Hidimba Devi Temple

Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as Hadimba or Dhungari Temple, is a 16th-century Hindu shrine located in the Dhungri forest of Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Built in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, it is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. The temple features unique pagoda-style wooden architecture with a 24-meter tower and is built around a natural rock formation worshipped as the deity. It remains a significant spiritual and cultural landmark surrounded by ancient cedar trees.

Visitors can expect to see a distinctive three-tiered pagoda-style wooden temple set within a dense cedar forest. The interior houses a natural rock formation and a small brass image representing the goddess, along with intricately carved wooden doors depicting mythological scenes. The site includes a nearby shrine dedicated to Ghatotkacha and offers a serene atmosphere for prayer and photography. Facilities such as parking, restrooms, shoe storage, and prasad counters are available on the premises.

The temple was constructed in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh of Kullu. It is built over a cave where Hidimbi Devi is believed to have meditated after her husband Bhima departed with the Pandavas. The site has been a continuous place of worship since the 16th century and represents traditional Himalayan wooden temple architecture.

Hidimba Devi is revered as both Kuldevi (family deity) and Gram Devi (village deity) of Manali. During Navaratri, while most regions worship Goddess Durga, Manali focuses devotion on Hidimba Devi. The annual Dhungari Mela held in May celebrates her birthday with traditional music and dance by local women. A separate fair called 'Bahadur Singh Re Jatar' honors the temple's founder during Shravan month.