Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

There are many myths and legends that surround Manukaran, both Hindu and Sikh. The place is believed to have taken name from Sanskrit word 'Mani' meaning precious gem stones as the following Hindu myth suggests -

When Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati came to this part of earth, the goddess lost her precious 'mani' or jewel. Shiva sent his army to find it but they couldn't which angered Shiva. This prompted Tandava - evoking the destructive forces of Nature. The serpent deity Sheshnaag then brought up the gemstone Parvati lost.

Another version of the story tells about Sheshnag deliberately taking the gemstone under earth, which angered Lord Shiva, forcing Sheshnaag to come spew hot water which still exists in the form of Hot Springs found in the area and with that the 'mani' Parvati though lost. The hot springs are known to be throwing jewels since then till the earthquake of 1905.

Sikh Legend is about Guru Nanak and his disciple Mardana has come to this place and felt hungry, due to which Nanak asked him to set up 'Langar' - a kitchen for all. Mardana collected food material from the houses nearby and started making Roti. However as there was no fire to cook it, Nanak asked him to remove a stone from where a hot water spring came up. When Mardana put rolled chapattis in the water as per the instruction of his Guru, it sank. Nanak then told his disciple to pray to God for the sunken chapattis to come up baked, so that donation of these could alleviate hungers of the needy. The prayers were answered, making the place pious for people of the Sikh religion.