Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali
This beautiful temple is located amid the forest and known to be one of the famous temples in Manali. This Manali Hidimba Devi Temple is locally known as the Dhungiri Temple. One of the other reasons for visiting this beautiful location is the surrounding view. The temple is surrounded by greenery all around and serves as a perfect place to visit for nature lovers. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, who was known to be the wife of Bheem (one of the five Pandava brothers from the Hindi mythology Mahabharata).This temple was built in the year 1553; it has a top conical roof constructed with metal, while the other storeys are made with timber tiles and are square in shape. The structure of this temple also has 24 m high tower.
On visiting the temple you will enter through a very beautiful wooden doorway, and the adjoining walls are further adorned with stonework. Many tourists have mentioned the elaborate door of this incredible Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali due to the miniature painting of the animals, goddesses, etc. Instead of having an idol of the Goddess, the temple has a huge stone that carries her footprints.
A Quick Glance
Spiritual Hidimba Devi Temple
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State: Himachal
Deity: Hidimbi
Location: Hadimba Temple Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best time to visit:
Manali is best visited during the months of late August and early July, the beautiful shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi will spellbind you with its beauty. Don’t forget to carry the camera to capture the stunning surrounding of Manali Hidimba Devi Temple.
Built-in: 1553
The Back Story of Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali
The back story of this temple takes us back to the story of Mahabharata. The Pandavas brothers arrived in this area after their mother escaped the lakh palace. Bheem fell in love with Hidimbi, who was the sister of Hidimba Rakhasha (Ruler of the region at that time). They got married after killing the ruler and had a son named Ghatotkachh. Later the son of Bheem and Hidimbi became a great warrior and became very popular as a good administrator.Hidimba began meditating in the Dhungri region and gained spirituality and supernatural powers. Thus her Tapasya (meditation) made her extremely popular and people started worshiping her. He was well known as Hidimbi Devi and this temple was built. There is also another temple in a distance to the temple which is dedicated to her son Ghatotkachh.
Festivals Celebrated in Hidimba Devi Temple
The festival is celebrated in the month of Shravan.• The locals of the place have named the fair Bahadur Singh Re Jatar and it is celebrated every year.
• Another fair is the celebration on the birthday of Hadmiba Devi, which is on the 14th of May, every year.
These festivals are celebrated with dance, music, and food, numerous tourists visit this region to especially witness the famous festival and experience the spirituality of the temple.
The Architecture of Hidimba Devi Temple
These are some of the examples of the temple’s architecture• The temple is built in the Pagoda style.
• The top conical part is clad and made with metal, while the other roof is covered with timber tiles.
• The structure contains four storeys with flat roofs.
• The temple is built with wood and stones.
• The base of the Manali Hidimba Devi Temple is built with whitewashed stones.
• The main door is the best attraction of the temple because it is adorned with the painting of Goddess Durga.
• The interiors of the place is simple yet extremely attractive, the walls are adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu goddesses and animals.
Reaching the Hidimba Devi Temple
The destination is quite accessible through any transport route. The temple is in a close distance to the main city, and you can easily get bus, taxi, or take a walk to the destination. The nearest airport to the temple is Kullu-Manali Airport, which is in Bhuntar around 52.5 km (32.6 miles) away. You can opt for a cab from the airport to reach Hidimba Devi Temple.Surrounding Attractions
Since you will be in the hub of tourist destination Manali, you must not miss some of the amazing surrounding location of the area.• Ghatotkach Tree Temple
• Siyali Mahadev Temple
• Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art
• Manu Temple
• Hampta Pass
Manali is undoubtedly a beautiful location, and along with the Hidimba Devi Temple, visiting these locations will spellbind you. The locations are picturesque and you will not be able to take your eyes off the landscape of this place.
Travel Tips
If you are visiting the hill station in India for the first time, then you must know some of these details to get a unique travel experience.• Keep your documents up to date and handy
• Keep a check on the weather report
• Carry identity proofs
• Check for the hotel reviews before booking
• Carry essentials
• Don’t forget comfortable shoes
• Keep the emergency number handy
• Dress appropriately while visiting the temple
• Keep your bottle of water
• Avoid tap water
• Take health precautions
• Carry woolen clothes and socks
Following these travel tips can save you from many unbearable problems. The Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali is one of the most visited places by tourists and by the natives of the area. To make sure you are safe from any money related issues, carry smaller denominations of Indian currency and avoid using your credit card at local shops.
Himachal Pradesh is considered a little chilly up in the mountains. If you are planning to go for trekking, then make sure you are carrying warm clothing. Enjoy the spiritual visit and the surrounding attractions of this beautiful location.
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