Hadimba Temple

• History
• Places to visit
• How to reach

The history and mythology of India are placed everywhere within the territory. Passed every mile, a new story comes across with a strong belief depicting the empowerment of great mythological and historical individualities. One is definitely situated in the Manali city of Himachal Pradesh, the Hadimba Temple. It is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, a Hindu Goddess. The strong mythological story led people to drive immense faith to the goddess. Apart from the divine bliss, you will love to witness the Pagoda style architecture of Northern India.

The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar at the foot of the Him?layas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground which was worshipped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh.

History of Hadimba Temple

The Hidimba Devi temple was built in 1553 AD by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. The temple is built around a cave where Devi Hidimba performed meditation. Hidimbi was supposed to have lived there with her brother Hidimb, and not much is known about their parents. Born into a Rakshasa family, Hidimba vowed to marry one who would defeat her brother Hidimb, who was supposed to be very brave and fearless. During the Pandava's exile, when they visited Manali; Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, killed Hidimb. Thereafter, Hidimba married Bhima and gave birth to their son Ghatotkacha.

Top Attractions in Hadimba Temple

Rock-seat of Hadimba

While you are roaming and noticing each creation of the temple, you will eye the main sanctorum has a rock. That rock is not just a rock, people believe that this is the seat of Hidimba where she used to meditate.

Dedar-shaped Top

Apart from the factual fun that drive you to explore, the tiny details of the architecture work makes fall in love with the creation. The deodar-shaped top will let you know how locals are involved into the nature of Himachal.

Navaratri. During Navaratri, all Hindus across the nation worship goddess Durga, but people in Manali worship Hidimba Devi. Queues of people can be seen outside the temple, but the crowd increases during Navaratri.

Things to Do in Hadimba Temple

Ghatotkacha Shrine

After walking just a few miles, there is a Ghatotkacha Shrine dedicated to Ghatotkacha, a mythological figure who is the son of Hadimba. Amidst beautiful scenery, the shrine holds a mesmerizing view to hold the eyes.

Best Time to Visit Hadimba Temple

Of course, the temple is open throughout the year, but you want to explore the maximum, right? Then, choose the festival season. Dussehra festival that happens to celebrate in the months of October-November. Here, you can feel the belief “from the core to the floor”. You will get to see the tradition “Ghor Puja” too.

How to Reach Hadimba Temple?

Situated in the Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, the Hadimba Temple is well-connected to other regions of the state.

Air

If you are choosing the airways, then the nearest airport is Kullu-Manali Airport in Bhuntar.  

Rail

The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station. While you deboard at the station, there will be a hub of buses and taxis to take you to the temple.

You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here