MANI KARAN

The visiting deities are given a ceremonial bath. The second chapter of Brahm Puran recites the story of Mani Karan as given above. The place is described as one of hot and cold waters and the divine pair had repaired there for water sports (Jal-Krida). Fragrant and attractive flowers graced the place and by a bath at the Sangam (confluence) one is eternally blessed. The Brahm-Puran enjoins the pilgrims pass a night awake at Mani Karan and do puja (Raat-Jagran).

Thereby the pilgrims obtain the full virtue of the world. The story of the loss of the jewel and the frantic search and ultimate recovery is vividly described. The tract is Lord Siva's own and a pilgrimage at this place is adequate and one need not visit Kashi (Varanasi) and other places of pilgrimage. The place is also held sacred by the Sikhs. The Janam Sakhi (Twarikh Guru Khalsa) by Giani Gian Singh mentions about the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to this place.

It has been mentioned that accompanied by his disciple Bhai Mardana, the Guru reached Jwalamukhi temple after visiting Kalanaur, Gurdaspur, Dasuya, Triloknath, Palampur and Kangra. The Guru then proceeded towards Mandi and aftervisiting Chamba and Kulu he came to Bijli Maha- dev. At all these places Guru Nanak Dev had preached. Then he came to Mani Karan. The Janam Sakhi (Autobiography of Bhai Mardana) mentions the miracles did by the Guru.

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