Manali Vashisht Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Address

Manali Vashisht Temple, Near Manali, Vashist, Himachal Pradesh 175135

Diety

Lord Rama

Introduction

Vashisht is a village in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, India. At a distance of 3.5 km from Manali Bus Stand, Vashisht is a village located 3 km from Manali across the River Beas. This village is famous for its sulphurous hot water springs and sanctified by three main temples dedicated to Lord Vashisht, Lord Shiva and Lord Rama built just next to the springs.

Puranic Significance

This ancient temple is named after great sage Vashisht, one of the seven saptarishis in Mythology. The old construction which is mostly made of wood and brick is very picturesque. The veranda on the outside along with the intricately carved wooden doors gives the temple a rather multi-ethnic feel. This ancient temple is also home to the hot springs, taking a bath in which is considered to be spiritually and physically rejuvenating. The Vashisht Temple is believed to be more than 4000 years old. It was adorned with wooden engravings, most of which is still intact. Legend has it that when Rishi Vashisht got to know that his children were killed by Vishwamitra, he jumped off the cliff with commit suicide. But the river didn’t kill him. This lead to the christening of the river as Vipasha, which means Freedom from Bondage; but later the name was changed to Beas. Another story of Vashishta Temple says that Lord Lakshman, after realizing that the old sage has to take long strolls in order to take bath, shot an arrow in the ground, and that’s how the hot spring emerged.

Beliefs

The water from this spring is believed to have great healing powers, which can cure many skin diseases, infections and pains. This place has a refreshing atmosphere that allows one to indulge in holly bath while seeking blessing from the presiding deity of the village.

Century/Period/Age

4000 years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)- Himachal Pradesh

Nearest Bus Station

Manali

Nearest Railway Station

Jogindernagar station

Nearest Airport

Bhuntar

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