History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
If Manali was a person, Hidimba devi temple can rightly be called its heart because whenever one mention about Manali, there is no way of not acknowledging this shrine. The temple is known for its various names, given locally it is called Dhungari temple since it is surrounded by a cedar forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar at the foot of Himalayas but predominantly known as the Hidimba devi temple. The temple lying in the heart of Manali, a hill station of Himachal Pradesh, owes its history back to the years of Mahabharata, for Hidimba devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahabharata, worshipped as the major deity of this ancient cave temple. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground which is revered as an image of the deity.
History and its connection with Mahabharata - Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali
In the honour of Hidimba devi’s penance, the temple was built by and under the reign of Raja bahadur Singh of Kullu, Hidimba was a demoness by birth who lived in this area with her brother Hidimb and the wife of Bheema, the second of the five Pandavas. Historians posits that the Pandavas escaped Duryodhana’s attempt to assassinate them, the five brothers headed straight to the Kamyaka forest, which was the home for the demon siblings. During the period when the Pandavas were in exile, Bheem, in a quest to save the villagers from the tortures of Hidimb, killed him and thus won the hand of Hidimba for marriage as she had vowed that she would marry whoever could defeat her brother, Hidimb.
Popular belief of Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali
According to the Hindu mythology, it is to be believed that the giantess Hidimba devi sat on a rock doing hard penance and meditated in this region as an apology for her sins and to shed her demoness identity. After a long span of meditation, her prayers were answered and she was crowned with the glory of being a goddess by the most powerful Goddess Durga, whose ten-centimeter footprint is preserved at the entrance of the temple. However, it’s not just the story of demoness-turned- Goddess that fascinate human beings, but also the unfathomable beauty of the temple which hold the potency of leaving unremovable mark in one’s soul.
Worship practices and festivities of Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali
In the holy month of Navratri, most of the Hindus of the Gangetic plains worship goddess Durga but unlike them, people in Manali worship Hidimba devi during Navaratri days. It is an non astonishing fact that the large queues of people can be seen outside the temple throughout the year, but the crowd increase by leaps and bounds during the Navaratri months. Every spring comes with a Hidimba devi Fair, celebrated by the locals to serve their greetings at the feet of goddess Hidimba. Inside the Temple, there is an imprint of the feet of Hidimba Devi carved a rock which serves one amongst many reasons for the devotees come to worship. Hidimba Devi is highly regarded in Manali, and amidst people it is a popular saying that one cannot 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" and addition to that, a three-day festival called Dhungari festival, a festival that is a kaleidoscope of colourful folk dance performances, folklore, music and cultural activities is also celebrated in May which attracts thousands of pilgrims.
Tourist attraction nearby Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali
Today this temple has become a major tourist attraction in Manali due to its spectacular beauty and in the realm of tourism and pilgrimage, it encounters huge footfall annually to seek blessings from the goddess. The temple premises has a temple of Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima and Hidimba, a hero of the Mahabharata war, whose idol is made primarily of wood and lies 70 meters from the Hidimba temple. No matter whether one is a nature lover, peace seeker, or with a sacred heart, Hidimba temple and its magnificent surroundings have a lot to offer to all and a must visit in Manali.
Best time to visit Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali
The month of May is considered as the best time to visit temple due to variety of reasons. First and foremost, May witness pleasant weather i.e. neither too hot nor too cold and a pleasing weather is noted as one of the highly considered prerequisite amongst the checklist of visitors. Secondly, In May, the temple authorities organize a three day Hidimba festival also known as Dhungari festival that is worth taking part in. The Hidimba festival features excellent pomp and show and witnessing the fervour of the festival with your naked eyes will enrich your vacation experience. Hence, with the combination of these two favourable facts this season is considered as the peak season of visitors to Hidimba Devi, which draw hundreds and thousands of devotees every year.
Location of Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali
The temple is situated at about 3 km from the bus stand and could even be reached on foot from old Manali. Away from the hustle bustle of the town, the temple is located in the middle of pine trees. The location is quite breathtaking and rejuvenates you not just physically but spiritually as well. From afar, it looks something like a Buddhist monastery, but a closer look tells you how intricately the little details have been done.
Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali Daily Darshan Timings
Visiting timings are - 8 AM to 6 PM daily
Contact Details - Landline ( 10 AM - 7PM ) : 01352532887, Mobile No. 8266018080, 7351707071
How to Reach Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali, Major Tourist Destination of Himachal Pradesh, India
Manali being one of the major tourist center along with important town of Himachal Pradesh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Millions of tourist across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Manali more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar airport which is located just at a distance of around 50 km from the city. Joginder nagar railway station is the nearest major rail junction which is at around 140 km from city. Manali is located at 40 km from Kullu, 300 km from Chandigarh, 238 km from Shimla, 537 km from Delhi, 450 km from Vaishnodevi, 182 km from Palampur, 123 km from Mandi and 135 km from Joginder nagar.
