Manali is dotted with numerous fascinating travel spots that bind the interest of tourists. Hadimba Devi Temple is one of them. It is also called Dhungri Temple because of its location amidst Dhungri Van Vihar. With the mention of its name, anyone with a keen interest in mythology won’t take a time guessing the figure to whom it is dedicated. Well, this will be revealed below, but before that, if you wish to see this temple, there are top Kullu Manali luxury resorts you can search for your comfortable stay.
About Hadimba Devi Temple
The figure to whom Hadimba Devi Temple is dedicated is none other than Hadimba, a demoness who married Bheema, the second of the Pandava brothers. Now, there might be a question regarding how she became a figure of worship despite being a demoness. Well, there is a story behind it.
Before that, you need to know why this place is worth visiting in Manali. The reason lies in its splendid Pagoda-style architecture, three-tiered wooden roof, intricate wooden carvings, and a scary interior featuring skeletons of horned animals.
The temple is located on a rock and does not feature an idol, unlike other temples. Footprints are said to be of Hadimba Devi and are considered sacred for worship. This ancient temple is said to have been constructed in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. It is indeed a perfect spiritual getaway for peace seekers.
Mythology behind the holy shrine
After getting a brief idea about what makes this temple a popular tourist spot in Manali, now it’s time to know about the mythological history of this sacred shrine. As has been cleared above, the temple is named after Hadimba, a demoness who married Bhima with whom she became the mother of Ghatotkach and the grandmother of Barbarik, who is now popular with Khatu Shyam, named by Lord Krishna because of his sacrifice during the Mahabharata war.
It all happened when the Pandavas, with their mother Kunti, escaped from the fire outbreak, an evil plan of Duryodhan, the eldest Kaurava prince. After travelling for so long, the brothers reached Kamyaka forest, home to demon siblings Hidimb and Hadimba. The locals around the area lived in fear as the demon Hidimb used to make poor villagers his feast.
Knowing about the five brothers’ arrival with their mother, he ordered his sister Hadimba to devour them. But it came just the opposite. She fell in love with Bheema, who had exceptional physical strength. Hadimba dreamed of marrying someone who would defeat and kill her brother.
Her wish came true when Bheema killed Hidimb with his bare hands after a long combat. Per her condition, he proved worthy of being her husband and married. Ghatotkach, a baby boy, was born to them and emerged as brave as his father. A shrine dedicated to him is about 70 m from the temple.
Significance
It may seem surprising what made Hadimba a figure of worship when she was a demoness. The answer is that Hadimba performed meditation in the Dhungri region and got supernatural powers to protect locals. Owing to her kindness, Hadimba became a figure of worship, leading to the temple’s creation in the Pagoda’s architectural style dedicated to her.
The temple holds utmost significance for married couples seeking blessings for a prosperous and happy married life. This is one such reason why it attracts devotees from all over the country. Located at a distance of 3 km, you can reach this temple shortly by foot from Old Manali. The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
A festival called ‘Dhungri Mela’ is held annually. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Hadimba Devi. This festival is celebrated with dance performances by the local women with music. There is one more festival celebrated during the Shravan month to remember the creator of the temple, Raja Bahadur Singh.
When is the best time to visit the temple?
The best time to visit Hadimba Temple is from March to June in summer, when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. July to September is the appropriate time if you choose to visit during the monsoon. In this rainy season, the lush green surroundings of the temple beam with freshness.
For your convenience, we suggest you avoid travelling during this season because unexpected heavy rainfall makes paths slippery and can even trigger landslides. The third option is the winter season from October to February. During this time, the temperature drops, resulting in extreme coldness. But if you can brave the cold, you are most welcome to visit this famous shrine of Manali.
Top resort near Manali to visit Hadimba Devi Temple
If you wish to visit this temple as a couple, staying at Bookmark Resorts is the right choice. It is one of the best honeymoon resorts in Manali ensuring an exceptional stay with all kinds of luxuries to experience here. There are six lavish accommodations, each infused with comfort and modern amenities. These are:
Superior Room – Superior Room 275 sq. ft. is a spacious room with a king-size bedroom and other amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, a tea/coffee maker, and stationery. From this Room, you get beautiful views of hills and forests. It also has a private bathroom with all necessary items such as shampoo, moisturiser, conditioner, and body wash.
Deluxe Room – Next is the Deluxe Room, 400 sq. ft., divided into a lounge area and a bedroom. The large windows offer views of apple orchards and forests. The room features many amenities, including a TV, mini fridge, large carpet, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more.
Premium Room with Private Balcony – Imagine getting up in the morning with stunning views of Manali’s forests, waterfalls, and mountains. It is all possible in the Premium Room with a private balcony. Sprawling 300 sq. ft., it offers picture-perfect reality with beautifully designed rooms and a private bathroom.
Luxury Room with Jacuzzi – The Luxury Room with Jacuzzi is about 430 sq. ft. and is a lavish room category for modern travellers. The design of the room ceiling with a slope looks similar to an English cottage. Elevated with beautiful decoration of rose petals, it enhances the romantic aura of the room, making it unique for the couples.
Deluxe Suite – Deluxe Suite is a lavish 540 sq. ft. stay option with a lounge and a private balcony. From your room, you can enjoy pleasant views of the mountains. The lounge area is a place to relax after a day of touring. It has a TV, a sofa, an attached private bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi, and a well-stocked mini fridge.
Bookmark Suite – Last on the list is Bookmark Suite, with an expansive space of 800 sq. ft, which provides captivating views of surrounding mountain ranges. Appealing with thoughtfully curated decor elements and breathtaking art pieces, this room category also provides a private sitting area from which you can enjoy snow-clad mountains.
Ideal venue for wedding amidst Manali’s scenic backdrops
Dreaming for a destination wedding in Manali is truly a welcoming idea. And to make this dream come true, Bookmark Resorts proves a better option. Whether you wish for a wedding at sunrise or an intimate wedding under the stars, your special event will turn into an album of lifetime memories in both aspects. Located in the lap of nature, Bookmark Resorts is a perfect venue to book for your wedding as it presents a romantic aura amidst snow-capped mountains.
Cedrus, an all-day dining restaurant for your gastronomic journey
Cedrus is an all-day dining restaurant at Bookmark Resorts for an unforgettable gastronomic journey. It is one of the top restaurants in Manali, serving a range of delicacies from Himachal to Asian and Italian delicacies. A well-appointed bar with the finest selection of liqueurs worldwide lets you enjoy your drink with lighter moments.
What captivates attention here is its warm and comforting decor with the generous use of wooden flooring and a soothing colour palette. While making your way to the restaurant, the artefacts here will grab your attention, especially the unusual element at the centre of the table. Watching the gushing water from it has a soothing effect on the eyes.
Conclusion
Hadimba Devi Temple is not just a place of worship in Manali but a unique structure coupled with architectural brilliance and scenic natural surroundings. Today, in this blog, we have provided information about this fantastic place, including what makes it a popular sightseeing place and its mythological background.
For those interested in discovering ancient wonders, Hadimba Devi Temple is a place to explore for its mystical charm and an enduring reference from Mahabharata. If you are one of them, come here and feel the divine presence of Hadimba Devi.
Also read – https://www.bookmarkresorts.com/blogs/complete-travel-guide-for-manali-to-plan-an-ultimate-trip/
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