Hidimba Devi Temple ( MANALI )

Hidimbi Devi Temple, also known variously as the Hadimba Temple,is located in Manāli,a hill station in the State of Himāchal Pradesh in north India.It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, sister of Hidimba,who was a character in the Indian epic,Mahābhārata.The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himālayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground, which was worshiped as an image of the deity.

The Hidimba Devi temple is built around a cave where Hidimba performed mediatation. Hidimba was supposed to be live here with her brother Hidimb, and not much is known about their parents. Born in the Rakshas family, Hidimba vowed to marry one who would defeat her brother Hidimb, who was supposed to be very brave and fearless. During the Pandava's exile, when they visited Manali Bhima, one of the five Pandvas, killed Hidimb. Thus, Hidimba married Bhima, and gave birth to their son Ghatotkacha.

This four story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. From the name of the forest parkland this temple derives its name. This temple was erected in 1553 and is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. The carved doors of the temple are made of wood and look extremely beautiful. The Hadimba Temple, also called the Hidimba Devi Temple, exhibits a beautiful 24m tall wooden tower. This tower has 3 square roofs covered with timber tiles which add further beauty to this structure. People come to visit this temple in large numbers not only to offer their prayers but also to witness the beauty exhibited in the construction of this temple.The temple does not contain any idol, just a footprint on a stone. Legend behind the construction of the temple states that the king who commissioned this temple was so awestruck by its beauty that he ordered the artist's right hand to be cut. This was done in order to avoid his being able to repeat his masterpiece. Owing to Hadimba's emergence as the patron goddess of the Rajahs, her blessing is considered necessary by them before every coronation. To seek her blessings, devotees sacrifice a buffalo at the temple, prior to every coronation.