Introduction

Hadimba Devi Temple which is known by the name of Dungri Temple or Hadima Devi Temple by the localised people of Dungri place. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba who is the wife of Kunti and Pandu’s son Bhimsen. Built during the decade of Mahabharata, this temple is dedicated to the wife of Bhimsen, the second brother of the Pandava’s. Hadimba Devi Temple is also worshiped as Family Goddess of Dungri place or Manali town. This temple is located at Dungri place in Manali city of Himachal Pradesh.

Manali Overview

Manali is a city surrounded by mountains in the middle of nature and famous for its beautiful view, it is a very popular and famous city in the tourist area. The City of Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, which comes in the Kullu district. That’s why this city is also addressed as Kullu Manali, it is located in the northern end and is very famous for snowfall and snow sports. Routes leading from Manali like Rohtang, Solang Valley, Leh, Ladakh, Spiti etc all lead to places and the most famous Atal Tunnel.

Story & History of Hadimba Devi

Hadimba Devi Temple is built in the shape of a huge cave in the middle of deodar trees amidst dense forests in Dungri village Manali. Goddess Hadimba belonged to the demon race, she lived in this forest with her elder brother Hadimb. Hadimb was a cruel king of the Rakshasa caste, who loved to drink the flesh and blood of human beings, but Goddess Hadimba kept trying to dissuade her brother from the path of unrighteousness despite being called a Rakshasa caste.

Meeting of Goddess Hadimba and Bheem

After that Pandu’s son, 5 brothers known as Pandavas were passing through the forest with their mother Kunti. So the demon was extremely pleased to see humans in his area as he loved to eat human flesh. The demon Hadimb ordered his sister Hadimba to bring those humans so that Hadimb could satisfy his hunger by making them food. But when Hadimba saw Kunti’s son Bhimsen, she fell in love with him and it is said that Hadimba had vowed to marry the one who killed Hadimba’s brother in battle. Because Hadimb was a monster with a huge body and was elusive. In such a fierce battle, Bhima killed the demon Hidimb, resulting in the marriage of Goddess Hidimba to Kunti’s son Bhima.

Worship Of Hadimba Devi

Even after being born in a demon clan, Goddess Hadimba was a very kind and just ruler. Kunti’s son Bhimsen married Goddess Hidimba after the demon king Hidimba died in the war. However, due to her demonic caste, she engaged in severe penance in the forest to rid herself of her demonic nature.

After severe years of penance, Goddess Hadimba got the distinction of being a goddess from a demon, and since then Goddess Hidimba was worshiped as the family goddess of Manali and Dungri city. All of you will be surprised to know that no idol of Goddess Hidimba has been installed in the temple, there the Hadimba Devi footprints are present for blessings and worship, those footprints are worshiped.

Architecture and Design of Hadimba Devi Temple

The Hadimba Devi Temple is built in a cave surrounded by Deodar trees in the Dungri area of Manali town in the middle of the Himalayan mountains. In 1553, Maharaja Bahadur Singh built the Hadimba Devi Temple on the same rock on which Goddess Hadimba left her demon caste and became a Goddess.

This temple has been constructed in pagoda style, which has 4 terraces. Because of which its architecture looks very beautiful and mind-blowing. In which there is a crowd of tourists in every season.

Structure of the Hadimba Devi Temple

The lower three roofs are made of deodar wood in slope, while the topmost roof is made of copper and brass. The size of the roofs keeps on decreasing while moving from the bottom to the top. The lowest roof is the biggest, or the lowest one is smaller than the top one; similarly, the smallest roof seems to be made of copper and brass, as if it is touching the sky.

The height of the temple is about 40 meters and there are paintings on the walls all around the temple. Most of the artists have used wood to create sculptures in the temple, from the main gate to the four side gates. Visitors can see sculptures related to animals on every wall.

Hadimba Devi and Mahabharat Connection

In the Mahabharata period, Pandu’s sons had lost everything due to gambling, then Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana sent the Pandavas to a place called Varanavat. He planned to burn Jeevat in a palace made of a material that could easily catch fire.

However, the Pandavas came to know about this plan first, and they dug a tunnel in the night itself to get out of the palace, which was suitable for going out. Later in the night, when there was a fire in the palace, all the Pandavas along with their mother Kunti escaped through the tunnel.

Pandav’s escape plan

However, the Pandavas came to know about this plan first, and they dug a tunnel in the night itself to get out of the palace, which was suitable for going out. Later in the night, when there was a fire in the palace, all the Pandavas along with their mother Kunti escaped through the tunnel. The Kauravas kept thinking that the Pandavas and their mother Kunti were dead; however, they fled to the forest. While walking, they reached the realm of Hadimb, the demon king of Manali. Hadimb, along with his sister Hadimba, ruled there. Bhima killed Hadimb in a war.

Marriage of Devi Hadimba and Bheem

After Hadimb’s death, Bhima and Hidimba married with the blessings of Mother Kunti. However, Mother Kunti had a condition that Bhima and Hidimba should go together to Hadimba’s kingdom, but Bhima would have to return after having a child. Taking this promise, Hadimba and Bhima went to Hadimba’s kingdom. Hidimba was very justice loving and very kind ruler.

Hadimba Devi and his Family

Pandu’s son Bhimsen married Goddess Hadimba. After their marriage, they had a child in the form of a son named Ghatotkacha.

Ghatotkach Temple

They have built the temple of Goddess Hadimba and Bhima’s son Ghatotkacha at a distance of 70 meters from the Hadimba Devi temple. Hadimba’s son Ghatotkacha was full of powers and had a huge body since childhood. Furthermore, his strength and prowess became legendary as he grew older. Ghatotkach was elusive, Goddess Hadimba had given the responsibility of handling the kingdom to Ghatotkach.

Ghatotkach had also lost his life during the battle with his father Bhima in the war of Mahabharata. Shri Krishna had given Ghatotkach the boon of being elusive which no one in this world could break except Shri Krishna himself could break that trap.

Devi Hadimba’s pond in Dungri Van Vihar

In the back side of the temple of Goddess Hidimba located in Manali city, there is Dungri Van Vihar. Inside, visitors can see a lake, which people say is the bathing place of Goddess Hadimba. People believe that bathing in this lake of Goddess Hadimba cures all diseases. Additionally, women who do not have children are said to benefit from bathing in this lake. Moreover, it is written in Dungri Van Vihar, although it is now difficult to ascertain the truth of this statement.

Festival organized at Hadimba Devi Temple

Every year, the organizers hold a huge festival in Hadimba Devi Temple. They organize a festival near this temple in the month of Shravan. People believe that this festival celebrates the memory of Raja Bahadur Singh. They hold this fair after completing the paddy transplanting. The local people believe that the construction of this temple dates back to ancient times.

Hadimba Devi Temple location address

Hadimba Devi Temple is located in Manali, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This temple is at a distance of 2 to 3 kilometers from the bus stand via mall road.

Address : Hadimba Devi Temple, Hadimba temple road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

Best time to visit

People can visit the temple regardless of the weather. To come to Hadimba Devi Temple, one can visit in any season. However, there is a crowd of tourists here in winter because this temple looks very beautiful in the snow, and it remains the center of attraction during that time.

Entry fees of Hadimba Devi Temple

This temple is so attractive to see that everyone must be thinking that we have to pay an entry fee to visit it. However, this is the specialty of Hadimba Devi temple: it is absolutely entry-free. You can spend as much time as you want in this temple; there is no need to pay any fee to come here.

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Timing of Hadimba Devi Temple

Although there is no time limit for Hadimba Devi Temple, it remains open from 8 in the morning till 6 in the evening. No matter how much time you spend there, it feels good.

Timing : Morning 8:00 Am to Evening 6:00 Pm

Things to do in Hadimba Devi Temple

After seeing the footprint of Goddess Hadimba, you can explore the temple complex and admire its unique architecture. If you come here in the winter season, then this temple looks no less than a miracle in the snow. Additionally, the serene atmosphere adds to the enchanting experience. Around the temple, you will find many shopping places in which artists make and sell paintings. Near the temple, you will see people holding rabbits, and there is a charge for taking pictures with them. Alternatively, you can get pictures taken by wearing Himachali cultural dress.

Top attraction in Hadimba Devi Temple

Main centers are near Hadimba Devi Temple are given below :

• View of Hidimba Temple in Snow.
• Beautiful design of Hadimba Devi Temple.
• Tall deodar trees surrounding the cave surrounding Hadimba Devi Temple.
• Visitors near Hadimba Devi Temple can have photographs taken by holding a rabbit and wearing traditional Himachali culture.
• Ghatotkacha Temple, 70 meters away from Hadimba Devi Temple
• Dungri Van Vihar on the back side of Hadimba Devi Temple

How to reach Hadimba Devi Temple

Hadimba Devi Temple which is located in the city of Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh and take a look at the ways to reach here:

By Air

By Airport The nearest airport to visit Hidimba Devi Temple is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu which operates from Delhi and Chandigarh. On departure from airport, some may take taxis or automobiles to Manali.

By Train

The means of train to reach Hadimba Devi temple is not that suitable as the train does not reach this temple in the hills. Trains start from Kalka near Chandigarh and reach Shimla. One can reach Manali by taking a bus from Shimla and traveling for 10 hours. After that, the temple of Goddess Hidimba is 3 kilometers away.

By Road

National Highway 21 connects Kullu and Manali Where regular bus services connect Kullu and Manali to Himachal Pradesh. The distance from Delhi to Manali by road is 570 km and from Shimla it is 280 km. Volvo Night bus reaches Manali from Delhi in 14 hours. Coming by your vehicle, you can directly reach Manali without stopping anywhere.

Itinerary for visiting Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali

Here’s a suggested itinerary for visiting Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali:

• Morning: Start your day early to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

• Visit Hadimba Devi Temple: Spend around 1-2 hours exploring the temple complex, admiring its unique architecture, and offering prayers.

• Explore Surroundings: Take a leisurely stroll around the temple premises, enjoying the lush greenery and picturesque surroundings.

• Shopping and Dining: Visit nearby shops to explore local handicrafts, souvenirs, and eateries offering traditional Himachali cuisine.

• Optional Activities: Depending on your interests and time, you can also visit nearby attractions such as Manu Temple and Vashisht Hot Water Springs. Alternatively, you may opt for a nature walk in the surrounding forests.

• Evening: Relax and unwind with a cup of tea while soaking in the natural beauty of the Himalayas before heading back to your accommodation.

Nearby Places to visit in Manali

• Hadimba Devi Temple
• Dungri Van Vihaar
• Mall Road Manali
• Solang Valley
• Vashisht temple
• Rohtang Pass
• Old Manali
• Nehru Kund
• Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery
• The Great Himalayan National Park
• Jogini Waterfall
• Kullu
• Hampta Pass
• Ghatotkach Tree Temple
• Sissu, Koksar, Gulaba

FAQ

Travel accessories

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing

• Comfortable Walking Shoes

• Camera and Accessories

• Travel Adapter and Power Bank

• Day Pack or Tote Bag

• Reusable Water Bottle

• Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

Disclaimer

To all of you, I would like to take a special note: all the information in these articles is a mixture of internet social media and my own experience while photographing. Because the more you read about something, the more you will keep getting information.

These pieces of information will increase your interest in nature. Try to understand the stories behind them through their beauty, photos, and increase your knowledge as much as possible.

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