Manikaran, perched on the right bank of the roaring Parvati River, is a pilgrimage town famous for hot springs. The waters of this spring are so hot that the langar or communal kitchen of Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara cooks its food in large vessels immersed in the spring water.
Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a historical Sikh shrine present there which was discovered by Baba Narayan Hari. Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is located where Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was with his Sikhs in the Himalaya Mountains of India. His Sikhs were hungry and there was no food. Guru Nanak sent his Good Friend Bhai Mardana to collect food for langar (the Community Kitchen). Many people donated rice and flour (atta) to make parsadas (bread). The one problem was that there was no fire to cook the food.
Guru Nanak then lifted a rock and a hot spring (hot water) appeared. The Sikhs were able to make rice and beans. Bhai Mardana was having trouble making parasadas (chapatis) because they kept sinking. Bhai Mardana said, “I am going to donate my life in the name of God”. The parsada amazingly floated. Guru Nanak Dev Ji said that anyone who donates his life in the name of God, All his (or her) drowned items will float. This was a miracle.
The place is famous for its hot boiling sulfur springs, which are revered by lakhs who come here for a dip in the curing waters. It is believed that the hot springs can cure skin diseases or even ease the swelling caused by gout. A huge Gurdwara has been erected in the memory of Guru Nanak who is believed to have visited this place. Several Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visit the Gurdwara every year.
Langar Sewa
In Sikhism, langar (Punjabi: ‘kitchen’) is the community kitchen of a Gurdwara, which serves meals free of charge to all visitors—without making a distinction of religion, caste, gender, or economic status. Moreover, Food is served in the kitchens of Gurdwara every day,
Many Sikhs serve langar to people outside the Gurdwara. Sewa is an important part of worship.
Kada Prashad
Kada Prashad is a rich halwa made with whole wheat flour (Atta). One of the delicacies that are served in gurudwara known as Kada Prashad. The word gurudwara means the door to the guru.
Stay in Gurdwara
Generally, the free stay is provided in open halls where many people can stay together.