Manali’s unique and grand temple

The Hidimba Place of worship in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, locally noted as Dhungari Place of worship, is framed by a cedar woodland called Dhungiri Van Vihar at the foot of the Himalayas. This ancient place of worship, dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima from the epic Mahabharata, is not just a religious landmark but a living embodiment of tales woven through centuries.

The roots of the Hidimba Devi Place of worship delve deep into the annals of history, tracing back to its construction in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. However, its significance transcends mere design magnificence. Legend has it that Hidimba Devi was born as a demoness or a Rakshasi. The powerful demon king of the Kamyaka jungle tract, Hidimb was her brother. Legend has it that after the Pandavas escaped Duryodhana’s attempt to assassinate them, the five brothers headed straight to the Kamyaka jungle tract. Bhima, one of the five Pandavas killed Hidimb in a fight. Thereafter, Hidimba married Bhima and gave birth to their son Ghatotkacha. As agreed between them Bhima along with his brothers went away from there, it was Hidimba who looked after the kingdom, took great care of the residents and brought her son up. Ghatotkacha grew up to be as brave a warrior as his parents. When he attained adulthood, Hidimba gave the reins of the kingdom to him and she left for the jungle tract, where she began meditation on a rock seeking penance for her sins. Her prayers were answered by Goddess Durga, who blessed her to become a goddess. Since those times, Hidimba Devi is worshipped as a deity.