Netizens Miss Visiting Mystic Shiva Temple In the Himalayas Before Snow Takes Over

A shrine of Lord Shiva is situated at the height of 7,956 feet above sea level, in the snowy Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a significant spiritual destination for Shiva worshippers because mythology tells of the deity having walked the lands of Manikaran along with the Goddess Parvati.

If mythological stories are to be believed, Lord Shiva and his divine consort Goddess Parvati were wandering in the area when the deity decided to meditate. Parvati, in turn, started taking a bath in the blue waters and soon after, she lost a jewel from her earring.

Thus the river came to be known as Parvati and the place was called Mani (jewel) Karan (ear), and tales suggest the holy couple stayed in Manikaran for 1,100 years before returning to their abode in the Himalayan Mount Kailash. 

Because of the hot enchanting water springs in the Beas and Parvati rivers surrounding the otherwise snow-covered area, mist keeps clouding the temple making it look heavenly. Now that winter is coming, netizens who missed out on getaways due to the coronavirus have been tripping on videos of the serene temple.

The waters in the hot springs are considered sacred, and worshippers are known to dip small cloth bags filled with rice grains into the boiling waters and pull back cooked rice that is distributed as blessed offerings among the visitors.

Another story around the birth of Manikaran, as believed by the Hindus, suggest that human life was resurrected in the area after a catastrophic flood wiped off humanity from the face of the earth.

Sadly, there is noone living to testify the authenticity of these mythological stories, but people who visit the temple here claim to have an overwhelming feeling of calmness and composure.

Nevertheless, the quaint town witnesses a heavy footfall from national, international travelers every year where wanderers and devotees reach for a pleasant getaway and try to get in touch with their spiritual selves.