Vashisht Temple is a must-visit destination in Manali for everyone seeking serenity amidst bustling everyday life. Great sage Vashisht from Hindu mythology is said to have meditated at this very spot, ingraining this temple with a divine aura. A key highlight of visiting this Temple is bathing in natural hot springs. These sacred waters are believed to possess therapeutic properties that can treat all skin ailments. The Vashisht Temple is set in the beautiful town of Vashisht, renowned for its stunning Beas River views, inviting cafes, and charming old-world architecture. Read more about this majestic and divine temple dedicated to the great sage Vashisht.
Explore The Divine Vashisht Temple
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One of the most renowned temples in Manali is Vashisht temple, which is dedicated to the respected sage Vashisht, one of the greatest of seven sages known in Hindu mythology. The temple has a historical significance as it is believed that Lord Rama and his wife Sita spent time meditating at the very location where the temple stands today. The temple has a natural hot water spring known as Vashisht Kund, famous for its therapeutic properties. The water in this kund is believed to cure skin ailments, joint pains and other diseases. You can witness many festivals throughout the year which are celebrated with great delight. It is also recommended that you gain a richer cultural experience by visiting the nearby villages and interacting with this region’s people involved in textiles, handicrafts, and other traditional products.
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Main Festival Celebrated At The Temple
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The main festival celebrated at Vashisht Temple is the Dussehra Festival, held between September and October. This festival is notable for its grand celebrations that last for seven days, showcasing the vibrant local culture and religious fervour of the region. During Dussehra, a massive procession takes place where various local deities are brought together to pay homage to Lord Raghunathji, with the main deity seated on a grand chariot pulled by devotees. This event is characterized by traditional music, dance, and communal festivities, drawing significant participation from the local community and visitors alike. In addition to Dussehra, Vashisht also hosts various local festivals highlighting its rich cultural heritage, including celebrations related to the Hadimba Devi and other local deities, featuring traditional rituals, dances, and community gatherings.
Best Time To Visit
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Vashisht Temple can be visited annually as Manali has a delightful climate. However, the summer and autumn months are considered the most suitable times when the weather is ideal for exploring places around this temple and taking a dip in hot springs while enjoying the scenic surroundings. The summer season, from May to June, offers clear weather with moderate temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. The autumn season lasts from September to November, also a great time to visit. It is important to note that The temple remains open all year round from 7 AM to 9 PM daily, and hot springs are accessible from 7 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 9 PM every day.
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Must-See Spots Near The Temple
The surrounding areas of Vashisht Temple are dotted with some of the most beautiful tourist destinations, and they surely deserve your attention. Let’s explore some of them.
1. Hadimba Devi Temple
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The Hadimba Devi Temple, also known as Hidimba Temple, is dedicated to the demon goddess, the wife of Bhima, from the Hindu epic of Mahabharata. Today, it is one of Manali’s most famous tourist destinations, renowned for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance. The best time to visit this temple is from May to June in the summer and from September to November in autumn. Inside the temple, you will find many traditional paintings and murals, typically a part of the Himachali culture and tradition. You must dress modestly and maintain the dignity of this place. Maharaja Bahadur Singh built the temple in 1553 CE around the cave where Devi Hidimba performed meditation.
Location: Regency Road, Siyal Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Entrance Fee: No entry fee
2. Jogini Waterfall
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Another popular tourist destination near the Vashisht Temple is the Jogini waterfall. It lies about 3 km away from the main town of Manali and just 2 km from the Vashisht Temple. The trek to reach this waterfall is not that challenging, but it is time-consuming. The average time to complete this trek is approximately 3 hours, and upon reaching, you will find the majestic water of this fall cascading from a height of 160 metres, creating a serene atmosphere all over the place. You can visit Jogini Waterfall from April to November as it is considered the best season, except for July and August when the trekking trails can be slippery, and water flow might be very high due to monsoons. Opposed to this, the rest of the months are pretty pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius.
Location: On Waterfall Way V.P.O.-Vashist 5 km.from Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Entrance Fee: No entry fee
3. Mall Road
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The Mall Road in Manali is a prominent tourist attraction located downtown. It is very close to other attractions, including Hidimba Devi and Vashisht Temple. The road is approximately 220 meters long, with various shops, restaurants, and other attractions lined one after the other. You can immerse yourself in various shopping experiences, including special Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, Tibetan handicrafts and rugs, and souvenirs such as prayer wheels and Buddhist paintings. You can also find local vendors here selling saffron, musk and beautiful homemade jewellery. It is considered that the best time to visit Mall Road is during the winter months, spanning from November to February, when you will find the entire region turning into a beautiful winter wonderland. Summer months are pretty uncomfortable to visit due to the unpleasant weather.
Location: Main street in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Entrance Fee: No entry fee
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Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to Vashisht Temple, plan your trip to Manali to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vashisht Temple
What is the best time of the year to visit Vashisht Temple?
The summer and autumn seasons are considered to be the best times during the year to visit Vashisht Temple when the weather is clear and offers a pleasant climate.
What is the historical significance of Vashisht Temple?
The Vashisht Temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh holds immense historical and cultural significance as it is believed to be over 4,000 years old, dating back to the time of the revered Hindu sage Vashisht. Today, the temple is highly respected as a famous site of pilgrimage for Hindu devotees.
What is Vashisht Temple famous for?
The temple is renowned for its natural hot springs called the Vashisht Kund which contains sulphurous water believed to have therapeutic properties and can cure various skin ailments and joint aches.
Is photography allowed inside Vashisht Temple?
Visitors are usually permitted to take photographs inside the main Vashisht Temple but you must be respectful and avoid disrupting temple’s spiritual atmosphere.
Who is the Vashisht Temple dedicated to?
The Vashisht Temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh is dedicated to the revered Hindu sage Vashisht who was one of the Saptarishis (seven ancient sages) and the guru of Lord Rama.
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