Himachal Pradesh has long been a favoured destination for travellers, with Parvati Valley standing out as a hotspot for young adventurers. While the valley is often associated with its vibrant subculture and scenic landscapes, it is also steeped in rich mythology and historical folklore. Beyond its reputation as India’s answer to Amsterdam, Parvati Valley is believed to be a land once visited by gods, a place where divine events unfolded and left their mark in the form of sacred sites.

With that let’s have a look at some of the fascinating legends that have shaped the valley’s mystical aura.

The origin of the name “Parvati Valley”

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, the destroyer and ascetic god, meditated in Parvati Valley for 3,000 years. Engulfed in deep meditation, he remained detached from the passage of time, until one day, he opened his eyes and gazed upon the valley’s untouched beauty. Enchanted by its serene and divine landscape, he named it after his consort, Goddess Parvati. This mythological association has since made the valley a significant spiritual site for devotees and seekers.

The legend of Manikaran

One of the most well-known myths of Parvati Valley is tied to the sacred town of Manikaran. It is believed that while residing in the valley, Goddess Parvati lost her mani (precious jewel) in the waters of a stream. Distressed by the loss, she asked Lord Shiva to retrieve it. Despite the efforts of his attendants, the jewel could not be found.

In his fury, Shiva opened his third eye, causing chaos and destruction across the universe. To pacify him, the serpent god Sheshnag intervened, hissing and unleashing a flow of boiling water across the land. From these steaming waters, precious stones similar to the one Parvati had lost began to emerge, restoring balance. This event is said to be the origin of the hot springs of Manikaran, which continue to be revered for their supposed healing properties.

Malana: A village with Greek roots?

Tucked away in the valley lies Malana, a village with a history shrouded in intrigue. According to local belief, the villagers of Malana are direct descendants of Greek soldiers from Alexander the Great’s army. This theory is supported by the distinct facial features of Malana’s inhabitants, which resemble Greco-Roman ancestry.

Adding to its uniqueness, Malana operates under an ancient and autonomous judicial system, believed to have been established by Jamlu Rishi, a revered sage from Hindu mythology. As per the Puranas, he laid the foundation for a form of self-governance that still functions today, with a structured legal system and a council reminiscent of an ancient parliamentary model.

The sacred legend of Kheerganga

Kheerganga, a revered pilgrimage site in the valley, is linked to the legend of Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to mythology, Kartikeya meditated here for several thousand years. It is said that during his time in Kheerganga, Shiva and Parvati would visit him, and Parvati would prepare kheer (rice pudding) for them. The milky white, greyish waters of the river flowing through Kheerganga are believed to be remnants of this divine offering.

Parvati Valley, from the divine meditations of Shiva to the ancient democratic traditions of Malana, every corner of the valley whispers tales of a bygone era. Whether one visits for adventure, solace, or devotion, the valley remains a place where legends come alive, offering a glimpse into the sacred and the mysterious.

Source / Image Credit : timesofindia, Tripoto