Hidimba Devi Temple | Best Place To Visit In Himachal | Tourist Places In Himachal

Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali | Best Place To visit In Manali | Tourist Places In Manali 

Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali | Best Place To Visit In Himachal

Hidimba Devi Temple is located in Manali in Kullu District of the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. It is an ancient cave temple, dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, the wife of Bhima of the Indian epic Mahabharata. This is one of the most popular temples in Manali. It is also known as Dhungiri Temple. Tourists who come to visit Manali definitely come to see this temple. This temple is a four storeyed structure which is situated in the middle of the forest. The local people have named the temple after the surrounding forest area. Due to being located in the hill station, a large number of tourists gather here to see this temple during snowfall. You will be surprised to know that there is no idol of Goddess installed in this temple, rather the footsteps of Hidimba Devi are worshiped in Hidimba Devi temple.

Hidimba Devi Temple History | Best Place To visit In manali

Hidimba Devi Temple has been built in the midst of a sacred deodar forest near the town of Dungri on the verge of the Himalayan mountains. Hidimba is believed to have returned to look after the kingdom after Bhima and the Pandavas had left Manali. It is said that Hidimba was a very kind and just ruler. When her son Ghatotkacha grew up, Hidimba placed him on the throne and went to the forest to meditate for the rest of her life. Hidimba did hard penance sitting on a rock to erase her demonic identity. After many years of meditation, her prayer was successful, and she got the distinction of being a goddess. In honor of Hidimba Devi's penance and meditation, this temple was built on top of this rock by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. The temple is built around a cave. 

Story of Hidimba Devi :

Hidimba Temple is dedicated to Hidimba, the wife of Bhima, the second brother of the Pandavas. Hidimba was a demonic who lived in this area with her brother Hidimb. She swore that whoever defeats her brother Hidimb in the battle, she would marry him. During that time when the Pandavas were in exile, Bhima, the second brother of the Pandavas, killed Hidimb to save the villagers from the tortures and atrocities of Hidimb and thus Hidimba was married to Mahabali Bhima. Bhima and Hidimba had a son, Ghatotkacha, who was killed while fighting for the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war. This temple dedicated to Goddess Hidimba is known as Hadimba Temple.

How To Reach Hidimba Devi Temple : 

Hidimba devi temple is situated about 2 kilometers away from the main city of Manali, so you can access this temple via bus, taxi or also on foot

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