones like … is available for family trekking or the starters while the moderate to In the lower ranges of Kangra Valley and Kullu, there are exclusive campgrounds for trekkers. In the higher altitudes Kinnaur, Lahaul, Spiti and Chail are popular trekking regions. The best season for Trekking is May to October.

Trekking

2. Paragliding: As already discussed the world’s second best Paragliding site is in Himachal in Bir-Billing. A number of tour operators provide paragliding support to tourist in that area. Aside from Bir – Billing, Paragliding is available in Dharamshala where one takes a jump from Indru Nag area and lands at Dharamshala paragliding is also available at Marhi on the way from Manali to Rohtang.
Paragliding


3. River Rafting: This water sport is available in Kullu in the river Beas. One must not miss if you are travelling with family or in a group. It’s no second to Rishikesh.





Rafting


4. Angling: Himachal Pradesh the abode of gods the land of snows a tourists dream and delight, is also an anglers paradise. It has some of the finest trout streams in the north. The Pabbar in the Rohru valley, the Baspa in the Sangla valley, the Uhl in the Barot valley, and river Beas and its tributaries in the Kullu valley, abound in both brown and rainbow trout, while many rivers and streams in the Kangra valley are well-known for mahseer fishing. Each of these rivers has 32 to 40 km of angling reserve area, where one can fish with joy. Angling rules are liberal and the fee nominal. Angler is permitted to catch six trout a day on each license; however a trout should not be less than 40 cm in size. Trout fishing close season lasts from 1st November to last day of February each year.


Angling


5. Camping: Camping in the Deodar forest is available through out Himachal readily offered by tour operators engaged in adventure sport and eco-tourism. Some of the best areas are the kasol belt in Kullu, The Naggar region near Manali, The trekking route from Triund to Chamba etc.

Camping at Kasol


6. Cycling: Cycling on mountains is a real tough sport which needs high level stamina and endurance. Cross country and Himalayan Cycling are some of the annual sports in which cyclist engaged in this sport wait for. This is flagged of from Shimla.

cycling

7. Motor Rally: Himalayan Car rally is also one of the annual sport event that is flagged off from Shimla and goes all the way to Leh and then Laddakh. If you love driving, do try to take part in this once.
Himalayan car Rally

8. Skiing : Solang valley some 10 kms from Manali offers one of the best Skiing slopes. So in the snow season you can always plan for some fun here.

Skiing in Solang


9. Hiking: Himachal offers  so many choices  that one might probably end up getting confused. Kullu entices with wooded forests and rivers gurgling their way around rocks. Manali beckons with its enchanting natural scenery. Picturesque Kangra with the imposing Dhauladhar range beckon you to explore them. Mystic Dharamshala with its deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills seem to be made for hiking. Palampur, with its fascinating pine forests and tea gardens can lure you to linger longer than you may want to. Magnificent Kinnaur in the North East and Lahaul Spiti can work their magic on you. One can always take support of tourist guides while Hiking who would make it more enjoyable by handling all support services like taking care of your baggage, accommodation, meals and providing you knowledgeable guides for the hiking trip. At the end of the day, you can choose tented accommodation or hotels where available. 

Hiking


10. Mountaineering & Rock Climbing : Naturally Himachal would be the abode for Mountaineering . However, the area around Manali presently forms the core of mountaineering in Himachal. The Beas Kund region and lower reaches of the Hanuman Tibba (5,930m), the Manali and Shitidhar peaks around the source of the river Beas, and the Deo Tibba (6,001m) area, are suggested for beginners with some experience. Situated at the northern end of the kullu valley, Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and is Surrounded by towering peaks from all around. Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline and trailhead for numerous treks. The best season is around the April-November period, however a number of climbs are also attempted in winter (December-March) which, though much colder, allows for clearer climbing days.


Mountaineering


Rock climbing is also gaining popularity in India. Now several mountaineering clubs and institutes have launched courses for novices, amateurs and professionals who are interested in rock climbing.  Himachal Pradesh is blessed with both gentle and steep terrain; ideal for an amateur and professional respectively. The most popular rock climbing sites in Himachal Pradesh are located in Manali like Beas Kund Region, Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar Peaks (Origin of River Beas), Deo Tibba.


Rock Climbing


11. Golfing - Shimla is home to some of the oldest golf courses in the state. Around 23 km from Shimla, there is the nine-hole 68-par golf course in Naldehra. Other popular courses are the Annandale in Shimla and one in Khajjar. Golf resorts in this state also appeal to tourists for their privacy and facilities.



Naldhera Golf Course
This is all from S. Tomorrow T.

For other posts on Himachal written as part of Ato Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge


Thursday 23 April 2015

R for Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass
This post is written for A to Z Challenge.



View from Rohtang when it is cloud and fog laden
Rohtang Pass, is a high mountain pass on the eastern side of Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas around 51 km from Manali. 
Rohtang
It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh and provides a link between two distinct culture i.e. the humid Kullu Valley with a Hindu culture  and the high-altitude cold desert - Lahaul and Spiti valleys with a predominantly Buddhist culture.
Manali Leh Highway - Who found it?
The passes used to be the route for trade in the olden days between the two valleys and off to Tibet and China. This pass remains open from May to November
View at Rohtang in acloudy season
It is not particularly high or difficult to cross on foot by Himalayan standards, but it has a well-deserved reputation for being dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, There are other passes further north moving towards Leh like Kunzam La, Baralacha La etc.
Frozen roads beside Rehala 
The Pass falls on the main NH 21 which passes from Kullu to Manali and further to Rohtang and then through Keylong to Leh and Ladakh. It becomes a very busy route during the summers once the snow melts and the pass opens.

 
during a busy clear afternoon

Route when the roads have been just cleared

With patches of snow - early may


If one is visiting Kullu and Manali – a visit to Rohtang is an experience in itself. Manali to Rohtang is just 51 kms but takes around 3 hrs depending upon traffic. The vegetation shifts from dense Deodar forest to stunted high altitude shrubs. Further north, towards Leh it turns to cold desert.
Glacier with frozen stream

One must try to reach Rohtang early in the morning as around noon time the weather starts changing and there are heavy cloud and slow making it chilli and foggy, difficult to view the terrain from the pass. However, you would always enjoy the hot maggi, coffee, tea and bread – omelette being sold there by the villagers from downhill.

Enjoying Maggi inside the car after it cot cold due to rain and hail
Maggi - Tea vendor point at Rohtang


On the way to Rohtang one can stop at the Rahala Nala and enjoy the water falling down. The Rahalla falls are the result of melting glaciers. It is a natural spot where one can view the natural beauty. It is also become one of the famous tourist spot.and provides marvelous and clear view of the surroundings which include silver birch trees and forest of deodar. The fresh and aromatic air provides relaxation and peace of mind.  It remains frozen in the beginning when the route opens and has a different view altogether. 

The Frozen Rahala Nala in August 

However, the stretch of around two to three kms around this nala is always very silty and difficult to drive. Rest of the route is pretty enjoying.
The same Nala in another year with flowing stream
There are Paragliding available at Marhi which can also be enjoyed. At the top, near the pass there is an Igloo shaped temple devoted to Vyas Muni.
Vyas Muni Temple at Rohtang
It is believed that Vyas Muni spent 12 years here and wrote 4 chand and 18 pran of Mahabharata.
Add caption

During the start of the season when the snow has just given way to Rohtang, the mountains and glaciers around are still snow laden. 

The view of Vyasa temple from Rohtang
The area is then full of Snow scooters and horses available to take you to these areas to have a closer look. At times Yaks are also made available and you can enjoy the Yak ride.

Snow scooter ride

Thats all for Rohtang. Tomorrow it would be S.

For other posts on Himachal written as part of Ato Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge

Q for Queer facts and beliefs

This post is written for A to Z Challenge.


Q for Queer facts and beliefs



Today I would talk about three temples which had left me awe struck with some stories or phenomenon linked and that keeps one pondering. I have already mentioned about one i.e. Jwalaji in my last post on Shakti Peeths. The other two are Bijli Mahadev Temple and Manikaran.



Jwalaji: The fact that it is one of the Shakti Peeth where burning tongue of Sati fell is good enough to make it sacred. 

Jwala Ji temple
But I was amazed with the continuous flame that is burning from the walls of the small rectangular pit in the main temple. There are small flames coming from other areas in the wall too. These are just small flames like a candle burning. - And goes on continuously. If scientist say it is a source of Natural Gas, I agree – but why this is only a small flame burning and not given way to a fire. Where is the source? It’s really amazing and awful.


Bijli Mahadev Temple: This temple devoted to Lord Shiva lies in Kullu district approx. 22 km from main Kullu town across the river Beas. 

Bijli Mahadev

One can reach up to Chansari village by local bus from Kullu or by road and from where one had to trek for a distance of 3 km uphill to Kashwari at a height of approx. 2500 m.


Bijli Mahadev temple

In this temple of lightning, it is said that the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightning to save the earth. Shiva in the form of Shiva LInga absorbs the lightning and breaks into pieces and scatters. The priest then gets a dream in which he comes to know the exact location of these pieces. Then he has to restore the Shiva linga placed inside the temple using butter and sattoo. 

Shiv Linga at Bijli Mahadev

This happens after every lightning as it shatters Linga to pieces with flash of lightning.

Bijli Mahadev


The 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun. The top also provides a majestic valley of the parvati valley below and the Kullu city.

Manikaran: Manikaran is located in the Parvati Valley between the rivers Beas and Parvati, northeast of Bhuntar in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. It is at an altitude of 1760 m and is located about 45 km from Kullu.One has to divert from Bhunter to Kasol – Manikaran route from main NH at Bhunter if you are coming from Mandi. Its just 3 kms from Kasol (the Israel city in India). The view is just mesmerizing. Manikaran is famous for the hot water Sulphur Spring. I have seen sulphur springs – many of them, But normally they are small springs or outlets with reasonably warm water. One would be astonished to see boiling hot water here virtually jutting out throughout the area. There is a Gurudwara and a Shiva temple in the same complex on the banks of river Parvati. The Rice for the food served in the Langar is prepared by just keeping the earthen pot in the kund in the Gurudwara. As a Prasad you can take raw rice / gram from the temple and leave this submerged in the kund – by the time you return after visit – the rice / gram is cooked. All along the Temple where Parvati river touches this area the water is boiling which otherwise is ice cold. Its amazing – I hadn’t seen such hot water source.

Manikaran entrance with Shiv Temple




Manikaran is a pilgrimage centre for both Hindus and Sikhs. The Hindus believe that Manu recreated human life in Manikaran after the flood, making it a sacred area. It has many temples and a gurudwara There are temples of the Hindu deities Rama, Krishna, and Vishnu. .

According to legend, when the Shiva and Parvati were walking in the valley, Parvati dropped one of her earrings. The jewel was seized by Shesha Nag which disappeared into the earth with it. Shiva performed Tandav to make Shesha nag surrender the jewel and shot the jewel up through the water. Apparently, jewels continued to be thrown up in the waters at Manikaran until the earthquake of 1905.

According to the Sikhs, during third Udasi, the founder of Sikhism Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji came to this place with his disciple Bhai Mardana. Mardana felt hungry and they had no food. Guru Nanak sent Mardana to collect food for the langar. Many people donated atta to make Roti (bread). The one problem was that there was no fire to cook the food. Guru Nanak asked Mardana to lift a stone and he complied and a hot spring appeared. As directed by Guru Nanak, Mardana put the rolled chapatis in the spring to his despair the chapatis sank. Guru Nanak then told him to pray to God saying that if his chapatis float back then he would donate one chapati in His name. When he prayed all the chapatis started floating duly baked. Guru Nanak said that anyone who donates in the name of God, his drowned items float back.

The pots containing rice for langar immersed in Hot water for being cooked

Another belief says that when the lost jewel of Parvati could not be found Shiva got angry and opened his third eye, a tremendously inauspicious event which led to disturbances in the universe. Then an appeal was made before the serpent god, Sheshnag, to pacify Lord Shiva. Sheshnag hissed thereby giving rise to a flow of boiling water. The water spread over the entire area resulting in the emergence of precious stones of the type Goddess Parvati had lost. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were happy at the outcome.


The Gurudwara visible from Mandir . Also see the fumes of hot water

The name Manikaran is derived from this legend. The water is still hot and is considered extremely auspicious. A pilgrimage to this place is thought of as complete. 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. 


Aside from the Main Gurudwara, and the Shiva Temple there are other temples Lord Ram Chandra and Vishnu.

This was from Q now tomorrow from R.

For other posts on Himachal written as part of Ato Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge