Manali Sightseeing - Vashisht Village

The Village of Vashisht is appealing both because it teems with legend and because it is so beautiful. It is situated on a steep hill, almost seeming to cling to the slope, just about 6 km from Manali. Opt to walk there instead of drive and you can truly experience the village, its interesting people, their unique traditional clothes, the distinctive architecture and thatched roofs. As the story goes, the Rishi Vashisht, distraught at having learnt that his children had all been killed by Vishwamitra, tried to kill himself by jumping in the river. But the river wouldn’t let him drown. He was carried to Vashisht Village where he decided to start a new life. The river is now called Vipasha, meaning freedom from bondage. River Vipasha was later shortened to River Beas. Vashisht Village is also famous for its hot sulphur springs. These are said to be created by Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram. Lakshman didn’t want the sage Vashisht to have to walk too far for a bath. So he shot an arrow into the ground and the hot springs gushed forth from that point. Now, you will find bathrooms and changing rooms here and separate bathing areas for men and women. There is also a temple here that houses a black stone image of the sage wearing a dhoti or loincloth. A Rama temple is close by which has idols of Ram, Sita and Lakshman. This village was also an important place for the Vaishnava cult, although it’s not any more. You can also plan to be here around Dussehra as the festival is celebrated here with great joy and on a large sacle. Or just make it for a warm soak in the springs!