About Hidimba Devi Temple
Hidimba Devi Temple is a historical and religious site in Manali, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata. The temple was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh around a cave where Hidimba Devi performed meditation. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest and has unique wooden architecture. The temple has no idol, but a rock that is believed to be the image of Hidimba Devi. The temple is also known as Dhungari Temple or Hadimba Temple.
Hidimba Devi Temple History and Mythology
The temple has a rich history and mythology associated with it. The legend, Hidimba Devi was a demoness who lived in the forest with her brother Hidimb, who was a powerful and ferocious demon. When the Pandavas were exiled to the forest, Hidimb attacked them but was killed by Bhima in a fierce battle.
Hidimba Devi, who had fallen in love with Bhima, asked him to marry her. Bhima agreed on the condition that she would leave him after giving birth to their son.
Hidimba Devi agreed and they got married. They had a son named Ghatotkacha, who became a great warrior and fought for the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war. After Bhima left her, Hidimba Devi devoted herself to meditation and attained supernatural powers. She became the protector of the region and was worshipped as a goddess by the locals.
How to Reach Hidimba Devi Temple
The temple is located about 2 km from the main market of Manali. You can easily reach the temple by road, rail, or air.
- By Road: You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus from the market to the temple. The fare is around Rs. 50-100 for a taxi, Rs. 20-30 for an auto-rickshaw, and Rs. 10-15 for a bus. You can also walk to the temple from the market, which will take about 20-30 minutes.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar, which is about 165 km away. You can take a train to Joginder Nagar from various places in India, such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, and Dharamshala. From Joginder Nagar, you can take a taxi or a bus to Manali, which will take about 4-5 hours. The fare is around Rs. 1500-2000 for a taxi and Rs. 300-400 for a bus.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar, which is about 50 km away. You can take a flight to Bhuntar from various places in India, such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. From Bhuntar, you can take a taxi or a bus to Manali, which will take about 1-2 hours. The fare is around Rs. 1000-1500 for a taxi and Rs. 200-300 for a bus.
Timings of Hidimba Devi Temple
The temple is open from 8 am to 6 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. You may have to pay a nominal amount for using the camera or video recorder inside the temple premises.
Rituals of Hidimba Devi Temple
The temple is visited by many devotees who offer prayers and seek blessings from Hidimba Devi. The main ritual of the temple is the sacrifice of animals such as goats or buffaloes to please the goddess. The sacrifice is done by cutting off the head of the animal with an axe and offering it to the rock inside the temple. The blood of the animal is then sprinkled on the rock and on the devotees as a sign of blessing.
The temple is also celebrated during the Navratri festival, which is usually in October or November. During this time, many people visit the temple to offer prayers and perform dances and music in front of the temple. The temple is decorated with flowers and lights and a fair is held near the temple.
There is also an annual fair called Dhungari Mela that is held near the temple in May or June. The fair showcases the local culture, art, and cuisine of Manali. The fair also features a procession of Hidimba Devi’s idol from the temple to the nearby village of Dhoongri. The idol is carried on a chariot that is pulled by yaks and horses. The procession is accompanied by folk music and dance and attracts many tourists and locals.
Hidimba Devi Temple Nearby Places
| Attraction | Temple | Highlights |
| Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art | 0.24 km | Showcases traditional Himachali artifacts and cultural exhibits. |
| Ghatotkach Tree Temple | 0.3 km | Dedicated to Ghatotkach, son of Bhima and Hidimba. |
| Manali Nature Park | 0.5 km | Offers serene nature trails amidst cedar forests. |
| Old Manali | 1.0 km | Known for its rustic charm, cafes, and local markets. |
| Manali Mall Road | 1.8 km | A bustling street with shops, eateries, and cultural experiences. |
| Manu Temple | 1.1 km | Ancient temple dedicated to Sage Manu. |
| Vashisht Hot Water Springs & Temple | 4.5 km | Famous for natural hot springs and sandstone temples. |
| Jogini Waterfall | 4.9 km | Scenic waterfall accessible via a short trek. |
| Solang Valley | 12.7 km | Popular for adventure sports like paragliding and skiing. |
| Rohtang Pass | 51.0 km | High mountain pass offering stunning views and snow activities. |
If you are fascinated by the history and mythology of Hidimba Devi Temple, you should not miss the opportunity to visit this unique and ancient temple in Manali. Easily reach the temple by road, rail, or air from various places in India. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Hidimba Devi Temple today and experience the culture and spirituality of this Himalayan region.
FAQs
Where is Hidimba Devi Temple located?
Hidimba Devi Temple is located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. It sits amidst a dense forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar, just 2 km from the Mall Road.
How can I reach Hidimba Devi Temple?
Reach Hidimba Devi Temple by road from Manali town. It is about a 5 to 10-minute drive or a short uphill walk from Mall Road. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (about 50 km away), and the nearest major railway station is in Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh.
What are the temple’s opening and closing timings?
Hidimba Devi Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It remains open all days of the week, including weekends and holidays.
What is the historical significance of the Hidimba Devi Temple?
The temple was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. It is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima (one of the Pandavas) from the Mahabharata. The temple is known for its unique architecture made of wood and its spiritual connection to the epic.
What rituals are performed at Hidimba Devi Temple?
Rituals include daily worship and offerings to Hidimba Devi. Special ceremonies are conducted during Navratri and the Hidimba Devi Fair in May. Local priests perform traditional Pahadi rituals, and many couples visit the temple to seek blessings for a happy married life.
Is there an entry fee for visiting the temple?
No, there is no entry fee to visit the Hidimba Devi Temple. It is open to all visitors and pilgrims free of charge.
What is the best time to visit Hidimba Devi Temple?
The best time to visit is between March and June for pleasant weather, or during May when the Hidimba Devi Fair takes place. The temple is also scenic during winter with snowfall, although roads might be slippery.
What is unique about the architecture of the Hidimba Devi Temple?
The temple is built in a distinctive pagoda style using wood and stone. It features intricately carved wooden doors and a cone-shaped roof. Unlike most temples, there is no idol; instead, a footprint of Hidimba Devi is worshipped.
Are there any festivals celebrated at Hidimba Devi Temple?
Yes, the most famous is the Hidimba Devi Fair held in May. It attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. Navratri is also celebrated with special prayers and local cultural performances.
Are photography and videography allowed inside the temple?
Photography is allowed outside the temple premises. Taking pictures inside the sanctum is generally discouraged to maintain the sanctity of the space.
