About Hidimba Devi Temple
Hidimba Devi Temple, also called the Dhungri Temple, stands in a quiet grove of tall deodar trees called Dhungri Van Vihar, a short climb above Manali's Mall Road in Himachal Pradesh. It is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, who in the Mahabharata married Bhima and became the mother of Ghatotkacha. In the Kullu valley she is worshipped as a powerful goddess and as a guardian deity of the royal family of Kullu, and she holds a special place in the region's festivals. Its unusual wooden architecture and forest setting make it Manali's best-known landmark.
According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas met the rakshasa Hidimb and his sister Hidimbi during their exile. Bhima defeated Hidimb and married Hidimbi, and their son Ghatotkacha later fought bravely at Kurukshetra. Local tradition says that when the Pandavas moved on, Hidimba stayed back and spent her life in meditation at this spot, which is why she came to be worshipped as a goddess. The present temple was built in 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh of Kullu around the rock where she is said to have meditated. It is now protected as a monument of national importance.
The temple rests on a stone base and rises in three square, tiered roofs covered with wooden shingles, topped by a fourth cone-shaped roof of metal, reaching a height of about 24 metres. The entrance doorway is covered with detailed wood carving showing goddesses, animals, dancers, scenes from Krishna's life and the nine planets. Inside, a large natural rock fills the sanctum, with a small brass image of the goddess and her footprints carved in stone. A shrine to her son Ghatotkacha stands under a tree a short walk away.
Hidimba Devi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with slightly shorter hours in winter. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Around opening time (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Hidimba Devi Temple
By air
Bhuntar (Kullu–Manali) Airport is about 50 km away.
By train
Joginder Nagar (narrow gauge) is about 165 km away; Chandigarh, the nearest major station, is about 300 km away.
By road
The temple is about 2 km from Manali Mall Road, reachable by a short uphill walk or by taxi and auto-rickshaw. Buses link Manali with Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla.
Festivals at Hidimba Devi Temple
- Dhungri (Hidimba Devi) MelaMay
- NavaratriSep/Oct
- Kullu Dussehra (Hidimba Devi's palanquin joins the procession)Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is expected; warm layers are needed for most of the year.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- Queues can be long in peak tourist season (May–June and late December); go early in the morning.
- The path through the cedar forest is uneven and can be icy in winter; wear good shoes.
- Photography of the inner sanctum is generally not allowed; follow the notices.
- Visit the Ghatotkacha shrine near the temple, which many visitors miss.
- Be wary of paid photo-ops with yaks and rabbits near the entrance if you prefer a quiet visit.
Places to visit near Hidimba Devi Temple
- Manu Temple, Old ManaliShrine of the sage Manu, about 3 km away
- Vashisht Temple and hot springsTemple with natural hot-water baths, about 4 km away
- Club House and Manalsu riverRiverside area in Old Manali, about 2 km away
- Solang ValleyMeadow and snow-sports area, about 13 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who was Hidimba Devi?
In the Mahabharata, Hidimba (Hidimbi) was the sister of the rakshasa Hidimb who married Bhima and became mother of Ghatotkacha. She is worshipped as a goddess in the Kullu valley.
When was the Hidimba Devi Temple built?
The present temple was built in 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh of Kullu.
What are the Hidimba Temple timings?
It is usually open from about 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with shorter hours in winter.
How far is Hidimba Temple from Manali Mall Road?
It is about 2 km from Mall Road, a short uphill walk through the forest.
What is the aarti time at Hidimba Devi Temple?
Morning puja: Around opening time (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Hidimba Devi Temple?
Modest clothing is expected; warm layers are needed for most of the year.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
