Why is “Hidimba Devi Temple” of Himachal is so special even today?

There is no any sculpture of God in the temple, but there are footprints of the goddess on a black rock.

Hidimba Devi Temple located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh is also known as “Dhungri Temple”, as it is located in Dhungrivan. This ancient temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh in the 16th century. Hidimba is mainly worshiped here.

However, there is no idol in the temple, but there are footprints of the goddess on a black rock which is worshipped. It is believed that Mata Hidimba meditated on this rock. Local residents believe that this goddess protects them from natural calamities and meteor problems.

To save the local villagers from the torture of this demon, Bhima defeated Hidimba in the battle.

Throughout the year, people from various parts of the country come here to have darshan of the goddess. But since Manali is a hill station, more people come here during the summer season. Because there are a lot of places worth visiting here.

It is said that during the exile, Pandavas were traveling through the Dhungri forest when they met Hidimba and his brother demon king Hidimb. To save the local villagers from the torture of this demon, Bhima defeated Hidimb in the battle. And Hidimba had taken a vow that she would marry whoever defeated her brother.

That’s why Hidimba married Bhima. They also had a son who was named “Ghatotkach”. Then Pandavas handed over the responsibility of managing the kingdom to Hidimba. Seeing young Ghatotkacha standing on his feet, after a few years Hidimba handed over the kingdom to him and went to the forest to worship Goddess Durga. After many years of penance, he got success and Goddess Durga blessed him in the form of a goddess. Since then every local resident worships Hidimba as a goddess.

This temple is considered a symbol of love of a married couple, hence newly married couples come here the most.

This temple is considered a symbol of the love and married life of Bhima and Hidimba, hence most of the newly married couples come here. This four-story temple built in pagoda style is captivating. Especially its roof is of metal, whereas the temple is made of wood and stone. The peak of the temple is 24 meters high. The statue of Maa Durga is placed at the entrance. There are statues of Hindu goddesses inscribed on the walls. The floor of the temple is of white stone.

How to reach Hidimba Temple from Manali ?

Hidimba Temple is just 2.7 km from Manali. It is at a distance of 1000 meters, so most of the people go on foot but you can also go by rickshaw or by renting a bike or car. Entry into the temple is free and remains open for darshan from 8 am to 6 pm. To reach here you can also get buses from cities like New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Ambala. The nearest airport is Bhantara 40 km. Dur and Joginder Nagar Railway Station 145 km. It is far away.