Shree Manan Dham
Guru Maharaj Shri Vaishno Deva Maa Ji, who devoted her whole life to the progress of her disciples, society, nation, and religion, always stayed away from the press, media, and politics. Guru Deva Maa Ji, with her maternal nature, agreed to provide guidance and support to see what could be designed for Shri Manan Dham, after consistent appeals from devotees. She emphasized the importance of unity among different religious groups (panths) and their followers, who all worship their gurus and teachers with strong dedication. She saw this place as a religious unit and encouraged them to nurture it as their own. She believed that the divine connection with God should be a significant aspect while designing and naming the place, which was eventually named "Manan" in honour of her maternal presence. The name for Shri Manan Dham was given by Guru Deva Maa Ji herself, representing the devotion to God's name or the significance of easily remembering the spiritual connection.
All in one Pilgrimage
Guru Maharaj Shri Vaishno Deva Maa Ji, who devoted her whole life to the progress of her disciples, society, nation & religion, always stayed away from the press, media, and politics. Guru Deva Maa Ji, with her maternal nature, agreed to provide guidance and support to see what could be designed for Shri Manan Dham, after consistent appeals from devotees. She emphasized the importance of unity among different religious groups (panths) and their followers, who all worship their gurus and teachers with strong dedication. She saw this place as a religious unit and encouraged them to nurture it as their own. She believed that the divine connection with God should be a significant aspect while designing and naming the place, which was eventually named "Manan" in honour of her maternal presence. The name Shri Manan Dham was given by Guru Deva Maa Ji herself, representing the devotion to God's name and the significance spiritual connection.
The proposed structure had a total height of 108 feet, with 32 feet for the conch (shankh) placed on top. Below the structure, there were eight corners (konas) or octagons. Now it is known that the main mystery is that raindrops fall from the sky on the conch, and the water collected from the conch is considered Amrit (nectar) from the Abhishekha (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva and is distributed to devotees. The water, which falls from a height of 108 feet, ultimately lands on the Shivalinga beneath.
A special hall was designed at the top with the conch, intended for meditation and contemplation. The proposed structure was explained as having a conch at the top as it represents knowledge (gyana) from the Vedas and reflects the sunlight like a mirror, spreading knowledge (gyana) all around. Over the years, Shri Manan Dham has been accepted and embraced by many villagers in the surroundings, creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony, despite its initial notoriety due to social issues. The foundation stones were laid by the disciples on 31st January 1992, in an approximately one-acre area. However, now, the premises have expanded to three acres, with a well-developed temple. Another interesting story lies behind the development of conch. Notably, a huge cobra, which was previously suspected of theft activities, is now worshipped by the locals as the guardian deity. Even a Muslim worker witnessed Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the early hours of around 4:30 AM in the beautiful temple.
The construction of the conch structure, weighing about 100 tons, was quite challenging and required the skill of a skilled architect. Eventually, on 20th January 2003, it was inaugurated by the then Vice President of India, Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
Today, within the premises, you can get the same privilege of doing darshans of Vaisno Devi that you get in Vaishno Devi Katra. It's all in one pilgrimage for those who cannot actually get to Katra. Visiting Shree Manan Dham and seeking blessings is highly regarded. Additionally, there are temples of Shri Radha Krishna, Ram Darbar, Shiv Parivar, Shivalay beneath the conch (shankh), and Navgrah Temple. The Navgrah temple is noteworthy for its significance and unique design, according to Shri Vaishno Deva Maa Ji, who believes it resonates with the cosmic order of the universe (Brahmands).