Hidimba Devi Temple is situated in the midst of the snow-covered hills of Manali, the Hadimba Temple is a unique dedicated temple to Hidimba Devi, who was the spouse of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkach.
It is surrounded by ravishing cedar forests, this wonderful temple is built on a rock that is believed to be in the picture of goddess Hidimba herself.
Hidimba Temple is locally known as Dhungari Temple, the construction style of the Hidimba Devi temple is totally not the same as that of any of the other temples, with its wooden doorways, walls, and cone-shaped roof. This temple is a fitting dedication to its presiding deity Hadimba.
During the Navaratri celebration, local peoples of Manali worship Hidimba Devi in this temple. During the Dussehra festival, the idol of Devi Hidimba is taken to the Dhalpur Maidan from where she blesses the ceremonial horse. This tradition is called "Ghor Puja". There is a long line of devotees outside the Hadimba Temple during Navaratri.
The Hadimba Temple is dedicated to Hidimba, the spouse of the second sibling of the Pandavas, Bhima. Hidimba was a demoness who lived around here with her sibling Hidimb. She had promised that she would wed whoever could defeat Hidimb in a battle.
During the period when the Pandavas were in exile, the second sibling of the Pandavas Bheem, in a journey to save the villagers from the torments of Hidimb, killed him and in this way won the hand of Hidimba for marriage. Bheem and Hidimba had a child named Ghatotkacha who fighting for the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra Battle. A shrine devoted to him is built near the Hadimba Temple.
This temple lies only 2 kilometers away from the main city center of Manali, and you can access this destination via bus, taxi, or also on foot.
