Hadimba Devi Temple, also called the Dhungri Temple, stands in a cedar forest close to Mall Road in Manali. It is dedicated to Hadimba, wife of Bhima in the Mahabharata. The wooden temple dates to 1553 and has a four-tiered pagoda roof, carved doors and a shrine built around a natural cave. Tall deodar trees surround it, and the setting is cool and quiet even when the grounds are busy. Entry to the temple is free. A short climb on stone steps leads up to it, and the forest park and a folk art museum are close by.
Who Hadimba is and why the temple stands here
The temple honours Hadimba, also written Hidimba or Hidimbi, a figure from the Mahabharata. In the epic she was the sister of the demon Hidimb, who was killed by Bhima, the second of the five Pandava brothers. She then married Bhima, and their son was Ghatotkacha, who died in the great battle fighting for the Pandavas.
In Kullu she is worshipped as a goddess. She was the patron deity of the Kullu royal family, and locals regard her as the presiding goddess of Manali. The shrine is built around a natural cave where she is said to have meditated and done penance, and the cave is believed to hold her footprints. This is why many devotees come to worship here, alongside the tourists.
The pagoda, the doors and the carvings
The temple was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. Its roof has four tiers in the pagoda style, and the tower above the sanctuary is reported to rise about 24 metres, level with the deodars around it. One source describes a stone foundation beneath the timber.
The wooden doorway is carved with figures of Hindu gods and with symbols. Inside, the walls carry carvings of mythological characters, cosmic dancers and animals, and some depict scenes from the life of Krishna. The structure looks quite different from most Hindu temples in India, and several writers compare its tiered roof to a Japanese pagoda.
The cedar forest and the museum nearby
The temple sits inside Dhungri Van Vihar, a forest of cedar and deodar trees. The park behind the temple charges a small entry fee, and its paths are good for a slow walk and for photographs. Rabbits, deer and monkeys are reported in the grove.
The Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art is a short walk away. It was founded in 1998 and shows old Himachali objects: religious relics, ornaments, earthen pots, handlooms, musical instruments, and models of old houses, forts and shrines. It is known above all for its collection of traditional masks used in festival performances.
The Hadimba Devi Fair in May
Each May the temple holds the Hadimba Devi Fair, also called the Dhungri fair, which marks the birthday of the goddess. It takes place in the temple grounds and draws many devotees who make offerings before the goddess. Local artists perform folk dance and music, and the programme includes archery and tug-of-war. Expect larger crowds around the temple at this time.
Snow, rain and the right season
The temple can be visited all year. From December to February snow covers the forest and the tiered roofs, which many people count as the most striking time to see it. Rain does not close the grounds, so a wet day in June need not rule out the visit. Crowds are thinner on weekday mornings in any season.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee for Hadimba Devi Temple?
No, entry to the temple is free. The forest park behind it charges a small entry fee.
How long is the walk to the temple?
The walk is short, about 0.5 km, with some stone steps going uphill. Comfortable shoes help.
When is the best time to visit?
Early on a weekday is quietest, as weekends and the tourist season get crowded. From December to February snow covers the temple and forest.
When is the Hadimba Devi Fair?
The fair is held in May in honour of the goddess's birthday. It includes folk dance, music, archery and tug-of-war in the temple grounds.
What else is there to see nearby?
Dhungri Van Vihar forest is next to the temple, and the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art is a short walk away. The museum is known for its collection of traditional masks.
