Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib's hot spring a major draw among devotees

Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), Apr 4(ANI): Manikaran Sahib gurdwara in Himachal's Kullu valley is a popular religious place that attracts a large number of devotees every year.

One of the major charms for all visiting devotees here is the special langar or, the community kitchen, as the meal served here is cooked on the water directly taken from the hot spring that exists here.

This hot spring, is locally called 'Garam kund'. One can notice the water boiling in it at about 94.6 degree Celsius temperature despite it being located next to the icy water of the Parvati River.

The water is known for its healing properties.

Devotees relish the meal served at this gurdwara as Prasad or, the religious offering.

"The water in the spring remains boiling in all seasons, whether it is cold or hot weather. We carry the water from this spring and use it for cooking purposes. The main advantage of this spring is that the food cooked in this water never gets spoiled and stays fresh for a long time," said Baba Ram, Executive Head of Manikaran Sahib.

"All the food items of the langar are cooked in the spring water. Most of the items like rice pudding, beans etc. are cooked and get ready within 20 to 25 minutes. The cooked rice is ready within an hour," he added.

The legend has it that once Guru Nanak Dev, was accompanied by his disciples, in the Himalayas, and he sent his friend Mardana to collect food for langar for these youngsters, who were hungry and had spent days without any food.

Many people donated rice and flour for the food. But the only problem was that there was no fire to cook the food. Guru Nanak Devji then lifted a rock and a hot spring appeared, after which the Sikhs were able to make rice and beans. By Prem Thakur (ANI)