Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali - History, Story, & Facts

About Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali - History, Story & Facts

Over 10 years have flown but my memories of visiting Manali, with my friends are still new in my mind. Himachal Pradesh was a mysterious, and magical total traveler's heaven. Everything about Himachal was mysterious, those elevated, snow-shrouded tops, beautiful valleys, falling cascades, and lavish green backwoods, and many more. 

I visited every one of the well-known places like Shimla, Rohtang Pass, Jispa, Kasol, and many others around Manali. It seemed like the charming excellence and the heavenliness of the grand scenes had enchanted me. We visited all the spots but the one spot that made enduring recollections a top priority that will be appreciated for my entire life and was the visit to a Hidimba Devi Temple In Manali. I fell in love with the Hidimba Devi Temple spot from the movie ' Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani' and from there I dream to visit Temple and I made it too. Almost hidden by giant Deodars trees on the outskirts of the village Dungri stands. Because of its Historical and Architectural, this temple is declared a 'Monument Of National Importance'. Hidimba Devi Temple also called Dhungari Temple, was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh In A.D. 1553.    

Hidimba Devi Worship & Festival :

The Devotees worship Hidimba Devi throughout the year. What made Hidimba different from other demonesses was human nature. She was not an evil force like her brother Hidimb, she was kind and helpful. According to a legend, Hidimba and her family used to live in the jungle near Manali. One of the Pandavas, Bhim, of Pandavas, had killed her brother Hidimba and she eventually married Bhim. They had a son Ghatokachha who fought from the side of Pandavas in Mahabharat. The Temple of Ghatokachha is also near the Hidimba Devi Temple. People here worshipped her as a deity for her good deeds. 

Inside the Hidimba Temple, there is an imprint of the feet of Hidimba Devi on a rock where thousands of devotees come to worship. During Navratri, all Hindus across the nation worship the goddess Durga, but people in Manali worship Hidimba Devi. Hidimba Devi is highly regarded in Manali, and all people believe that one can not prosper without her blessings. 

image credit: Tribune India

Every year during spring (May) Hidimba Devi Fair is celebrated by the locals. The festival is a Kaleidoscope of colorful folk dance performances, folklore, music, and cultural activities. Hidimba Devi Temple is an unacknowledged character of the Mahabharat. She is an example of a strong and devoted woman. Today her Temple has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manali. 

It's not simply the story of demoness turned Goddess that captivated me yet, in addition, the impossible excellence of the Temple left me mesmerized. I have been to many hallowed places the nation over and habitation of Devi, and the old-style Pagoda Style engineering has something extraordinary and new. 

How To Reach & Best Time To Visit :

Hidimba Devi Temple is at a distance of about 2.5km from the city center. The distance from Mall Road is just 100 meters towards Hidimba Temple. You can take local transport services like Rickshaws and Autos. 

It just takes 10 minutes to drive to the Temple. But I preferred you don't take a taxi or auto just nearly a 20 minutes walk from the city center and you reach your destination, you can easily visit on your foot also.

The best ideal opportunity to visit the Temple is throughout the late spring months, particularly in May. in May, the Temple authorities organize a three-day Hidimba celebration also called the Dhungari celebration it's worth taking to part in it and getting a new experience. the celebration is brimming with energizing exercise, energetic society dance shows, and other social attractions. The celebration draws lovers from everywhere in the country.

The Hidimba Devi celebration highlights amazing grandeur and show. In May the climate is wonderful, and it's neither too blistering nor excessively cold. Seeing the enthusiasm of the celebration with your eyes will enhance your getaway experience. it's a pinnacle period for guests to Hidimba Devi. Temple is open throughout the year you can visit in any month. 

Tips & Essential Infomation To Visiting Hidimba Devi Temple -

Tips -

1. Arrive early to avoid or face parking issues during peak seasons.

2. The sacredness of the Temple ought to be kept up with regarding the cleanliness of the space. Try not to litter inside or outside the Temple.

3. Be careful with peddlers and local sellers while entering the Temple as they attempt to sell you nearby items at higher than regular prices.

4. Try not to attempt to cull or interfere with the regular vegetation around the Temple.

5. Do not touch any statues or religious instruments with your hands.

6. Stay Shoeless while going inside the Temple while visiting or offering prayers. Keeping footwear inside the Temple is viewed as an indication of discourtesy in the Hindu religion.

Essential Information -  

1.  Location: The Hidimba Devi Temple is located at Hidimba Temple Road, in Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh. At a distance of 2.5 km from a City Centre.

2. Distance From Nearest Airport: The airport nearest to the Hidimba Devi Temple Is the Old Terminal Airport Bhuntar which is located at a distance of 52km from the Temple.

3. Opening Hours: The Temple is open all days of the week from 8:00 AM TO 6:00 PM.

4. Entry Fee: There is no chargeable fee for entering the Temple is free for all devotees. 

5. Prayer Time: Devotees are allowed to visit and pray in Temple during visiting hours.

6. Number of Stairs: There are around 15 huge steps at the Temple.   

Places To Visit Near Hidimba Devi:

You can visit some offbeat places near Hadimba Devi Temple, here are some of them: 

1. Van Vihar: The Van Vihar Park is beautifully adorned by deodar trees and is a perfect place to spend a memorable time with your loved ones. Several locals and tourists visit the park to relax and get the fresh breeze of the Deodar trees. 

2. Ghatotkach Temple: Ghatotkach Temple is located right next to the Hidimba Devi Temple, the Ghatotkach Temple is a tree temple dedicated to Ghatotkach, son of Bhima and Hidimba. The Temple celebrates the contribution of Ghatotkah in the great war of epic Mahabharat.  

3. Museum Of Himachal Culture & Folk Art: This Museum is located near Hidimba Devi Temple. This Museum has various extraordinary and rare antiques and artifacts that celebrate the culture of the state. 

4. Hamta Pass: Hamta Pass is at a 16 km distance from the Hidimba Temple, the Hamta Pass is the perfect destination for Trekking lovers. With cold icy masses, rock walls, sparkling glades, wildflowers, and unique spices gracing the way of this normally gifted pathway, Hamta Pass is one of the adored and most loved treks in Kullu. 

5. Himalayan Nyinmapa Tibetan Buddhist Monastery: This is one of the most famous monasteries situated in North India. The icon, statues, and colorful paintings on the walls add scenic beauty to the Monastery. 

Theirs something about this beautiful place, its calm atmosphere can easily be blown your heart away. It's a perfect destination for travelers and peace lovers. There was an alleviating quality around this spot that calms your soul and motivated a condition of lawlessness. This Temple is situated in the middle of thick pine woods, which is nothing less than a miracle for wanderlusts.  

Here, Locals believe that Hidimba Devi still protects the forest and is still around like a guiding star for the people out there. I travel so much to countless places like this but only a few remain to stay in our hearts, and Hidimba Devi Temple was one of these places that stay close in my heart. Give out some space to yourself from day-to-day life and take a visit to such wonderful places.