Hidimdi Devi Temple is located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. Other name of this temple is Hidimba Temple. This temple is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi. She is the sister of Hidimba. Hidimba and Hidimbi are the character in the epic Mahabharata.
What to see at Hidimba Devi Temple: This is ancient cave temple. Temple is surrounded by cedar forest. Over the huge rock cutting out of the ground a sanctuary was built. This is worshiped as image of the deity. In 1553, a structure was built. It is believed that temple was built at the place where Hidimba did meditation. Hidimba got married to Bhima, one of the brothers of Pandavas. They gave birth to Ghatotkacha.
Structure of this temple is the main attraction of this temple. It was carved with wooden doors. Tower above the sanctuary is 24meters tall. Tower consists of 3 square roofs. Roofs are covered with timber tiles. Main door carving of the temple is Goddess Durga. Mud covered stone work can be seen at the base of the temple. Inside the temple enormous rock work can be seen. Goddess Hidimba Devi image is only 3 inches. 70 meters away from this temple a shrine is dedicated to Ghatotkacha son of Hidimba. Footprints of the Goddess can be seen here.
What to see around Hidimba Devi Temple:
Jagatsukh: It is located 8kms away from the temple. Jagatsukh consists of several temples dedicated to Goddess Sandhya Gayatri and Lord Shiva. Earlier this place acted as capital of Kullu. Arjun Caves are another attraction here.
Naggar Castle: This was built by Raja of Kullu before 600 years. Now it was converted into heritage hotel. From this castle visitors can have excellent view of Naggar Valley. It is located 21kms away from the temple.
Nehru Kund: After drinking water from the pond by Jawaharlal Nehru it was named as Nehru Kund. It is located 7kms away from the temple.
Vashisht: This village is having a temple which is dedicated to Sage Vashisht who is the Guru of Lord Rama. Several sand stone temples and natural springs can be enjoyed here by the tourists. It is located 4kms away from the temple.
Rahala and Rozy Waterfalls: These are located in Leh Manali Highway. Visitors are most attractive towards these waterfalls. It is located 30kms away from the temple.
Manu Temple: This temple is dedicated to Sage Manu. This temple is situated in old Manali. It is believed that to recreate human life after great flood had destroyed the world sage Manu stepped off his ark here. It is located 2kms away from the temple.
Solang Valley: It is considered as good picnic spot and good ski slopes are located here. It is located 12kms away from the temple.
Paragliding: This is most famous activity in Manali. Great opportunities for paragliding are Solang Valley and Rohtang Valley.
Trekking and Adventures sports: For the adventures lovers this is the best place. Mountaineering institute is located here which gives training in basic and advance courses in water sports, sikking, mountianing and Trekking. Best places for trekking are Koshla Tree line, Solang Valley, Lamadugh Meadows.
Getting to Hidimba Devi Temple: Only way to reach this place is by road way. Manali Buses are well connected to Chandigarh and Delhi. Nearest railway station is located at Joginder Nagar. Nearest airport is at Bhuntar town.
Getting around Hidimba Devi Temple: Taxis and autos are available to reach the surrounding places of the temple.
Best time to visit Hidimba Devi Temple: Best time to visit this place is between May to November.
Where to stay in Hidimba Devi Temple: No accommodations are available inside the temple. Plenty of hotels, guest houses are available to stay in Manali. But Home stays is the best option for the people who want to enjoy the nature.
Where to eat in Hidimba Devi Temple: No eateries are available in the temple complex. Plenty of restaurants are placed in Manali. All varieties of food such as Tibetian, Italian, Indian, Chinese etc are available in Manali.