Temples in Manali
Hadimba Temple
This temple was built in 1553 and is dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima. It is said that Bhima was married to Hadimba here, after he killed her man-eating brother, Hadimb. Bhima and Hadimba had a son named Ghatotkatch, who died a hero's death on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It is in the Dhoongri area of Manali.
Manu Temple
It is said that after the great deluge, Manu first stepped back onto land at this place and then lived here. Manali is supposed to be the changed name of "Manu-Alaya," or the "home of Manu." When the entire world was covered with water, the Lord took the form of a fish called Matsya and protected Vaivaswata Manu, keeping him on a boat. He also saved the Vedas from the flood.
This temple is located in the old Manali village, about 3 km from downtown Manali. It is most likely the only temple of Manu in India.
Vasistha and Rama Temples
Vasistha was the spiritual master of Lord Rama and is said to have done austerities here. The place where his ashram is said to have been is called Tat Baba and is about a ten-minute walk away from the Vasistha Temple. There is one story in which Vasistha tied himself with ropes and flung himself into the river near Manali after his 100 sons were killed by the Rakshasa Kalmashped. The river is said to have released the Rishi from his bonds. The river got the name Vipasha, liberator from bondage, after this event. There is an old Sita-Rama temple next to the Vasistha Temple.
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