The Vashisht Temple is located about 3 kilometers from the Manali market, in the village of Vashist across the Beas River. This temple is dedicated to Rishi Vashist, the Kul guru of Lord Rama, who is said to have meditated in this area. It is believed that the temple is over 4,000 years old. Next to the temple, there is a natural hot water spring known as Vashist Kund. This spring is considered holy and is thought to have healing properties for various skin diseases. According to legend, the spring appeared at the spot where Lord Lakshman shot an arrow during his visit in search of his Kul Guru, Rishi Vashist. Additionally, there is another temple nearby known as Lord Ram's temple.
The Vashisht Temple is believed to be around 4000 years old and is dedicated to the revered sage Guru Vashisht, one of the most ancient Vedic sages. Vashisht had a long-standing rivalry with King Vishwamitra, who, according to legend, killed all of Vashisht's children, leaving the sage in deep sorrow. Overwhelmed by grief, Vashisht tried to take his own life by jumping into a river, but the river saved him instead. He then settled in a village by the banks of the river Vipasha (which means freedom from bondage). The village was named Vashisht, and the Vipasha River eventually became known as the Beas River. A temple was later constructed at the very spot where the sage used to meditate, marking the establishment of the Vashisht Temple.
Architectural of Vashisht Temple, Manali:-
The Vashisht Temple depicts a style called Himachali Kath Kuni architecture, which is a variant of Himalayan architecture. It is primarily seen only in the Himalayas, off the Kulu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, into parts of Uttarakhand, starting from dry masonry and wooden logs, especially cedar, without any slurry. One of the most striking features of Kath Kuni architecture is its ornately carved wooden designs. The temple also shows ruins of a classic stepwell and the original shrine, bearing characteristics of the medieval type of temple architecture. The insides of it have traditional murals, paintings, and carvings which are primarily found in temples in Himachal Pradesh. The deity revered here is Sage Vashisht, whose statue is made from black granite and has a white dhoti-on indoors.
Vashisht Baths or Hot water springs, Vashisht Temple, Manali:-
The Vashisht Baths, otherwise referred to as the natural hot water springs of Vashisht, are one of the greatest attractions of the area. Known for their therapeutic qualities, these hot springs are believed to cure skin diseases and infections. Temples made of sandstone finish off this marvel of nature. The government has made bathing zones for men and women. Bathers can take baths in clean and clear waters, free from entry costs, and registration is not required. The spring temperature is rather pleasingly warm, usually ranging from about 110 to 123°F. The sources are believed to originate deep in granite formations spread throughout the Himalayas. The water is highly mineralized by glacial processes and has a sulfur odor.
(Vivek Koul)
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