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Vashisht Village, Manali

Vashisht Village is a prominent tourist attraction in Manali, popular for its sandstone temples and natural springs. This village lies at a distance of 6 km from Manali, on the banks of the Ravi river. The natural springs found in this village are believed to have medicinal properties capable of curing any skin ailment.

According to Hindu mythology, the hot sulphur springs in Vashisht were created by the younger brother of the deity Rama, Lakshman. Separate bathing facilities, for men and women, have been set up by the government at the spring. Tourists can visit the Hot Bath Complex which is just a 10-minute long walk from the city centre.

A temple, which enshrines a black stone figure of a ‘Rishi’ or sage wearing a lion cloth, is located in proximity to the springs. Pilgrimage sites dedicated to Kala Guru and the 7th incarnation of Hindu deity Vishnu, Rama, are also located in the Vashisht Village.

The Rama Temple enshrines the idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshman. According to popular folklore, Rishi Vashisht, one of the seven great sages of the Hindu religion, was left disheartened on finding out that his children had been killed by Vishwamitra, a well known Hindu sage.

In his grief, Rishi Vashisht tried committing suicide by jumping into a river but instead was carried away by the waters to the village of Vashisht. He then started a new life in the village. The river which took the rishi to the village was named Vipasha, meaning freedom from bondage. The Vipasha river is now known as the Beas river.

Vashisht Village Photos