The Hidimba devi temple is ancient and famous spiritual site in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the middle of Manali town. People from all over India and abroad come to visit this Temple. They come to see the unique wood carvings and beautiful architecture. The Temple is surrounded by cedar forests, giving it a charming look. Many tourists visiting Manali make sure to stop at Hidimba Temple.
What is the History Behind the Temple?
- The Temple is built around a cave where Hidimba lived, according to the Mahabharata.
- Hidimba was a mythological character who was the wife of the Pandava brother Bhima.
- The Temple is over 500 years old and was built in 1553.
- Raja Bahadur Singh ordered the construction to commemorate Hidimba
- The Temple has intricately carved wooden structures throughout
How to Reach To reach Hidimba Temple from Manali’s main center point?
- It is only 1 km from the Mall Road in Manali town
- You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach there
- The Temple is located right next to the main Manali bazaar
- It takes around 10 minutes to reach from Mall Road by foot
What is the Hidimba Devi Temple timing for Tourists?
Your trip to Manali is complete with visiting the Holly Hadimba temple, Manali. The temple is open to tourists year-round until designated closing times:
- The Hidimba Devi temple is open from 8 am to 6 pm every day.
- There is a small break from 1 pm to 2 pm when the Temple is closed.
- The best time to visit is early morning or evening to avoid the heat.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Nearby Sightseeing places near Hidimba Temple are:
1. Manu Temple
It is an ancient temple just opposite hidimba devi Temple manali. The Temple has beautiful wood carvings like Hidimba Temple. It remains open 8 am to 6 pm, like Hidimba Temple.
2. Van Vihar
Van Vihar is a small nature park area located just 500 meters away from Hidimba Temple. It has walking trails passing through thick forests of tall Deodar cedar trees. You can walk on these nature trails to see birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. Some small food stalls sell snacks likeย Siddu(a famous Manali dish), gol Gappas, chaat, and ice creams inside. Entry to Van Vihar is entirely free for everyone.
3. Manali Bazaar
The main Manali market area, called the Bazaar, is right next to Hidimba Temple. Here, you can buy lots of souvenir items like woolens, handicrafts, and jewelry to take home. Many small shops sell Kullu shawls, caps, purses, and knick-knacks. You can do street shopping and bargain with the shopkeepers. You can try fast food at Many small restaurants selling Indian, Chinese, and Israeli street food.
4. Mall Road
Mall Road is Manali’s most popular hangout zone, just 1 km from Hidimba Temple. It is a long boulevard lined with modern cafes, restaurants, and shops on both sides. You can window shop and eat delicious food like pizzas, burgers, and shakes at the cafes here. Many branded clothing stores, bookshops, and souvenir shops are also there.
It remains open and lively from morning till night, around 10-11 pm.
5. Tibetan Monasteries
Himalayan monasteries are breathtakingly serene and purely treat to the eyes. You can see a couple of important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries near the Hidimba Temple, Manali. 3 of them are newly made colorful Tibetan monasteries. At these monasteries, you can buy beautiful carpets and other handicrafts made by Tibetans.
Two of these monasteries are located right inside Manali town itself. One monastery is a little far away at Aleo, on the left side of the Beas River, flowing through Manali.
Things to Do At the Hidimba Temple
The Hidimba Devi temple is encircled with tall pine trees, making it a beautiful tourist attraction in Manali. You can do the following things here inclduing:
- Take photographs of the unique wooden architecture
- Attend the evening aarti ceremony at the Temple
- Explore the small cave where Hidimba lived
- Buy small handicraft goods from the local market outside the Temple
- If visiting in winter, see the snowfall around Temple