HIDIMBA DEVI TEMPLE

Nestled amidst the snow-laden hillocks of Manali, the Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as the Dhungri temple, is an ancient place of worship revered by the Hindus. The cave temple is dedicated to the Hindu demon-goddess Hidimbi. Hidimbi was the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers who are at the forefront of the epic Mahabharata. Conceived in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, the Temple is built around an ancient cave inside which Hidimbi Devi is believed to have meditated.

For those immersing themselves in a Manali Tour Packages, a visit to the Hidimba Devi Temple is a spiritual and cultural highlight not to be missed. Surrounded by Dhungri Van Vihar, a lush cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas, the structure is built on a massive rock piece jutting out of the ground.

This protrusion was initially worshipped as the deity before the Temple was built. Reflecting the distinct temperament of its patron goddess, the design of the Hidimba Temple is different than any other temples in its vicinity. With its wooden doorways, ceramic-like walls and three conical roofs covered in timber, the architecture of the Temple tells unique stories about the origins of the place in the folklore.

Hidimba Devi Temple holds very high religious and cultural significance in the Hindu community. This can be seen on special occasions like the days of Navratri when people form long queues outside the Temple for just one glance at the Goddess. Along with having great religious value, the Temple gives its visitors an entrance into the wondrous world of nature. Nestled among branching trees and fallen leaves, the Temple is surrounded by rabbits and yaks who find a natural home in the forest surrounding the Temple.

Highlights

• Marvel at the unique, ancient architecture of Hidimba Devi Temple, built in 1553.
• Take a serene walk around the massive rock revered as the embodiment of Goddess Hidimba.
• Witness the vibrant cultural festivals that brightly illuminate the temple grounds annually.
• Explore the detailed, intricate wooden carvings depicting various mythological tales and stories.
• Experience the calming tranquillity of the lush, surrounding cedar forest at the temple’s location.

How To Reach

1. By Road: The Hidimba Devi temple is at a distance of about 1.8 kilometres from the Manali city centre.

2. By Bus: Local buses are available from the Manali bus stand to the vicinity of the temple. These buses are frequent and affordable. They take about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the drop-off point near the temple, from where it is a short walk.

3. By Car: If you are driving, start from the Mall Road in Manali. Head northwest towards Circuit House Road and then take a slight right onto Hadimba Temple Road. Follow this road directly to the temple. The drive is short, about 10 minutes, and offers charming views of the town and surrounding forested areas.

4. On Foot: For those who prefer walking, it is a pleasant stroll from Mall Road and Log Huts Road to the temple. The walk takes about 20 to 30 minutes and allows you to enjoy the local scenery and cool mountain air.

Best Time To Visit

Hidimba Devi Temple is a welcoming attraction throughout the year. Each season offers a unique charm, making it a perfect spot for spiritual visits anytime.

1. Best Season: Summer, especially the month of May, is ideal for visiting the Hidimba Devi Temple. During this time, the Hidimba Festival (Doongri Festival) fills the temple with vibrant cultural performances and local festivities, showcasing rich traditions and lively arts.

2. Best Day of the Week: Opt to visit the Hidimba Devi Temple during weekdays. This is when you will find fewer crowds, allowing for a more personal and reflective experience at the temple.

3. Best Time of the Day: Early mornings are the ideal time for visiting the temple. The temple opens at 08:00 a.m. every day, providing a peaceful atmosphere for prayers and meditation before the daily crowds arrive.

Other Essential Information

History of Hidimba Devi temple

The location of the Temple has a great significance in Hindu mythology. Maharaja Bahadur Singh built the Temple in the mid-sixteenth century. It was built on the surroundings of a cave where the wife of Bhima, Devi Hidimba,was believed to perform meditation. Hidimba, who was a Rakshasha, lived here with her brother Hidimb. She vowed to marry only to the one who defeats her strong brother Hidimba and thus proving his might and prowess.

During their exile, the five Pandavas visited Manali and the strongest of them, Bhima killed Hidimba. It is because of this that the people of Manali follow and worship Hidimba Devi. Even during Navratri when Durga is worshipped in the whole country by Hindus, people in Manali worship Devi Hidimba. 

The Architecture of Hidimba Devi Temple

The Temple is an excellent example of 16th-century architecture. The Temple has a 24-metre tall tower above the sanctuary. It has three square roofs that are embedded with timber tiles and a 4th conical roof made of brass. The carvings on the main gate depict the Goddess Durga in all her glory.

You will also find designs depicting animals, dancers, Navagrahas( the nine planets) and glimpses from Lord Krishna's life. There is a colossal rock occupying most of the space inside the Temple, and a small 3-inch idol of Devi Hidimba is mounted on it. Whitewashed and mud-covered stonework beautifies the base of the Temple.

Worship of Hidimba Devi and festivities

The devotees worship Hidimba Devi throughout the year. Queues of Hindu devotees can be seen outside the Temple all the time. Inside the Temple, there is an imprint of the feet of Hidimba Devi on a rock which thousands of devotees come to worship. Hidimba Devi is highly regarded in Manali, and people believe that one can not prosper without her blessings.

During the time of Dussehra, the small idol of Devi Hidimba is shifted to Dhalpur Maidan where the Goddess gives benefits to the ceremonial horse. This ritual is called "Ghor Pooja". A three-day festival is also celebrated in May in the Temple which attracts thousands of devotees. The festival is a kaleidoscope of colourful folk dance performances, folklore, music and cultural activities.

Places to Stay near Hidimba Devi Temple

Located amidst the lush beauty of Manali, there are several options to stay near the Hidimba Devi Temple which provides you with comfortable stay and serene experience.

1. Mountain Top Hotel: It is an affordable stay option near the Temple. The rooms are clean and spacious, and the staff is cordial. The rooms are well designed with an attached balcony. There is an open terrace in the hotel.

2. Mary's Cottage: The property is beautiful, with a well-manicured and sunny garden. The food at the in-house restaurant is delicious. The staff is generous, and the rooms are well-equipped and clean.

3. The Orchard Greens Hotel: The hotel provides a comfortable stay to its guests with all necessary amenities in the room. There is a beautiful garden outside, and the new building has rooms with classy design. It is worth a stay in Manali.

4. Hotel Solitaire: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, then this hotel is an ideal choice. It provides all necessary amenities, clean rooms, delicious food and prompt room service at a reasonable price. 

Places to Eat near Hidimba Devi Temple

1. IL Forno: Enjoy the beautiful Himalayan view combined with mouth-watering Italian food at IL Forno. The restaurant provides a pleasant ambience with its rustic 19th-century lodge having stone and timber framework.

2. Tandoori Platter: It is a delight for food-lovers, especially if you love Chinese food. The Chinese dishes in the restaurant are one of the best in Manali. The restaurant staff is very cordial. It provides scenic vistas of the mountain and the Hamta pass.

3. Café Live: The restaurant offers lovely riverside views with delicious food. The wood fire pizza in café live is a must-try is a favourite among visitors.

Tips for visiting Hidimba Devi Temple 

1. Arrive early to avoid facing parking issues during busy seasons.

2. Beware of hawkers and local sellers while entering the Temple as they try to sell you local products at higher than usual prices. 

3. The sanctity of the Temple should be maintained by respecting the hygiene of the area. Do not litter inside or outside the Temple. 

4. Remain barefoot once inside the Temple and while offering prayers. Keeping footwear inside the Temple is considered to be a sign of disrespect in the Hindu religion. 

5. Do not try to pluck or meddle with the natural vegetation around the Temple. 

6. Do not touch any statues or religious instruments with your hands.