Hidimba Devi Temple:
The Hindu temple Hidimba Devi Temple, also called Dhungari Temple locally and sometimes referred to as the Hadimba Temple, is situated in the hill town of Manali in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This old cave shrine honors Hidimbi Devi, the spouse of Bhima, a character in the Indian epic Mahabharata. Located at the base of the Himalayas, the hadimba mata temple is encircled by Dhungiri Van Vihar, a cedar forest. The sanctuary is situated on a massive rock that rises out of the earth and was revered as a representation of the god. Maharaja Bahadur Singh constructed the building in 1553.
The height of the Hidimba Devi temple is twenty-four meters.
Also read famous temples in Himachal Pradesh
Hidimba Devi Temple History:
The temple of Hidimba Devi was constructed by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553 CE. Devi Hidimba meditated in a cave that is the site of the temple. It is believed that Hidimbi and her brother Hidimb lived there; little is known about their parents. Hidimba, who was born into a Rakshasa household, swore to wed a man who would overcome her brother Hidimb, who was thought to be extremely courageous and fearless. When the Pandavas went to Manali during their exile, one of the five Pandavas, Bhima, vanquished Hidimb. Hidimba thereafter wed Bhima, with whom he had a son, Ghatotkacha.
Architecture:
The Hidimba Devi Temple features a 24-meter-tall wooden “shikhar” or tower above the sanctuary, as well as finely carved wooden doors.The tower has a fourth brass cone-shaped roof at the summit and three square roofs covered with timber tiles. The major entrance sculptures are based on the subject of Durga, the earth goddess. Animals, foliate patterns, dancers, scenes from the life of Lord Krishna, and Navagrahas are also shown. Mud-covered stonework that has been bleached forms the foundation of the temple. The temple’s interior is filled with a massive rock, while the goddess Hidimba Devi is depicted with a brass picture that is barely 7.5 cm (3 inch) tall. According to a tradition, religious fanatics used to bind “sinners'” hands with the rope and swing them against the rock. The rope swings down in front of the rock.
A shrine honoring Ghatotkacha, the son of Goddess Hidimba and her husband Bhima, is located around 70 meters from the temple. The fact that the image of the Goddess’ feet, carved on a block of stone, is worshipped inside the temple is its most unexpected—or, as believers could say, its most comforting—feature.
Hidimba Devi Temple Timings:
The opening and closing timings of Hidimba Devi Temple are 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
Hidimba Devi Temple Location:
Hidimba Devi Temple, Regency Road, Siyal Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131.
Festivals Celebrated in Hidimba Devi Temple:
In Manali, Hidimba Devi is worshiped as a divinity. While Navaratri traditionally honors Goddess Durga, the spiritual attention in Manali switches to Goddess Hidimba. The temple draws large crowds, particularly during Navaratri, demonstrating the passionate devotion of the worshipers. Every year, the residents eagerly attend the Hidimba Devi Fair, a beloved event that coincides with the beginning of spring.
How to reach Hidimba Devi Temple:
By Air:
About 50 kilometers from Manali, Bhuntar Airport (also known as Kullu-Manali Airport) is the closest airport.
From the Airport: To get to Manali, take a bus or hire a taxi. It takes between one and a half to two hours to get from Bhuntar to Manali.
Major Connectivity: There aren’t many flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Bhuntar Airport. An alternative is to take a plane to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport or Chandigarh Airport, then drive to Manali.
By Rail:
The nearest narrow-gauge station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is around 145 kilometers distant.
About 310 kilometers away is the Chandigarh Railway Station, a significant rail hub with improved connections.
From the Railway Station: Take a bus to Manali or hire a taxi. It takes roughly five to six hours to travel from Joginder Nagar and eight to ten hours to travel from Chandigarh.
By Bus:
Direct Buses: Regular Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private buses connect Manali to important cities including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla.
Time Spent Traveling:
12–14 hours (550 miles) from Delhi.
8–9 hours from Chandigarh (310 kilometers).
It takes 7-8 hours (248 kilometers) from Shimla.
Bus Types: Volvo, semi-sleeper, and premium buses are available.
Manali Mall Road to Hidimba Devi Temple distance – 10 min (1.8 km) via Log Huts Rd
Hidimba Devi Temple to Solang Valley distance – 1 hr 8 min (12.7 km) via NH 3
Hidimba Devi Temple to Rohtang Pass distance – 2 hr 33 min (51.0 km) via Leh Manali Hwy
Hidimba devi temple to jogini waterfall distance – 36 min (4.9 km) via NH 3
Famous Places to Visit in Manali:
Solang Valley
Manali Mall Road
Manikaran Sahib
Rohtang pass
Vashisht Rishi Temple
Manu Temple
Jogini Waterfall