Tucked within the whispering cedar groves of Dhungri Van Vihar, the Hidimba Devi Temple is a mystical sanctuary where mythology, nature, and craftsmanship converge. Built in 1553 CE by Raja Bahadur Singh, this ancient shrine is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the demoness-turned-goddess and wife of Bhima, one of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Revered as the protector goddess of Manali, Hidimba’s presence is felt not in an idol—but in a sacred rock, believed to be the very spot where she meditated and attained divinity.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Dhungri Forest, Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh – 175131
- Altitude: ~2,050 meters above sea level
- How to Reach:
- By Road: 2 km from Manali Bus Stand; taxis and autos available
- By Air: Bhuntar Airport (~50 km)
- By Rail: Joginder Nagar (~145 km) or Pathankot (~290 km)
- On Foot: A scenic 15-minute walk from Old Manali through pine-lined paths
🛕 Mythological Significance
According to legend, Hidimba was a rakshasi who vowed to marry the man who could defeat her brother Hidimb, a fearsome demon. During the Pandavas’ exile, Bhima killed Hidimb in battle, and true to her word, Hidimba married him. Their son, Ghatotkacha, later became a mighty warrior in the Mahabharata war.
After Bhima left, Hidimba renounced worldly life and meditated in the forest. Her penance was so intense that she was blessed by Goddess Durga and transformed into a deity. Today, she is worshipped as Hidimba Devi, the guardian of the valley.
🕉️ Deity & Worship
Dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the forest goddess and wife of Bhima, the temple houses no conventional idol—instead, a naturally revered sacred rock (shila) represents the goddess. A brass effigy beside the rock is adorned during festivals. Worship includes offerings of sweets, red cloth, and incense, with prayers for fertility, protection, and divine justice. During the Dhungri Mela in May, the goddess is carried in a palanquin procession, reaffirming her role as Manali’s guardian deity.
🏛️ Architectural Highlights
- Built in Pagoda style, the temple rises 24 meters with three timber-tiled roofs and a brass cone-shaped spire
- The sanctum is a natural cave, housing a sacred rock with a 3-inch brass image of the goddess
- The main door is adorned with carvings of Durga, animals, dancers, and scenes from Krishna’s life
- A rope hangs before the rock, once used in ancient rituals involving penance and justice
- The temple is surrounded by towering deodars, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
- Dhungri Mela (May): A vibrant three-day fair with folk dances, music, and processions celebrating the goddess’s legacy
- Navratri: Unlike most of India, where Durga is worshipped, Hidimba Devi takes center stage in Manali
- Daily Worship: Devotees offer flowers, sweets, and red cloth, seeking protection and blessings
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Manu Temple: Dedicated to Sage Manu, believed to be the creator of mankind
- Old Manali Market: A bohemian blend of cafes, crafts, and culture
- Jogini Falls & Vashisht Hot Springs: Nature’s own sanctuaries nearby
- Solang Valley & Rohtang Pass: Adventure and alpine beauty just a drive away
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Hidimba Devi Temple is not just a shrine—it’s a living legend carved in cedar and stone. As you step into its shadowy sanctum, with the scent of pine and incense in the air, you feel the presence of a goddess who defied her origins and became a protector. It’s a place where myth breathes, and the forest listens.
