Hidimba Devi Temple, also known variously as the Hadimba Temple, is located in Manali, a hill station in the State of Himachal Pradesh. It is an ancient cave temple dedicted to Hidimba Devi, sister of Hidimb, who was character in the Indian epic, Mahabharata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground, which was worshipped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in A.D. 1553.
The Hidimba Devi Temple is built around a cave where Hidimba performed meditation. Hidimba was supposed to live here with her brother Hidimb, and not much is known about their parents. Born in the Rakshas family, Hidimba vowed to marry one who would defeat her brother Hidimb, who was supposed to be very brave and fearless. During the Pandava’s exile, when they visited Manali; Bhima, one of the five Pandvas, killed Hidimb. Thus, Hidimba married Bhima, and gave birth to their son Ghatotkacha.
The Hidimbi Devi Temple has intricately carved wooden doors and a 24meters tall wooden “shikjar” or tower above the sanctuary. The tower consists of three square roof covered with timber tiles and a fourth brass cone-shaped roof at the top. The earth goddess Durga forms the theme of the main door carvings. The temple base is made out of whitewashed, mud-covered stonework. An enormous rock occupies the inside of the temple, only a 7.5 cm (3 inch) tall brass image representing goddess Hidimbi Devi.
About 70 metres away from the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Hidimbi’s son, Ghatotkacha who was born after she married Bhima. The most surprising feature of the temple or what believers could call the most reassuring feature of the temple is the fact that inside the temple the imprint of the feet of the Goddess carved on a block of stone are worshipped.
Hidimba Devi Temple is famous for Hidimbi Devi and his Son Ghatotkacha. This is a big attraction point in Manali. Hadimba Devi Temple is one of the famous Hindu Temple in Himachal Pradesh and he is dedicated from wife of Bhima. The distance between Manali Bus Stand to Hadimba Devi Temple is 3 km or 1.9 miles. This is a beautiful place in Manali. The view here is very good. Ghatothkacha is an important character in Mahabharat. Last time i went there. This place is very peacefull. Full of joy an charming beauty of temple. Hadimba Devi Temple is situated 3 km far away from Manali. Hadimba Devi Temple local name Dhungri Tempel, is located in Manali, a hill station of Himachal Pradesh. A ancient cave temple devotee to Hadimba Devi, wife of Bhima. The temple is surrounded by a Pine Trees called Van Vihar at the foot of the Himalayas. This is built over a big rock jutting out of the ground which had worshiped as an image of the deity. Hadimba Devi is ancient Hindu Temple located in District Kullu. Every year Dhungri Mela festival celebrated in Hadimba Devi. It is located Snow peak mountains of Manali, the Hadimba Devi Temple is a unique famous temple dedicated to Hadimba Mata who was the wife of Bhima and Mother of Ghatothkach. Covered by wonderful cedar trees.
HOW TO REACH HADIMBA TEMPLE :-
This temple located 3 km away from the main city center of Manali, and we can go by taxi service or on by walk.
ABOUT HADIMBA DEVI TEMPLE :-
Time needed 2 hrs.
Cost No entry fee.
Open time 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.