12 lesser known facts about Manali

Manali, a picturesque hill station in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, is not only known for its scenic beauty but also has a rich mythological history. According to Hindu mythology, Manali was the abode of the seven sages or "Saptarishis," who meditated here to attain spiritual enlightenment. The town is also believed to be the home of "Manu," the first man and the creator of the human race according to Hindu mythology. Let's dive deeper into the mythological history and stories about Manali:

• The Legend of Manu: According to Hindu mythology, Manali is the abode of "Manu," the first man, and the creator of the human race. It is believed that after a great flood, Manu saved himself and the seven sages by boarding a boat that landed in Manali. He then went on to create the human race and is said to have lived here with his family.

• The Seven Sages: Manali is also known as the abode of the seven sages or "Saptarishis." According to legend, these sages meditated here to attain spiritual enlightenment. The seven sages are believed to have created the Vedas, the ancient Hindu texts, and contributed significantly to the development of Hinduism.

• Sage Vyas and the Mahabharata: It is believed that Sage Vyas, the author of the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, meditated in the area around Manali. The story of the Mahabharata is said to have been narrated to him by Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god with the elephant head, who wrote down the epic as Vyas recited it.

• The Legend of Hidimba Devi: The Hadimba temple, located in the midst of a cedar forest, is dedicated to the demon goddess Hadimba, who is believed to be the wife of the Pandava prince Bhima. According to legend, Hadimba was the sister of the demon king who terrorized the region until he was killed by Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. After her brother's death, Hadimba renounced her demonic ways and meditated in this very spo. What makes this temple unique is that it is made entirely of wood and features intricate carvings and designs

• The Vashisht Temple and Hot Springs: The Vashisht Temple, dedicated to Sage Vashisht, is one of the oldest temples in Manali. It is believed that Sage Vashisht meditated in the area and performed penance here. The temple is also famous for its hot springs, which are said to have medicinal properties and attract tourists from all over the world. Manali is famous for its hot springs: The town is home to several natural hot springs that are said to have medicinal properties. These hot springs are a popular tourist attraction and are believed to have healing properties for various ailments.

• The Beas River: The Beas River, which flows through Manali, is considered holy in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Sage Vyas composed the Vedas on the banks of the river, and it is said that taking a dip in the Beas can wash away sins and purify the soul. According to legend, the river originated from the locks of Lord Shiva's hair when he was meditating in the mountains.

• The Legend of Vasistha Ashram: The Vasistha Ashram, located near Manali, is believed to be the site where the sage Vasistha meditated and attained enlightenment. According to legend, Vasistha's cow, Nandini, was stolen by his rival sage Vishwamitra. In retaliation, Vasistha created a new cow from a rock and then used it to flood Vishwamitra's ashram.

• The Legend of Arjun Gufa: The Arjun Gufa, or Arjun Cave, is believed to be the spot where the Pandava prince Arjuna meditated and attained the Pashupati Astra, a powerful weapon gifted to him by Lord Shiva. According to legend, Arjuna lived here for a year during his exile and is said to have carved out the cave with his arrows.

• The Legend of Shringa Rishi Temple: The Shringa Rishi temple, located in the nearby village of Banjar, is dedicated to the sage Shringa, who is said to have brought the rains to the Kullu Valley. According to legend, Shringa performed a yagna, or fire sacrifice, to please Lord Indra, the god of rain, and brought much-needed rain to the parched valley.

• The Cursed Village of Malana - Malana is a small village near Manali known for its unique culture and traditions. However, it is also known for the curse that hangs over the village. It is believed that the villagers were cursed by the gods for their arrogance and disobedience. As a result, they are forbidden to touch anyone outside their community, and outsiders are not allowed to touch any object or person in the village. According to legend, the people of Malana are descendants of Alexander the Great's soldiers who settled here after his conquest of the region. The people of Malana consider themselves to be superior to outsiders and have their own set of rules and regulations.

• The Lost Village of Goshal - Goshal is a village near Manali that is believed to have been lost during an earthquake. The village is said to have been located near the Solang Valley and was a popular tourist destination. However, after the earthquake, the village disappeared without a trace, and its whereabouts remain unknown.

• The Story of the Giant's Footprints - Near the Rohtang Pass, there are giant footprints etched on the rocks. According to legend, these footprints are the footprints of a giant who roamed the mountains centuries ago. The locals believe that the giant used to visit the valley to collect medicinal herbs.