Hidimba Devi Temple
The Cedar-Forest Pagoda of Old Manali
Overview
The Hidimba Devi Temple is a wooden pagoda-style shrine of 1553, standing in the Dhungri cedar forest above Manali. It is dedicated to Hidimba, the demoness-turned-wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata, and is built around a natural rock rather than a conventional idol. Its tiered timber roof, carved doorway and forest clearing make it one of the most atmospheric temples in the Kullu valley. The site draws steady crowds, so timing matters. MyTripMyTravel plans an early visit through the deodars, when the light is soft and the temple is at its quietest.
The Hidimba Devi Temple sits in a clearing of tall deodar cedars in the Dhungri area above Manali, a four-tiered wooden shrine that dates to 1553. Its cone-topped pagoda roof, intricately carved wooden doorway and stone base make it a masterpiece of Himachali temple craft.
The temple honours Hidimba, a figure from the Mahabharata who became the wife of the Pandava Bhima; their son Ghatotkacha is remembered at a nearby shrine. Rather than a sculpted deity, worship here centres on a natural rock enshrined within the small, dark sanctum.
The surrounding cedar forest gives the place a cool, hushed atmosphere that its popularity can quickly break, as it is one of Manali's busiest sights. MyTripMyTravel favours an early-morning arrival, before the crowds gather, so guests can take in the carvings and the woods in relative calm.
At a glance
Hidimba Devi Temple in brief
What to see
Highlights
Pagoda roof
A distinctive multi-tiered wooden roof rising to a conical top, unlike the usual stone temples.
Carved doorway
The entrance and lower walls carry detailed wood and stone carving of deities, animals and motifs.
Rock sanctum
Worship centres on a natural rock within the small, dark inner shrine rather than a carved idol.
Deodar forest
The temple stands in a clearing of towering cedars that lends it a cool, atmospheric calm.
Ghatotkacha shrine
A nearby shrine honours Ghatotkacha, son of Hidimba and Bhima, extending the Mahabharata link.
Visitor information
Our tips
Arrive early; this is one of Manali's busiest temples by mid-morning.
Remove shoes before entering and keep quiet in the small sanctum.
Enjoy the forest walk around the temple, not just the shrine itself.
Be cautious of the costumed animals and photo touts in the clearing.
Good to know
Hidimba Devi Temple, your questions
How old is the Hidimba Devi Temple?
The wooden temple dates to 1553, making it one of the older shrines in the Kullu valley.
Who is Hidimba?
Hidimba is a figure from the Mahabharata who became the wife of the Pandava Bhima; the temple is dedicated to her.
What is worshipped inside?
A natural rock within the small sanctum is the focus of worship, rather than a conventional carved idol.
Why is it so distinctive?
Its tiered wooden pagoda roof and carved doorway, set in a deodar forest, make it architecturally unusual for the region.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning, when the forest is quiet and the crowds that build later in the day have not yet arrived.
Visit with us
See Hidimba Devi Temple, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Hidimba Devi Temple into a wider Manali and Himalayan Peaks itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Hidimba Devi Temple
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