Hadimba Temple Manali

Hidimba Devi temple stands in the midst of a sacred cedar forest near the town of Dunghri at the verdant foot of the Himalaya mountains. The sanctuary is built over an enormous rock that juts out of the ground, worshipped as a manefestation of Durga, the "Hill Mother" or goddess of the earth. The temple was constructed in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, who made a promise to the Hidimba deity of the Mahabharata epic.

The temple is rather unusual and is architecturally similar only to the temple of Tripura Sundari in Naggar (also in the Kulu valley). The Hidimba Devi temple is 24 meters tall and consists of three square roofs clad in timber tiles, surmounted by a cone-shaped fourth roof that is covered in brass. The interior of the temple is occupied by the large rock and contains no usuable space except for the ground floor. Curiously, a rope dangles from the ridge that is said to have been used to hang victims by the hand, who were then swung—bleeding and bruised—over the large rock in the presence of the goddess.

Architecture
The temple has been built in pagoda style of 4 tiered roofs. As you enter the temple a porch with a bench to sit on welcomes you warmly. The windows are made of wood and are carefully carved out of the temple, giving it a look of a rich ancient house. The architecture is marvellous considering how old the temple is and the entire structure still is considered by many localities as a pillar of protection from the ghosts, demons and ghouls. All and all, a visit to Manali is incomplete without the Hidimba devi temple. ​

Location
The temple is situated at about 3 km. from the bus stand and could even be reached on foot from old Manali. Away from the hustle bustle of the town, the temple is located in the middle of pine trees. The location is quite breathtaking and rejuvenates you not just physically but spiritually as well. From afar, it looks something like a Buddhist monastery. But a closer look tells you how intricately the little details have been done

History of Hidimba Temple
Hidimba temple must have been a cave temple at some point in time, just as most Devi temple on hilltops are. The present temple is built around a cave. The main deity is a rock emerging from the ground. King Bahadur Singh built the present temple in 1553 CE as per the inscription on a wooden panel near the entrance of the temple. It is built in a typical Kathkuni style of temple architecture prevalent in hill regions. Alternate layers of stone and wood are used to build the temple. There are three-tiered slanting roofs and the finial or Shikhara is in conical shape built-in brass.

Festivals at Hidimba Devi Temple

Navaratri Festival
Navaratri is the main festival celebrated here. I was told there are long queues around the temple during these nine days of the Goddess. A fair-like atmosphere gets created during these times.

Doongri Festival
Doongri festival is celebrated on Basant Panchami as it is considered to be the birthday of Hidimba. It would roughly fall in February when flowers are blooming all around. Another version of it takes place on 1st of Jyeshth month, roughly in May.
Villages from around come with their Gods and Goddess on the chariots or colorful palanquins to celebrate the festival for 3 days. The deities like Kartikswami of Simsa, Chhandal Rishi of Parsha, Shrishti Narayan of Aleo, Shriganh of Jagatsukh, Vishnu of Shajla, Maladevi of Sial and Sankh Narayan of Nasogi, are brought in processions with music to Doongri. On the 4th day, the fair shifts to the temple of Manu in the village Manali. They fly kites, play games, and pray to the Goddess.
This festival is also known as Hidimba Devi Fair or Mela. The Internet tells me that this fair is completely organized and managed by local women.


Saroohni Jatra
Saroohni or Bahadur Singh ki Jatra is held on the first day of the month of Savan that falls during monsoon months. In a way, it celebrates the successful transplantation of paddy. Devi also participates in the famous Kullu Dussehra at the end of the Sharad Navaratri. In fact, the Dussehra begins and ends in presence as she blesses the ceremonial horse. the royal family of Kullu considers Hidimba as their Dadi or grandmother or in other words their ancestor. They used to visit her prior to their coronations.