Hadimba Devi Temple

Just above the majestic city of Manali, 3 km inside the thick deodar forest of Dhungari Van विहार, is the temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. The Temple with its four tier roofs is built in “pagoda” style in the year 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh. The main temple is built on an elevated platform and the stairs lead to the wooden entrance. The temple is made up of wood with beautiful epic carvings on the wall and on the door. It is believed that not even a single nail is used to assemble this wooden structure. There is no idol installed in the temple, only the foot print of the deity on a stone inside the cave is enshrined.

As per the ancient legends associated with the temple, the forest of Dhungari was ruled by a demon named Hadimb. He along with his sister, Hadimba, lived in these forests. The Pandavas in their exile happen to reach this forest and Bhima, one of the Pandav brother meet with Hadimba and fell in love with her. Annoyed by the association of prince Bhima with his sister, King Hadimb challenged Bhima for fight. The prince known for his strength and power defeated Hadimb and married his sister Hadimba. The couple stayed in companionship for around an year and then prince Bhima joined his brothers and mother in exile. Later Hadimba gave birth to their son, “Ghatothkach” who was strong and a great warrior as his father. Ghatothkach played an important part and fought for Pandavas in the battle of Mahabharata.

Although a “Rakshashi” by birth, Hadimba devoted her life to meditation and in the service of mankind, hence she was worshiped as goddess in the valley. She is believed to be the grandmother of the first king of Kullu and hence became the patron deity of the royal family of Kullu.

Today the goddess holds and important place in the royal and religious ceremonies. The “Rajya Abhisheka” or the “ Tilak Ceremony” as it is popularly known is done with the permission and blessing of the goddess. The world known festival of Dussehra is also initiated by a ceremony called “Ghor Pooja” where the goddess blesses everyone and then only Lord Raghunath Yatra starts.

To celebrate the birthday of Goddess Hadimba a 3 days fair is held in the month of May. Not only people but so many Gods and Goddess from all over the Kullu valley pay their visit to this land of religious pilgrimage and seek the blessings of their beloved deity.

The Temple is at walkable distance from Manali and taxi services are also available to the temple.