Vashisht Temple Manali | Timings, History, Entry Fee Aarti
Vashisht, a little village 3 kilometers from Manali’s center on the other side of the Beas River, is well-known to tourists from all over the world for its natural hot springs and the 4,000-year-old Vashisht temple. The temple honors one of the seven great Vedic sages (Saptarishis), who taught Lord Rama and his brothers and served as the Raghu Dynasty’s Kula Guru (family priest).
For Hindus, the temple of Vashisht is a significant place of pilgrimage.
History of Vashisht Temple, Manali
The renowned guru Guru Vashisht, one of the most ancient and esteemed Vedic sages, is the subject of the 4,000-year-old Vashisht Temple. Vashisht and the King Vishwamitra had a long-standing feud.
According to legend, Vishwamitra killed all of Vashisht’s offspring, which left the sage despondent. Vashisht tried to leap into a river to end his life since he was so distraught, but the river saved him. The settlement by the banks of the river Vipasha, which means “freedom from bondage,” is where the sage Vashisht dwelt. The Vipasha River eventually became known as the Beas River, and the village was called Vashisht. Later, a temple dedicated to the sage was built at the very same place where the sage used to meditate. Thus the existence of the Vashisht Temple came to be.
Architecture of Vashisht Temple, Manali
The temple was constructed in the Kath Kuni architectural style, which is typical of the Himalayas. The Himalayan region, particularly the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, is home to the unique Kath Kuni method. Without the use of slurry, it is accomplished using dry masonry and timber logs, particularly cedar molds. Another noteworthy aspect of the Kath Kuni architecture is the elaborate wood carvings.
The ancient sanctuary of Vashisht temple and the remains of an old stepwell clearly illustrate elements of medieval temple design. As is common with Himachal Pradeshi temples, the interior of the temple is embellished with traditional murals, paintings, and figurines.
The central deity of the temple is Sage Vashisht and a black statue of the sage, made from granite is placed inside the temple, wrapped in a white dhoti.
Entry Fee and Timings of Vashisht Temple, Manali
7:00 AM to 9:00 PM is when visitors can enter the Vashisht temple. There is no admission charge. Every day of the week, the temple is open.
Between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM is the ideal and most advised time frame for darshan.
Vashisht Baths or Hot water springs, Vashisht Temple, Manali
The primary draw of Vashisht is the famously named Vashisht Baths, or the natural hot springs of Vashisht. The hot springs have therapeutic properties and are thought to treat infections and skin conditions. The hot springs are next to sandstone temples. The government has set up distinct spaces for men and women to bathe.
The springs’ water is pure and uncontaminated, and guests are welcome to spend 30 to 60 minutes in the hot springs every day of the week from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The admission charge to the Vashisht hot springs is free.
The water in the springs, which range in temperature from 110 to 123 degrees Fahrenheit, is said to be drawn from the deep granite rocks that make up the majority of the Himalayas. It has an abundance of glacial minerals and sulfurous water.
Best Time to visit Vashisht Temple, Manali
Manali is a place that is most enjoyable in every season. It is preferable to visit in the summer because of the comfortable weather, which consistently ranges from 15 to 20 degrees, with the exception of the cold winter months when temperatures can drop as low as minus 2.
How to Reach Vashisht Temple, Manali
Old Manali is home to the Vashisht Temple, which is three kilometers from the city center. Manali has excellent access to all forms of transportation to the main regions of the nation. Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Leh, Kullu, and Dharmashala are the main cities and hubs that are closest to Manali and are accessible by all forms of transportation.
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