Hadimba Temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh is also known as Hidimbi temple, Hadimba Devi temple or simply Hadimba Mandir among the locals and tourists. It is one of the most visited tourist spot in Manali. Every year thousands of people from the state, country and even foreigner visits this temple. Whenever there is a documentary by national or international team about Manali, this temple surely finds mention about it.
Temple is just a few kilometers distance from the Manali town and is surrounded by lush green forests. Lying in the foot of Himalayas, you can also view the Beas River flowing though the hills.
Hadimba temple is a four storey temple, made mainly of wood. The temple is a symbol of architectural excellence. With carved wooden doors and wooden tower, this temple architecture leaves the visitors astonished. It is 24 meters tall and 4 levels (3 square roofs made of wood and one cone shape roof covered by brass). The inner part of the temple is mainly occupied by a large rock and the base is made up of whitewashed mud-covered stonework. Tempe is beautifully decorated with animal horns, wooden carvings etc.
Hadimba temple is believed to be built in the year 1553 by then king of Manali, Raja Bahadur Singh. However the history of this temple is linked to the ancient time of Mahabharata. Most of the Hindus know about the Mahabharata and Hadimba. For those readers who don’t know let share few lines about the history of this temple.
History
According to Hindu legend Mahabharata, the battle of Mahabharata was fought among Pandavas (5 sons of King Pandu) and Kauravas (The sons of Dhristatra of Kuru Dynasty). Pandavas emerged winners from the battle. A long before the battle was won Pandavas went to exile to escape an attempt of murder by Kauravas. While they were on exile and traveling from one place to another they reached Manali. The area that time was under control of Hidimb (Brother of Hadimba). Both Hidimb and Hadimba were born in rakshas family. Hidimb was the most powerful man in the region and Hadimba vowed to marry the person who would defeat him. While Pandavas were staying in the forest of Manali, they were attacked by Hidimb and Bheema who was the most powerful among the five Pandavas killed Hidimb. Bheem then has to marry Hadmiba, however he told Hadimba that he’ll stay with her till first child of their marriage is born. Their son Ghatotkacha was born a year later and then Bheem left her with the son. You can find a shrine for worship for Ghatotkacha near the temple as well.
When Bheem left her with other Pandavs, Hadimba performed meditation in the forest known as Dhungri Van Vihar. It is the place where the actual temple was built later. This is why many people also refer this temple as Dhungri Temple. She meditated for years and attained supernatural power gifted by God. She used the powers to heal local people and soon attained the status of Goddess. She is the patron deity (KulDevi) of the rulers on the region. Permission and blessings of the goddess are necessary for every coronation of new king combined with sacrifice of a buffalo.
Kullu Dussehra which is an important annual international festival beinges by a ceremony called “Ghod Pooja”. In this the blessing of the goddess Hadimba are sought for the ceremonial horse. Also a huge fair is held every year. They fair is known as “Bahadur Singh Re Jatar”.
One important fact about the temple is that unlike other temples in India, here no idol of the goddess is worshipped. There is a one footmark of the goddess on a rock and devoted worship this foot print. Another interesting fact is that one could see a huge foot mark using Google satellite near the temple area.
How to reach
One can reach Manali by Bus or Air
By Air: - Nearest Airport is at Bhunter in Kullu. It is about 50 km from Manali.
By Rail: - In Manali there isn’t any rail track. Nearest metre guage station is Joginder Nagar. A couple of trains (Also known as toy trains) from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar operate daily. There after you’ll need to take bur route. Other options are broad gauge railway station is Chandigarh/Kalka. Shimla anther option, again is a narrow guage railway track. The Kalka Shimla railway track is a world heritage track so you might not want to miss a journey here.
By Bus: - Distance from Chandigarh to Manali is around 300 km. it takes almost 10 hr to reach Manali.
By Local Taxi:-You will easily find a local taxi from bus stand which will drop you at the temple. Temple is about 1.5 km away from the Manali bus stand.
Best Time to Visit: - Best time to visit temple is Month of May when Hadimba Devi festival is hosted by the temple authorities.
Timing of Temple: - 5:00AM to 8:00PM, Mornings are the best time to visit the temple though.
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