Hadimba temple at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | 1553, by Maharaja Bahadur Singh of Kullu |
| Dedicated to | Hidimba Devi, wife of Bhima in the Mahabharata |
| Location | Dhungri forest, about 2 km from Mall Road |
| Timings | Roughly 8 am to 6 pm; can vary with season |
| Entry | Free |
| Time needed | About an hour, more with the forest walk |
The story of Hidimba
In the Mahabharata, Hidimba was a rakshasi living in the forest with her brother Hidimb. When the Pandava brothers came into the forest during their exile, Bhima killed Hidimb and married Hidimba, and their son Ghatotkacha later fought in the great war. In local tradition Hidimba stayed in these hills and meditated here, and was later worshipped as a goddess.
In the Kullu valley she's an important deity: the royal family of Kullu regard her as their patron goddess, and her image travels to Kullu each October to take part in the Dussehra festival. A shrine to Ghatotkacha stands in the forest a short walk from the temple, around a tree.
The architecture
The temple is built in the traditional wood-and-stone style of the western Himalaya, with walls of alternating timber and stone courses and a tall roof of three square tiers of wooden shingles topped by a conical fourth. The doorway is richly carved with animals, deities and scenes from mythology, and the walls carry horns of animals once offered here.
Inside, the temple is built around a natural rock, not an idol. The goddess is represented by a small image and a footprint on the rock, which devotees believe marks where Hidimba meditated. The interior is small and dim, so expect a short queue in peak season.
Timings, entry and how to get there
The temple is open daily, roughly from 8 am to 6 pm, and entry is free. Timings can change with the season and on festival days, so treat these as approximate.
From Mall Road it's about 2 km uphill: a pleasant 30-minute walk through the forest, or a short taxi or auto ride. Cars drop you near the entrance, from where it's a short walk. Combine it with Old Manali, the Manu temple and the Vashisht hot springs for a relaxed day in town.
The Dhungri forest and around the temple
The deodar forest around the temple is protected and is one of the most atmospheric spots in Manali, especially early in the morning or after fresh snow. Around the temple you'll find stalls selling local snacks and souvenirs, people offering photos with yaks and Angora rabbits, and a small museum of Himachali culture near the road. In winter the forest floor is often white with snow, and the temple roof looks spectacular against it.
Festivals
A fair in honour of the goddess, usually called the Dhungri mela, is held at the temple in May, with local music, dance and processions. In October, Hidimba's palanquin is carried to Kullu for the Kullu Dussehra, where the valley's deities gather. Both are good times to see local tradition, and both are busy.
Tips for visiting
- Go early in the morning to avoid queues and get the best light in the forest.
- Dress modestly, and remove shoes before entering the shrine.
- Photography of the inner sanctum may not be allowed; ask first.
- In winter the paths can be icy, so wear shoes with grip.
- Agree the price before paying for photos with animals.
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Hadimba temple?+
Maharaja Bahadur Singh of Kullu, in 1553.
What are the Hadimba temple timings?+
Roughly 8 am to 6 pm every day, though timings can change with the season and on festival days.
Is there an entry fee at the Hadimba temple?+
No. Entry is free.
How far is the Hadimba temple from Mall Road?+
About 2 km, a 30-minute walk uphill through the forest or a short taxi ride.
Who was Hadimba?+
In the Mahabharata, the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatotkacha. In the Kullu valley she's worshipped as a goddess.
Is the Hadimba temple open in winter?+
Yes. It's open year-round, and the snowy forest makes winter a beautiful time to visit.
