Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali

Hadimba Devi Temple Manali | History, Timing and How to reach

The Hadimba Temple is a distinctive shrine to Hidimba Devi, the mother of Ghatothkach and the wife of Bhima, situated amid the snow-capped hills of Manali. This lovely temple is situated on a rock that is thought to be in the likeness of the goddess Hidimba herself, and it is surrounded by stunning cedar woodlands.

With its wooden doors, walls, and cone-shaped roof, the Hidimba Devi temple—known locally as Dhungari Temple—is completely unlike any other temple in terms of structure. This shrine is an appropriate homage to Hadimba, its ruling deity.

Worship of Hidimba Devi and Festivities

In this temple, the people of Manali worship Hidimba Devi during the Navaratri festival. Devi Hidimba’s idol is carried to the Dhalpur Maidan during the Dussehra festival, when she bestows her blessing on the ceremonial horse. “Ghor Puja” is the name of this custom. During Navaratri, a huge line of worshippers forms outside the Hadimba Temple.

History of Hadimba Temple and Mahabharata Connection

The Hadimba Temple honors Hidimba, the spouse of Bhima, the Pandavas’ second brother. A demon named Hidimba and her brother, Hidimb, resided in this neighborhood. She had promised to wed the first person to beat Hidimb in combat.

In order to protect the villagers from Hidimb’s tortures during the Pandavas’ exile, Bheem, the Pandavas’ second brother, killed him and thereby gained Hidimba’s hand in marriage. Ghatotkacha, the son of Bheem and Hidimba, lost his life in the Kurukshetra Battle while serving with the Pandavas. Near the Hadimba temple is a shrine erected in his honor.

Hidimba remained in Manali to take care of the kingdom after Bheem and the Pandavas left. She was reputed to be a very fair and compassionate monarch. Hidimba surrendered the throne to her when her son Ghatotkacha reached adulthood and retired to the wilderness to spend the remainder of her days in meditation.

According to legend, Hidimba gave up her identity as a demon by performing severe penance while sitting on a rock. Her prayers were heard after years of meditation, and she was bestowed with the honor of becoming a goddess. The Hidimba Devi Temple was constructed on this rock in 1553 as a tribute to her penance.

Architecture of Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali

The Hadimba Temple, built in Pagoda style, is four-storeyed with flat roofs. The other roofs are covered in timber tiles, while the uppermost roof is conical and covered in metal. The temple is primarily composed of stones and wood. A wooden’shikhar’, or tower, rising 24 meters above the temple, and elaborately carved wooden doors are also present.

Goddess Durga is seen in carvings on the Hidimba temple’s main entryway. Whitewashed stones form the foundation of the Hadimba temple. The interior is as uncomplicated as feasible. The walls are ornamented with sculptures and figures of Hindu Goddesses, various animals etc. There isn’t an idol of Devi Hidimba at the temple.  The sanctum sanctorum consists of the rock where Hidimba sat for meditation.

A shrine honoring the son of Hidimba and Bhima, Ghatotkacha, is located a short distance from the Hadimba Temple. It is made up of a block of stone that has the impression of what is said to be Hidimba’s foot.

How To Reach Hadimba Temple, Manali

The main city center of Manali is just 2 kilometers away from this temple, which is reachable by bus, taxi, or foot.