On a slope across the Beas river from Manali, Vashisht village climbs a hillside of old timber houses and small temples. Steam rises from the bath houses near the main square, and people queue for a soak in the hot water.
The village is named after the sage Vashishtha, one of the Saptarishis and the teacher of Lord Rama. Its stories are older than its cafes.
The sage and the river
One legend says that after a great loss, Vashishtha tried to end his life by throwing himself into the river here. The river refused to take him and carried him safely to the bank. Because it freed him, it was called Vipasha, "free of bonds". Vipasha is the old name of the Beas.
Another story says the sage lived and taught at Vashisht, and that the Rama temple at the heart of the village honours that link.
The hot springs
- Natural sulphur water. The hot springs flow into bath houses with separate areas for men and women.
- A local legend. One story says the spring appeared when Lakshmana, Rama's brother, struck the ground to help the old sage who had to walk far to bathe.
- Be careful. The water is very hot. Test it first, enter slowly and avoid it if you have a heart or health condition.
The temples and the wood
The Vashisht and Rama temples are built in Kath Kuni style, a hill method that locks stone and wood together without mortar. Their carved doors and wooden balconies are among the best old timberwork near Manali. The age of the temples is debated, with some accounts giving much older dates than the surviving buildings suggest, so treat claims of thousands of years with caution.
Visiting well
- Remove shoes and dress modestly. Respect the temples and baths.
- Go early. Morning visits are calm. Evenings are busy.
- Walk the lanes. The village is small, and a slow walk through the lanes shows its old houses and views of the Beas valley.
Where to go next
Pair Vashisht with Hadimba Temple and Old Manali for a good day around Manali. For hot springs of a different scale, read about Manikaran.
Plan your Manali days
Build a trip around Manali, Naggar and the Beas valley.