Visitor Information
- Famous for: religious institution, photography, scenic beauty
- Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
- Visiting Time: 8:00AM -6:00 PM (Daily)
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
For those who don’t know your Epics that well, I will make this simple for you. You might all have heard about Ghatotkachh right? Well, the Hadimba Devi is a local deity and the revered mother of Ghatotkachh. She is also the wife of Bheema of the Mahabharata Epic and the sister of Hadimba Demon. She is believed to be protecting the valley, appearing in times of dire needs and calamities to advise her children. The temple is a small haven set aside in the dells of the Manali Valley and is a revered religious as well as tourist spot.
Traveller Tips
- Choose appropriate clothing.
- Do not carry plastic or other hazardous materials with you.
- Do not pollute the delicate balance of the environment.
- Make sure you hire a local guide so that you can make the most of your trip.
Things to Do
- Trek to the nearby valleys and passes.
- If you have had your fill of adventure, just sit and meditate for some time leaving out all stress and fatigue.
- Explore the unexplored areas of the Manali Valley.
- Camp out in the nearby villages to get a taste of the local culture.
Availability of Guides
Since Kullu- Manali is a famous hill station in India, it is swarming with tourists every year. So, I don’t think it would be hard finding a guide. Make sure he knows what he’s talking about and you must come to an agreement in terms of money, before seeking his expertise.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the temple would be from the last weeks of August to the first weeks of July. However, this can tend to change because Himachal Pradesh has one the most unpredictable and bizarre climatic conditions every year.
How to Reach
The Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the nearest station to Manali and the temple is only a mere 2kms away from here and you can either walk or hire a cab to the temple which is available in plenty. But I would suggest that you trek to the temple, because it is a vital part of the whole experience.
Interesting Facts and Trivia about Hadimba Temple
- The temple is locally known as the Dhungiri Temple because it is situated inside the Dhungiri Forest.
- The Hadimba Devi is a Mountain Deity or a Goddess of the Forest.
- The deity is a mythical character in the epic, Mahabharata.
- A temple was built for the Goddess by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553.
- It still practises animal sacrifices.
- An annual Mela known as Saroohni is conducted.
- There is no idol installed at the temple. A footprint on a stone slab is worshipped, instead.
Nearby Attractions
- Rohtang Pass
- Solang Valley
- Beas Kund
- ParvatI Valley
- Vashist Hot Water Springs
Nearby Restaurants
- Hotel Pine Valley
- Utopia Resorts
- Café 1947
- Pizza Olive
- The Lazy Dog
- Richik’s Café
- Born Free Cafe
Sometimes, even an adrenaline rush can be too much. Here, shrouded amidst plush green dells and tucked away safely in the crib of the Manali Valley rests the Hadimba Goddess. The temple has the perfect ambience for some meditation and incorporates one of the most elegant yet sophisticated architectural styles. So take a time-out from the adrenaline rush and set your soul free!
