- Location: The Hidimba Devi Temple is located at Hadimba Temple Road, in Old Manali in Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131.
- Opening Hours: The Temple is open all days of the week from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Prayer Timings: Devotees are allowed to pray at any time during the visiting hours.
- Entry Fee: There is no chargeable fee to enter the Temple. Entering the Temple is free for all devotees.
- Number of Stairs: There are around 15 huge steps at the Temple.
- Distance from the Nearest Airport: The airport nearest to the Hidimba Devi Temple is the Old Terminal Airport Bhuntar which is located at a distance of 52.2 km from the Temple.
History of Hidimba Devi temple
The location of the Temple has a great significance in Hindu mythology. Maharaja Bahadur Singh built the Temple in the mid-sixteenth century. It was built on the surroundings of a cave where the wife of Bhima, Devi Hidimba,was believed to perform meditation. Hidimba, who was a Rakshasha, lived here with her brother Hidimb. She vowed to marry only to the one who defeats her strong brother Hidimba and thus proving his might and prowess.
During their exile, the five Pandavas visited Manali and the strongest of them, Bhima killed Hidimba. It is because of this that the people of Manali follow and worship Hidimba Devi. Even during Navratri when Durga is worshipped in the whole country by Hindus, people in Manali worship Devi Hidimba.
The Architecture of Hidimba Devi Temple
The Temple is an excellent example of 16th-century architecture. The Temple has a 24-metre tall tower above the sanctuary. It has three square roofs that are embedded with timber tiles and a 4th conical roof made of brass. The carvings on the main gate depict the Goddess Durga in all her glory.
You will also find designs depicting animals, dancers, Navagrahas( the nine planets) and glimpses from Lord Krishna's life. There is a colossal rock occupying most of the space inside the Temple, and a small 3-inch idol of Devi Hidimba is mounted on it. Whitewashed and mud-covered stonework beautifies the base of the Temple.
Worship of Hidimba Devi and festivities
The devotees worship Hidimba Devi throughout the year. Queues of Hindu devotees can be seen outside the Temple all the time. Inside the Temple, there is an imprint of the feet of Hidimba Devi on a rock which thousands of devotees come to worship. Hidimba Devi is highly regarded in Manali, and people believe that one can not prosper without her blessings.
During the time of Dussehra, the small idol of Devi Hidimba is shifted to Dhalpur Maidan where the Goddess gives benefits to the ceremonial horse. This ritual is called "Ghor Pooja". A three-day festival is also celebrated in May in the Temple which attracts thousands of devotees. The festival is a kaleidoscope of colourful folk dance performances, folklore, music and cultural activities.
Places to Stay near Hidimba Devi Temple
Located amidst the lush beauty of Manali, there are several options to stay near the Hidimba Devi Temple which provides you with comfortable stay and serene experience.
1. Mountain Top Hotel: It is an affordable stay option near the Temple. The rooms are clean and spacious, and the staff is cordial. The rooms are well designed with an attached balcony. There is an open terrace in the hotel.
2. Mary's Cottage: The property is beautiful, with a well-manicured and sunny garden. The food at the in-house restaurant is delicious. The staff is generous, and the rooms are well-equipped and clean.
3. The Orchard Greens Hotel: The hotel provides a comfortable stay to its guests with all necessary amenities in the room. There is a beautiful garden outside, and the new building has rooms with classy design. It is worth a stay in Manali.
4. Hotel Solitaire: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, then this hotel is an ideal choice. It provides all necessary amenities, clean rooms, delicious food and prompt room service at a reasonable price.
Places to Eat near Hidimba Devi Temple
1. IL Forno: Enjoy the beautiful Himalayan view combined with mouth-watering Italian food at IL Forno. The restaurant provides a pleasant ambience with its rustic 19th-century lodge having stone and timber framework.
2. Tandoori Platter: It is a delight for food-lovers, especially if you love Chinese food. The Chinese dishes in the restaurant are one of the best in Manali. The restaurant staff is very cordial. It provides scenic vistas of the mountain and the Hamta pass.
3. Café Live: The restaurant offers lovely riverside views with delicious food. The wood fire pizza in café live is a must-try is a favourite among visitors.
Tips for visiting Hidimba Devi Temple
1. Arrive early to avoid facing parking issues during busy seasons.
2. Beware of hawkers and local sellers while entering the Temple as they try to sell you local products at higher than usual prices.
3. The sanctity of the Temple should be maintained by respecting the hygiene of the area. Do not litter inside or outside the Temple.
4. Remain barefoot once inside the Temple and while offering prayers. Keeping footwear inside the Temple is considered to be a sign of disrespect in the Hindu religion.
5. Do not try to pluck or meddle with the natural vegetation around the Temple.
6. Do not touch any statues or religious instruments with your hands.
