Vashisht Temple

Just 3 kilometres away from the Manali downtown area and across the gurgling cool waters of River Beas, Vashist Temple & hot springs is located. Like other ancient temples, this temple has been founded in honour of Lord Rama and Rishi Vashist, who played a prominent part in story of Lord Rama. It is said that at this place; Rishi Vashisht narrated the ancient scripture, Yoga Vashishta, which deals with an insight in the world of inner consciousness.

There are two old stone temples in this complex which are dedicated to Rishi Vashisht. The older and smaller temple which dedicated to rishi Vashisht opens at the partially covered courtyard. It has an ornamental shrine which has become black due to the years of incense smoke and oil lamp. The ornamental stone quadrangle platform also provides a resting place for the visitors including the ascetics who relax here with the chillums and a glass of tea. Along the stone temples, the famous springs which are medicinal and hot gush with the great healing powers. These hot springs sprout from the mountains nearby.

The hot springs are enclosed in baths separately for men and women. The hot and cold waters are piped to these baths so that the temperature of bath is normal.  The devotees bath in these waters before paying obeisance to the god.

Here, all hot water springs emerge from the granitic deposits that cover a vast area in this segment of the Himalayas. The ponds or water ‘kunds’ are located at the center point of the village. The entire area around these springs is normally covered with enthralling greenery all through the year. The water temperature in these springs usually varies between 110°F and 123°F.

Many people visit Vashisht every day to take a dip in these hot springs. One water tank is made and kept reserved for women only. Vashisht hot water springs are a huge source of water for several other tourist places in and around Manali.