Known by various names, such as Hadimba Temple, Dhungri Temple, or Hidimba Devi Temple, this ancient site is located in Manali, in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. This Hindu temple was previously a cave temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima, a renowned character of the Mahabharata. This temple is located in a cedar forest called Dhungri Van Vihar in the foothills of the Himalayas. Hidimba Devi Temple is 24 metres tall and awaits visitors to embrace a cultural journey to this sacred place in the Himalayas.
History Of Hidimba Devi Temple
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Dated back to the 16th century, Hidimba Devi Temple was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh of Kullu. Mythology says that the temple was built around an area that was originally a cave. Devi Hidimba meditated in this cave. The tales also convey that Hidimba might have lived here with her brother Hidimb. She was born into a Rakshasa Chamar Family, and the place doesn’t talk much about her parents. Hidimba vowed to marry the individual who defeated his brother Hidimb, who was considered bravest and fearless. Its storied past tells us that during the exile period of Pandavas, they reached Manali, and Bhim defeated Hidimb.
The temple is a place of worship and an ancient site that draws visitors from the borders and beyond. The Hidimba Devi Temple and Goddess Hidimba represent a revered figure known for devotion and strength.
Must Read: Things To Do In Manali
Places To Visit Nearby
The region around Hidimba Devi Temple has various attractions depicting Manali’s culture. You should visit some of the best places in Manali near this temple.
1. Old Manali
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Old Manali is within walking distance from Hidimba Devi Temple. This place is in contrast to the bustling streets of Manali City. Old Manali has a rustic charm and is typically a laid-back district in the region of Manali. Visitors can find wooded mountain trails and colourful apple orchards. The Manaslu River offers the best beauty spots for everyone to witness. The district’s charm matches the aura of multiple Bohemian Cafes serving local delicacies, including grilled trout and pancake breakfasts. Many souvenir shops sell hand-knitted woollen handicrafts and dreamcatchers.
Location: Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Distance From Hidimba Devi Temple: 500 m
2. Jogini Waterfall
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This waterfall offers absolutely the best views of the region. Tourists are recommended to visit this place to complete their journey to Manali. Jogini Waterfall is famous as it is dedicated to Goddess Jogini. It is considered a place of immense power, specifically female power. Visitors are allowed to dip into the waterfall’s plunge pool, where water is cascading down from a height of 150 feet. Visitors who take a guided trek to this place also prefer a guided trek through the dense forests and mountain trails.
Location: Jogini Waterfall, Near Vashisht Village, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175103
Distance From Hidimba Devi Temple: 5.1 km
Suggested Read: Temples In Manali
3. Vashisht Temple
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Vashisht is a village near Manali that is spread across the River Beas. Three significant temples are located very close to each other in Vashisht Village and are dedicated to Lord Vashisht, Lord Shiva and Lord Rama, respectively. They are built next to hot water springs that have sulphurous water in them. This sulphurous water is said to have many medicinal properties that heal skin-related diseases and infections. This place has a fresh environment and separate baths for men and women. The main centre of Vashisht village has many traditional houses and apple orchards.
Location: Vashisht Temple, Vashisht Village, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175103
Distance From Hidimba Devi Temple: 3.9 km
Festivals Celebrated In This Temple
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This temple celebrates numerous festivals which deeply signify the culture and traditions of Manali. A few of these festivals are dedicated to Goddess Hidimba and evoke faith in the residents.
Dussehra: This seven-day festival attracts devotees from every corner of India. Traditionally, it is known as ‘Kullu Dussehra’. The idols of several deities, including Hidimba Devi, are carried on shoulders in palanquins.
Hidimba Devi Fair: This fair is held in May to celebrate Hidimba Devi’s birth anniversary. The temple is beautifully decorated, and devotees come to seek blessings on auspicious days.
Navratri: Navratri is celebrated culturally at Hidimba Devi Temple. Special prayers and offerings are organised during the late evening on all nine festival days. Dussehra is traditionally celebrated with the custom.
Further Read: Solang Valley
Exploration of the Hidimba Devi Temple lets visitors spot the meticulous architecture that the temple showcases. The temple not only connects the devotees with the worshipped deity but also with the nature surrounding it. Located in the serene surroundings of tall cedar and deodar forests, this temple talks about its rich cultural heritage. Visitors seek solace at this place, discover the nearby tourist spots, and make a peaceful trip to Manali. This sacred site is dedicated to the mighty Goddess Hidimba and evokes faith and devotion in all those visiting the temple amidst the forest in Manali.
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Cover Image Credit: Ganesh Mohan T for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Hidimba Devi Temple
Why is the Hidimba Devi temple famous?
The temple of Hidimba Devi in Manali is quite famous and significant as newly married couples rush to this site seeking the goddess’s blessings for a happy married life ahead. It also showcases Manali’s rich heritage.
How to reach Hadimba Temple from Manali?
Hidimba Devi Temple is just 1.8 km from the city centre. Local buses and cabs can reach this place from the Manali Bus Stand. If taking a car, it is insisted to drive from Mall Road in Manali.
What is the story of Hidimba Mata?
Hidimba was born into a Rakshasa family and vowed to marry the one who defeated his fearless and courageous brother Hidimb. Bhim during their exile period defeated Hidimb and got married to Hidimba.
Is there any entry fee for Hadimba Temple Manali?
Everyone is allowed to enter Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali. There is no entry fee for visitors to seek blessings at this temple. The temple is open on all days of the week from 8 am to 6 pm.
Which trees are there in Hadimba Temple?
Hidimba Devi Temple is located in between the dense forests of Manali. The forest surrounding this site has huge deodar trees that provide a calm touch to this place attracting visitors from places and beyond.
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