How about a temple on a rock in a forest? A wooden pagoda with carved animals and scenes? A shrine for a goddess who married a hero and bore a warrior? Sounds cool, right? That’s Hadimba Temple or Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
Hadimba Temple is a charming place in Manali, a hill station in Kullu valley. It’s for Hidimba Devi, a Hindu goddess and Bhima’s wife from the Mahabharata epic. The temple is among the snowy peaks of Manali, in a cedar forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar. The temple is on a huge rock that is Hidimba Devi herself.
If you want to know more about Hadimba Temple or Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali, then read on. We will tell you everything about this awesome shrine in Manali. We will cover its importance, architecture, location, history, mythology, festivals, and activities. We will also give you tips for the best time to visit Hadimba Temple and enjoy its attractions. So, are you ready to explore this amazing temple with us? Let’s go!
Significance of Hadimba Temple
Hadimba Temple is not just another temple in India. It is a unique and important shrine that has a special significance for the people of Manali and Himachal Pradesh. Here are some reasons why Hadimba Temple is so significant:
It is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, a Hindu goddess and the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata epic. She is considered as the patron deity of Manali and the Kullu region. She is also revered as the mother goddess who protects her devotees from evil forces.
It reflects the local connection with nature and the Himalayas. The temple is built on a rock that is believed to be in the image of Hidimba Devi herself. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest that provides a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The temple also has a deodar-shaped top that symbolizes the local affinity with the deodar trees that are abundant in the region.
It is a place of immense faith and devotion for the locals and tourists alike. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year who come to seek the blessings of Hidimba Devi. The temple is especially crowded during Navratri and Dussehra, when people worship Hidimba Devi instead of Goddess Durga. The temple is also a place of celebration and festivity, where various festivals and rituals are held throughout the year.
Some facts or statistics to support the significance of the temple are:
The temple is one of the oldest temples in Manali, dating back to 1553.
The temple is one of the few temples in India that follows a Pagoda style of architecture, which is common in Nepal and Tibet.
The temple is one of the few temples in India that has a female priestess who performs the rituals and ceremonies.
The temple is one of the few temples in India that has a metal bell that weighs more than 100 kg and produces a loud sound when rung.
Architecture of Hadimba Temple
Hadimba Temple is a marvel of architecture and design that stands out from other temples in India. It has a unique wooden structure and a four-tiered roof with intricate carvings. Here are some features of the temple’s architecture and design:
The temple is built on a huge rock that juts out of the ground and is worshipped as an image of Hidimba Devi herself. The rock is covered with a cloth and decorated with flowers and coins. The rock also has a footprint of Hidimba Devi that is considered sacred by the devotees.
The temple has a four-tiered wooden roof that resembles a Pagoda style of architecture, which is common in Nepal and Tibet. The roof has 24 wooden pillars that support it. The roof also has metal bells, brass cones, and horns that adorn it. The roof is made of deodar wood, which is resistant to insects and decay.
The temple has intricate carvings on its wooden walls, doors, and windows. The carvings depict various animals, plants, dancers, musicians, and scenes from the Mahabharata epic. The carvings also show the influence of Buddhist art and culture. The carvings are done by local artisans who use traditional tools and techniques.
The temple has a small entrance that leads to a dark chamber where the idol of Hidimba Devi is placed. The idol is made of brass and has three eyes, four arms, and four horns. The idol is draped with a red cloth and adorned with jewellery. The idol is also surrounded by various offerings, such as fruits, flowers, coins, etc.
Some images or diagrams to illustrate the temple’s architecture are:
The timings of Hadimba Temple are:
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day
The temple is open throughout the year
The temple may be crowded during festivals or peak seasons
Also read: What You Don't Want To Know About The Hadimba Temple of Old Manali
Location of Hadimba Temple & How to Reach
Hadimba Temple is located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level in the Kullu valley. It is about 2 km from the main market of Manali and about 50 km from the nearest airport at Bhuntar.
By air:
The nearest airport to Manali is at Bhuntar, which is about 50 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Manali. From Manali, one can walk or take an auto-rickshaw to Hadimba Temple.
By rail:
The nearest railway station to Manali is at Joginder Nagar, which is about 165 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Manali. From Manali, one can walk or take an auto-rickshaw to Hadimba Temple.
By road:
Manali is well-connected by road to other cities and towns in Himachal Pradesh and nearby states. One can take a state-run or private bus or a taxi to Manali from places like Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Dharamshala, etc. From Manali, one can walk or take an auto-rickshaw to Hadimba Temple.
Some of the nearby attractions or landmarks that can be visited along with Hadimba Temple are:
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife reserve that is home to various animals, birds, and plants. It is about 2 km from Hadimba Temple and offers nature trails, camping, and birdwatching opportunities.
Manu Temple: A temple dedicated to Manu, the first human and the progenitor of mankind according to Hindu mythology. It is about 3 km from Hadimba Temple and offers a panoramic view of the valley and the river Beas.
Vashisht Hot Springs: A natural hot spring that is believed to have medicinal properties. It is about 6 km from Hadimba Temple and offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Solang Valley: A valley that is famous for its adventure sports and activities, such as skiing, paragliding, zorbing, etc. It is about 14 km from Hadimba Temple and offers a thrilling and fun-filled experience.
Rohtang Pass: A high mountain pass that connects Manali to Lahaul and Spiti districts. It is about 51 km from Hadimba Temple and offers a spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
Best Time To Visit Hadimba Temple
The best time to visit Hadimba Temple depends on your preference and purpose of visit. However, based on the weather, crowd, and festivals, here are some factors to consider:
Weather:
Manali has a pleasant weather throughout the year, but it can get very cold and snowy in winter. If you want to enjoy the snow and the scenic beauty of the valley, you can visit Hadimba Temple from December to February.
However, be prepared for road closures, landslides, and heavy snowfall. If you want to avoid the cold and enjoy the greenery and flowers of the forest, you can visit Hadimba Temple from March to June. However, be prepared for high temperatures, humidity, and rain. If you want to experience the monsoon and the misty atmosphere of the hills, you can visit Hadimba Temple from July to September. However, be prepared for landslides, floods, and leeches.
Crowd:
Manali is a popular tourist destination and attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year. However, some months are more crowded than others. If you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy some peace and solitude at Hadimba Temple, you can visit it from October to November or from February to March. These are the off-season months when the tourist inflow is low and the hotel rates are cheap.
However, some facilities and services may be closed or limited during these months. If you don’t mind the crowd and want to enjoy some lively atmosphere at Hadimba Temple, you can visit it from April to June or from September to January. These are the peak season months when the tourist inflow is high and the hotel rates are expensive. However, you can enjoy more facilities and services during these months.
Festivals:
Hadimba Temple is a place of celebration and festivity for the locals and tourists alike. There are various festivals and rituals that take place at Hadimba Temple throughout the year. However, some festivals are more prominent and popular than others.
If you want to witness some of the major festivals at Hadimba Temple, you can visit it in May or October. In May, there is an annual festival called Saroohni or Dhungari Mela that celebrates the birthday of Hidimba Devi. The temple is decorated with flowers and lights and a fair is held nearby. In October, there is another festival called Dussehra that celebrates the victory of good over evil. The idol of Hidimba Devi is taken to Dhalpur Maidan for blessings and there is a tradition of Ghor Puja.
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Hadimba Temple is a unique and ancient shrine in Manali that offers a lot of attractions and activities for travellers. It is a place where you can experience the culture, history, mythology, and nature of Himachal Pradesh. It is also a place where you can have fun, adventure, and relaxation.
Hadimba Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves temples, forests, mountains, and stories.
It is a place that will leave you spellbound and enchanted. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Hadimba Temple today and discover its magic for yourself!
