HEALTHY WATER FROM THE HOT WATER SPRINGS

There are many hot water springs in Kullu Manali Valley. The most famous ones are in Vashisht, Manikaran, Tattapani, Khirganga and Kasol. I stayed in Chindi for one night where they have hot springs too while very few tourists know about this. The local community has made bathing places for the men and women. Some of them are quite big, like the pools in Vashisht. In the morning many of the local men are taking a bath together. There is a seperate space where you can wash yourself with soap before you get in the big pool. Vashisht has two pools, one a bit higher and closer to the spring and another one build next to the temple. I prefer the latter because of the temperature of the water and the location. It is the older one with nice stone carvings and it is considered holy water; bathing in this water is a cleansing and a blessing. The water is considered to have healing powers.

I had a small motor accident with my Royal Enfield and had some internal bruises. The water made my leg less stiff and reduced the pain. It helped heal my injuries much faster and made it much more comfortable. The old bath is really a part of the temple. There is a small shrine with a seperate pool where water is running through. Many of the local hindu’s throw some of the water on the deities carved in the stone for blessings. It feels very good to be surrounded by men only. The local community is very strong and harmonious as everyone meets eachother here every day.