History
of Manali :
Manali has a pre-historic legend behind its name. Vaivasvata,
the seventh incarnation of Manu, the first creation according
to Hindu mythology, found a tiny fish in his bathing water.
The fish told him to look after it with devotion, for one
day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared
for the fish until it grew so huge that he released it into
the sea. Before departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending
deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him
to build a seaworthy ark. When the flood came, Matsya (fish),
the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, towed Vaivasvata and the
Seven Sages to safety. As the waters subsided, the seventh
Manu's ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was named
Manali after him.
Places
to See :
Hadimba
Devi Temple
Built in 1553 and with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda
roof. It is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.
Manu
Temple
This is dedicated to the sage Manu.
Vashishth
(3km)
Well known for its hot springs. There are old temples dedicated
to the sage Vashishth and to Lord Rama. These are just beyond
the Himachal tourism baths.
Monasteries
There are three recently built Tibetan monasteries at Manali.
Jagatsukh
(6km)
The one time capital of Kullu. Here are old temples dedicated
to Lord Shiva and to Sandhya Gayatri. The Arjun caves are
just ahead.
Solang
Valley (l4km)
In a picturesque setting, this has good ski slopes end picnic
spots. It has the glacier closest to Manali.
Towards the Rohtang Paas :
On the road to keylong is the Nehru kund (6 km) which is a
clear water spring end scenic spot named after the late Pt.
Jawahar Lal Nehru. Kothi (12 km) is a picturesque village
and has a thrilling view of the deep gorge through which the
Beas swiftly races. The beautiful Rahalla falls (16 km) are
at an altitude of 2500 m. A crucial link on the old trade
route and still the gateway to trans Himalayan Lahaul, the
Rohtang Pass is at the height of 3980m.
Keylong
Lying about 120 km from Manali, Keylong is the headquarters
of Lahaul and spiti district Monasteries of Kardung and Shashus
are important attractions.
Kothi
A place with charming natural beauty, just 10-12 km from Manali.
Triloknath
Located in the Pattan Valley, its an important pilgrimage
centre. Noted for its temple dedicated to six armed statue
of Avalokiteshwara Bodhisattva.
Udaypur
An important pilgrimage place in the Pattan Valley.
Club
House
The club House with its comprehensive facilities that includes
roller skating ring, an auditorium, a billiards room, a library,
a bar and a restaurants, makes a wonderful outing for the
day.
Vashisth Baths
One of Manali's main attractions, is a place to luxuriate
in Himachal Tourism's baths where the water of hot sulphur
springs renowned for their medicinal qualities has been piped
into baths. |
