Among the hills of the Talas Valley, near the clear river Ken-Kol, lies one of the most cherished places in the vicinity of the National Complex "Manas Ordo" - the sacred spring "Kanykey Apa." For the Kyrgyz, this is not just a natural spring, but a part of their spiritual heritage, connected to the great epic and the memory of women who played a special role in the fate of the legendary hero Manas. According to legend, it was here that the yurts of Manas's mother, Kanykey Apa, once stood, and later those of his wife, Aichurek. The springs still bear their names today, emphasizing respect for feminine wisdom, maternal strength, and the protection of the lineage. Kanykey Apa is one of the central figures of the epic "Manas," a symbol of loyalty, determination, and care for the people.
The places associated with her name have long been revered as sacred and "blessing-giving." The springs are located in a picturesque grove, where a small pond forms among the grasses and ancient trees. The water here is genuinely pure, cold, and remarkably clear. An ancient belief is associated with this place: if one dips three times into the pond, troubles and worries will vanish as if dissolved in the water. The spring's water is known for its softness and freshness, and locals assure that it "calms the heart" and relieves fatigue after a journey.
The legend states that once Kanykey, while walking with her friends in the shade of the dense forest at the foot of the overseeing mountain of Manas, lay down to rest and dozed off. In her dream, a gray-haired woman in white robes appeared to her and said: "Beneath you lies a source of pure water. Uncover it - and let travelers drink and find blessing." Upon waking, Kanykey noticed a ram's horn nearby. Taking it, she began to dig into the ground at that very spot. Soon, beneath the layer of grass, clear water began to shimmer, and a gentle spring started to fill the pond. Thus, the spring appeared, which from that day never dried up and never changed the strength of its flow.
One of the natural features of the Kanykey Apa spring is the whimsical trees - willows - that crawl along the ground. Their powerful trunks bend and stretch along the soil, resembling giant wooden snakes. Such forms are rare in the Talas Valley, and many associate them with the sacred power of the place. The Kanykey Apa spring belongs to the category of mazar - sacred objects characteristic of the folk tradition of Central Asia. While in the Arab world, a mazar refers to the graves of the righteous, among the Kyrgyz, this concept is broader: sacred can be springs, caves, trees, stones, and even entire hills endowed with special energy and folk memory.
Practical tips for tourists:
The spring is located near the "Manas Ordo" complex, and the road is accessible for any transport.
In summer, it's better to visit in the morning or evening - the shade of the trees makes the place especially pleasant.
The water is cold year-round - it's advisable to be prepared for immersion.
Do not leave trash: this place is revered as sacred.
Pilgrims ask for silence and respectful behavior.
The silence of this corner of Talas is special. The gentle sound of water, the aroma of herbs, the cold sparkle of the spring, and the soft coolness create an atmosphere where it's easy to forget about time. Visiting the spring is not just an excursion, but an opportunity to feel a living connection with the epic and nature.
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