Facts your must know about hadimba temple

Hadimba Temple mostly called as the Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This Temple of four wooden storeys is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. The temple derives its name from the forest parkland near the temple.

The temple was erected in 1553 and is dedicated to Goddess Halima. Hadimba Devi Temple has a 24 m high tower and has three tiers of its square roofs are covered with timber tiles, while the conical roof is clad in metal. The unadorned walls of mud are covered with stonework in contrast with the wooden doorway, t which is elaborately decorated with miniature depictions of Goddess, attendants, animals and stylized foliation. On the beams above the doorway appears the Navagrahas, female dancers an isolated scene from the Krishna story,etc.

1. Hadimba Devi Temple

Also popularly known as the Dhungiri temple, Hadimba temple one of the central attractions of Manali, the world renowned tourism destination. The temple is located amidst exquisite beauties of forest parkland.

2. The popularity of Hadimba temple

Hadimba is one of the most popular deities of the region. People visit this temple not only to worship, but also to marvel at the incredibly superb kind of construction it features. The sanctum sanctorum consists of no images or idols, but only the footprints on a stone. The central deity Hadimba is considered the patron of the rulers and it is viewed very important to seek her blessings before their coronation. Therefore, prior to coronation ceremonies, a buffalo is sacrificed at the temple.

3. The locals and the temple

The locals consider Hadimba as their supreme deity. The rituals and the method of worship conducted at the temple are far different from those that happen elsewhere in other Hindu temples. The worship is rather fierce, wild and often terrifying combined with animal sacrifices. During hardships, natural calamities and problems of personal, familial and societal in nature, people visit the temple and consult the deity and pray for her favours.

4. Hadimba was Bhima’s wife

The demon and the brother of Hadimba who ruled over this region was a terror to all. He was subjecting his people and others to unbearable torture. Once Pandavas were passing through this region when Bhima fell in love with Hadimba. Being requested by the people of the region, Bhima killed the demon king. Then Bhima married Hadimba and stayed in the region for a year. Hadimba gave birth to a valiant son named Ghatotkachh after which Bhima left the region.

5.Hadimba turns Goddess

Till the time Ghatotkachh came to age Hadimba ruled over the country. Once he was ready to take charge of the country, he was made the king and Hadimba left for the Himalayas to do a severe penance. With her austere life dedicated to penance, Hadimba acquired several supernatural powers and turned a goddess. Since then it is said she is lovingly blessing and guiding the people of the region.

6.A feast to the eyes and soul

This is one of the representative traditional festivals of India that helps the visitors peep into the local customs, practices, rituals and culture. Chief goddesses of different villages are decorated and brought to the Hadimba temple complex. The highlights of the festival include Kullu Natti folk dance, reverberating drum sounds, an array of local dishes and the festive mood permeating the entire region.