Hidimba Devi Temple – Himachal Pradesh

Address

Hidimba Devi Temple, Hadimba Temple Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

Deity

Amman: Hidimba Devi

Introduction

• Location: Nestled amidst the snow-covered hills of Manali, Himachal Pradesh, the Hadimba Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkacha.
• Environment: Surrounded by stunning cedar forests, this beautiful shrine is built upon a rock believed to resemble the goddess Hidimba herself. Locally known as Dhungari Temple, its construction style is distinct, featuring wooden doorways, walls, and a cone-shaped roof, making it a remarkable tribute to its presiding deity.

Puranic Significance

• Legend of Hidimba: The temple honors Hidimba, a demoness who lived in the region with her brother Hidimb. She had vowed to marry whoever could defeat Hidimb in combat. During the Pandavas’ exile, Bhima confronted and killed Hidimb to protect the villagers, thus winning Hidimba’s hand in marriage.
• Family Legacy: Bhima and Hidimba had a son named Ghatothkacha, who fought valiantly for the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War. A shrine dedicated to him stands near the Hadimba Temple.
• Hidimba’s Rule and Penance: After the Pandavas left Manali, Hidimba stayed behind to rule justly. Upon Ghatothkacha coming of age, she renounced the throne and dedicated her life to meditation. It is said that she sat on a rock to perform severe penance to shed her demon identity. After years of devotion, she was blessed and crowned as a goddess. The Hidimba Devi Temple, built in 1553, commemorates her penance.

Special Features

• Architectural Style: The Hadimba Temple, built in the Pagoda style, is around 1,000 years old and features a four-storied structure with flat roofs. The uppermost roof is conical and clad in metal, while the others are covered with timber tiles.
• Materials and Design: Primarily constructed of wood and stone, the temple showcases intricately carved wooden doors and a 24-meter high wooden shikhar (tower) above the temple. The main door is adorned with carvings depicting Goddess Durga.
• Sanctum Sanctorum: The interior is kept simple, with walls featuring carvings and figurines of various goddesses and animals. Notably, the temple does not house an idol of Devi Hidimba; instead, the sanctum contains the rock where she meditated. Nearby, a shrine dedicated to Ghatothkacha consists of a stone block with an impression believed to be Hidimba’s foot.

Festivals

• Navaratri Celebrations: During the Navaratri festival, locals worship Hidimba Devi at this temple, drawing many devotees.
• Dussehra Traditions: During Dussehra, the idol of Devi Hidimba is paraded to Dhalpur Maidan, where she blesses the ceremonial horse in a tradition known as Ghor Puja. This event attracts a long queue of devotees outside the Hadimba Temple, emphasizing the community’s devotion.

Century/Period/Age

1553.

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Hadimba

Nearest Railway Station

Kullu manali

Nearest Airport

Kullu manali

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