Hidimba Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

Hidimba temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Location

Hidimba Devi Temple is located very near to old Manali town and 3 km away from Bus stop. It is an ancient cave temple constructed in 1553 by the, then King Raja Bahadur singh on a huge rock and in the midst of the cedar forest.

[ Hidimba Temple]

The temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, who was associated to the period of Mahabharat war. There is no idol inside the temple, only the foot print on the rock is worshipped.

There is a priest in the temple named Hira Nand Shashtri, take care of the temple and guide the devotees.

Architecture of the Temple

It is a four storied temple made of wood and is located in the middle of the forest known as Dhungiri Van Bihar. The temple has 24 m high tower. The three tiers of the squaire roof is wooden flooring, while the conical roof is metallic one. The wooden door is intricately and beautifully carved depicting the Goddess Durga.her attendants, animals and stylised foliation. On the beam above, the doorway appear the Navgrahas, female dancers, an isolated scene from the Krishna stories of Mhabharat period.

The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground which was worshipped as the deity in side the temple.

Legend/story behind the temple

During the exile period, Pandavas with there mother and brothers was wandering and came in the regime ruled by a demon Hidimb. He was brave and fearless. One of the Pandavas brother Bhim fell in love with Hidimba,the sister of Hidimb. She told Bhima that she would Mary only with whom ,who can defeat her brother. Bhima then defeated her brother and married hidimba.

After some time Bhima departed from this place leaving Hidimba. In due course Hidimba gave birth to a male child and named Ghatotkach. When Ghatotkach was minor in age, Hidimba looked after the regime. Ghatotkach was a great warrior and a good administrater. 

Handing over the regime to Ghatotkach, Hidimba went for meditation and earned, many supernatural power. The people who were the disciple of her, later erected a temple in her honour. The temple is now  known as Hidimba temple.

As per another legend the architect who built the temple had to loose his hands to avoid duplication of such a masterpiece craft.

Fairs and festivals

Dussera festivals of Kullu and Manali is a world famous in which Idols of Gods and Goddesses from the hills are brought at Dhalpur Maidan. From here goddess Hidimba blesses the ceremonial horse which is called as Ghor Puja.

In the memory of the King Raja Bahadur Singh, who built the temple a fair is organized and named as Bahadur Singh Re Jater. This fair is also named as Sharoohni, which is symbolic of the completion of transplanting Paddy crop.

All in all a visit to this sacred temple as well as the place is a very enriching experience. One can feel a kind of devotion, faith, belief and hospitality.

Where to Stay

Manali is a famous hill station. Hotels of every budget is available in Manali.

Places to Visit Nearby

Manu Temple

Manali is believed to be the abode of Sage Manu. The name Manali is derived from the word Manu.This is the only temple of Sage Manu in India

[ Manu Temple ] 

Tibetan Monesteries

One of the most fascinating aspect of Manali is that it has several colorful Monesteries. These Monestries serve not only a place of worship but also as guardian of rich culture and history of the Tibetan people settled in Manali and Kullu.

[ Tibetan Monestry ] 

Rohtang Pass

More than 25 lacs tourist come every year to enjoy this place. In winter Rohtang pass remains fully covered with snow and the entry is prohibited. Generally it opens in May.It is a beautifull and suitable place for nature lover and adventure seekers. The snow covered mountains provide perfect opportunities to go skiing and snow scooter.

                                             [ Snow covered Rohtang Pass ]

Raghunathji Temple

The old Raghunath ji temple is situated on a small hill. It is constructed by the King Jagat Singh in mid of 17 th century. The idol of Raghunath ji was brought by the King from Tretnath temple in Ayodhya.

Beside these temples there are so many places of tourism interst in Manali.

How to Reach

By air

The nearest airport is Bhuntar about 50 km away from Manali. Domestic flights connects Bhuntar with Delhi and Chandigarh. Taxis are available at airport for Manali.

By road

Manalii is well connected to important tourist destination like Shimla, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Delhi and all major cities of Punjab,Himachal and Hariyana by means of a network of state run as well as private buses. Air conditioned Volvo buses are also available from Delhi.

By rail

Kalka and Chandigarh are the nearest rail head. After that only road is the option.