Are you watching fire and ice from the same place? You wonder how it can be. There is! At Manikaran, the freezing cold water of the river Parvati on one side and the boiling hot spring on the other make us wonder.

Located at an altitude of 2650 meters or 7956 feet above sea level, the Shiva temple at Manikaran Nagar in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh certainly has a unique story and structure than any other temple. A hot spring is always spewing boiling water near where the river Parvati flows.

These boiling springs sometimes produce a 10 to 15 feet high fountain. Sometimes stones of different colors also come out from these springs. The temperature of different springs varies from 65 to 80 degrees Celsius.

Some mythological stories are also told about it. Centuries ago, Shiva and Parvati from Shivloka settled here attracted by the beauty of this place. They had done penance at this place for many years and one day they were playing in the river here. Then Parvati’s ornament is washed away in the water.

Bhutaganas of Shivloka were sent to search for Parvati’s ornaments. But when he could not find the jewel anywhere, enraged Shiva opened his third eye. Hot springs are said to have formed at this place due to the heat of the third eye. Since then many jewels have come out of this fountain. Stories say that Parvati only took off her jewel and stoned the changeling.

Even today stones of various colors are said to come out of this spring. Not only that, it is also said that Rama often visited this temple in the Ramayana and used to visit Guru Vasishta’s cottage near Manali. Similarly, the Mahabharata story is said to be the place where Lord Shiva tested Ajuna, who was born at Kandipam.

It is an important place not only for the Hindu religion but also for the Sikh community. This place is said to be the place where Sikh Guru Guru Nanak stayed and meditated. So the Gurdwara, the holiest place of the Sikhs, is located near the Shiva-Parvati temple. Both the temples have a bridge. Prasadam is cooked from this hot spring for both these temples.

Rice, pulses, vegetables etc. are cooked in this water and served. Foods cooked in this unique water are delicious to eat. Bathing in these hot springs is also believed to cure arthritis and other ailments. You can also cook directly in the water and it will be hot sometimes.

Another highlight of this city is the Dussehra festival. The world-famous Kullu Dussehra festival celebrations began at Manikaran during the reign of King Jagat Singh. People from all parts of Kullu and Himachal Pradesh visit Manikaran to celebrate Dussehra.

This place can be easily reached from Kullu or Manali. After reaching Poondar Airport in Kullu, you can reach Manikaran by road. If you are coming here by train, you can take a taxi from Chandigarh railway station. A taxi fare of Rs.700 is charged from Manali to Manikaran.