Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali
The Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as the Dhungari Temple, is a sacred ancient cave temple located in Manali, a picturesque hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, the wife of Bhima, a prominent figure in the Indian epic, Mahabharata. Surrounded by the Dhungiri Van Vihar cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas, the temple is built around a huge rock that was worshipped as an image of the deity. Maharaja Bahadur Singh constructed the temple in 1553 CE.
The Hidimba Devi Temple is 24 meters tall and has intricately carved wooden doors and a 24-meter-tall wooden “shikhar” or tower above the sanctuary. The tower has three square roofs covered with timber tiles and a fourth brass cone-shaped roof at the top. The main door carvings depict the earth goddess Durga, animals, foliate designs, dancers, scenes from Lord Krishna’s life, and Navagrahas. The temple base is made of whitewashed, mud-covered stonework. The inside of the temple houses an enormous rock, and only a 7.5 cm (3 inch) tall brass image of the goddess Hidimba Devi.
People in Manali worship Hidimba Devi as a deity, and during Navaratri, the crowd increases significantly. The temple is visited by many devotees, and every year during spring, locals celebrate the Hidimba Devi Fair. The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Goddess Hidimba’s son, Ghatotkacha, who was born after she married Bhima.
An interesting feature of the temple is the imprint of the feet of the Goddess carved on a block of stone inside the temple that is worshipped. Legend has it that in the past, religious zealots would tie the hands of “sinners” by a rope hanging down in front of the rock and swing them against the rock.
Fairs and Festivals at Hidimba Devi Temple
The Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as the Hadimba Temple, is located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, who was a character in the Indian epic Mahabharata. The temple is surrounded by dense cedar forests and is a popular tourist attraction in Manali.
There are several fairs and festivals celebrated at the Hidimba Devi Temple throughout the year. Some of the major ones are:
- Hidimba Devi Fair: This fair is held every year in May to celebrate the birthday of Hidimba Devi. The fair lasts for three days and is attended by a large number of devotees. The fair is known for its cultural programs, folk dances, and traditional music.
- Dussehra Festival: The Dussehra Festival is celebrated in October and is one of the biggest festivals in Manali. The festival commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and includes a grand procession, cultural programs, and a fair at the Hidimba Devi Temple.
- Winter Carnival: The Winter Carnival is held in December and is a celebration of the winter season. The carnival includes various cultural programs, folk dances, and traditional music. The fair at the Hidimba Devi Temple during the carnival is a major attraction for tourists.
- Shivratri Festival: The Shivratri Festival is celebrated in February and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and includes a grand procession, cultural programs, and a fair at the Hidimba Devi Temple.
These fairs and festivals at the Hidimba Devi Temple are a great opportunity for tourists to experience the local culture and traditions of Manali.
Things To Do In Hidimba Devi Temple
The Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as the Hadimba Temple, is a popular tourist attraction located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is surrounded by dense cedar forests and is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, a character from the Indian epic Mahabharata. Here are some things to do in and around the temple:
- Visit the temple: The main attraction of the Hidimba Devi Temple is the temple itself. The temple is a unique structure made of wood and stone, and its architecture is a blend of Hindu and Tibetan styles. Visitors can explore the temple and see the idol of Hidimba Devi.
- Enjoy the scenic surroundings: The Hidimba Devi Temple is located in the midst of cedar forests, which provide a beautiful and serene environment. Visitors can take a walk around the temple and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Take part in cultural activities: The temple hosts several cultural activities, including traditional dances and music performances, particularly during the fairs and festivals held here. Visitors can participate in these activities and experience the local culture.
- Trek to the nearby villages: There are several villages located around the Hidimba Devi Temple that are accessible by trekking. Visitors can take a trek to these villages and explore the local way of life.
- Enjoy adventure sports: Manali is a popular destination for adventure sports, and visitors can indulge in activities like paragliding, skiing, and rafting. These activities are available in the vicinity of the Hidimba Devi Temple.
- Visit nearby tourist attractions: There are several tourist attractions located near the Hidimba Devi Temple, such as the Manali Sanctuary, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass. Visitors can plan a day trip to these places and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Overall, the Hidimba Devi Temple is a great place to visit for anyone interested in exploring the local culture, nature, and adventure activities.
Best Time To Visit Hidimba Devi Temple
Hidimba Devi Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. The best time to visit the temple is during the summer months of March to June and the winter months of October to February.
During the summer months, the weather in Manali is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C. The surrounding hills and valleys are lush green, and the temple’s surroundings are peaceful and serene. This makes it an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the temple’s premises.
During the winter months, the temple is covered in snow, and the surroundings are a winter wonderland. The temperature ranges from -1°C to 15°C, making it an ideal time for snow activities like skiing and snowboarding. The temple is also beautifully decorated during the winter months and is a must-visit during the Dussehra festival.
However, it is not recommended to visit Hidimba Devi Temple during the monsoon season from July to September as the region receives heavy rainfall, which can make it difficult to explore the temple and surrounding areas. The roads can also become slippery and dangerous due to landslides.
Attractions to Explore Near Hidimba Devi Temple
The Hidimba Devi Temple is a popular tourist destination located in the town of Manali in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. There are several attractions located near the temple that visitors can explore. Here are some of the top attractions to visit near the Hidimba Devi Temple:
- Manali Sanctuary: The Manali Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve located near the Hidimba Devi Temple. The sanctuary is home to several rare and endangered species of animals such as snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan black bear. Visitors can take a trek through the sanctuary to explore the flora and fauna of the area.
- Solang Valley: The Solang Valley is a popular tourist destination located around 14 km from the Hidimba Devi Temple. The valley is known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities such as skiing, paragliding, and zorbing. Visitors can take part in these activities or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Rohtang Pass: The Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass located around 50 km from the Hidimba Devi Temple. The pass is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for adventure activities such as skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can also enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from the pass.
- Vashisht Hot Springs: The Vashisht Hot Springs is a natural hot water spring located around 3 km from the Hidimba Devi Temple. The hot springs are believed to have therapeutic properties and are a popular destination for tourists looking for relaxation.
- Tibetan Monasteries: There are several Tibetan monasteries located near the Hidimba Devi Temple, such as the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa. These monasteries offer visitors a glimpse into Tibetan culture and religion.
Overall, the Hidimba Devi Temple is surrounded by several natural and cultural attractions that visitors can explore during their visit.
At a Glance
- 32.24228°N 77.187366°E
- India
- Himachal Pradesh
- Pagoda, 1553
- Hidimbi
How To Get There
The Hidimba Devi Temple is located in the town of Manali in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Here are some ways to reach the temple:
Manali is well-connected to major Indian cities via road. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Manali. The town is located around 540 km from Delhi and around 310 km from Chandigarh.
The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, located around 166 km away. The station is well-connected to major Indian cities, and visitors can take a taxi or bus from the station to reach Manali.
The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, located around 50 km away. Several airlines operate regular flights from major Indian cities to Bhuntar. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali.
Once visitors reach Manali, they can easily reach the Hidimba Devi Temple by taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw. The temple is located around 2 km from the main market area of Manali, and visitors can either walk to the temple or take local transport.