Manu Temple Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manu temple is considered to be one of the primary Manali tourist attractions. This spectacular temple is dedicated to the sage Manu. It is believed that he is the creator of the world and the writer of Manusmriti. It is located in old Manali and is at a distance of 3 kilometers from the market. Though the temple is situated in an overcrowded place, visitors from across the world come to visit here. The delightful Manu Temple is on the bank side of river Beas that adds to its attraction.

This is the only temple that is dedicated to Manu.  It is advised for the travelers to wear dresses covering shoulders and knees inside the temple.  To reach the temple, one has to pass through the slippery stone paths that lie before its premises. This temple is the prominent place of worship among locals. They go every day to offer their prayer to the creator of humanity. They consider it to be sacred and auspicious and visit regularly.

Manu Temple History

King Vaivasvata Manu is also called the Sanatan Hindu Lawgiver. According to mythology, Sage Manu found a small carp fish while washing his hands. It was actually Lord Vishnu appearing as a carp fish and asking sage Manu to rescue him. He then put the carp in the bowl to save him. The fish shortly became too big to fit in the bowl, so the sage moved him to a bigger bowl. The fish kept on increasing in size and the sage had to move it back to the river. After that, the fish grew to a size that the river couldn’t accommodate. The sage sooner or later moved the fish to the ocean.

Then Lord Vishnu appeared in his real form. He then informed Sage Manu about the flood that would wipe life off the planet. The sage then built a boat big. That was sufficient to accommodate his family and nine kinds of animals, birds, and seeds. When the flood was over, he landed on earth from his boat and meditated. It is believed that the temple is constructed in the place where he meditated. This is the reason he is known as Sage. He also attributed Manusmriti the guide to deal with catastrophes and maintain peace and harmony in society.

It is believed that where he meditated is the location where the temple has been constructed. The king was thus known as a sage. Sage Manu is also attributed to the Laws of Manusmriti. It forms the basis of Hinduism through a converse given to a group of Rishis. That guides them to deal with catastrophes and maintain peace and harmony in society.