Hadimba Temple, Manali

Hadimba Temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. From the name of the forest parkland this temple derives its name. This temple was erected in 1553 and is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba.

THE LEGEND OF HADIMBA TEMPLE
According to Mahabharat 'Hadimb Rakshash' (Demon) ruled some of the sub-mountainous tracts of the Himalayas who had a sister named Hadimba.
After escaping from the wax house, the Pandavas with their mother came to the territory of Hadimb Rakshash. Bhima ( one of the Pandava brothers) fell in love with Hadimba, the sister of the ruler. Bhima could marry her only after killing the brother. The pair-lived in the valley for about a year after which Bhima joined his brothers and mother. Hadimba gave birth to a son who was named 'Ghototkachh'. Till Ghototkachh was a minor, Hadimba looked after her country. She retired to the inner hills, for meditation, when her son Ghototkachh took over the country. Ghototkachh was a good administrator and a brave warrior. Dhungri was the place near Manali where Hadimba had resorted for meditation. A temple of Hadimba in 'pagoda' style was raised and she became Devi Hadimba. Hadimba had supernatural powers owing to 'tapashya' (meditation) and was kind to her people. Hadimba became the patron-deity of the Rajas of Kulu . The Tilak ceremony of every Raja of Kulu had to be done with the permission of the goddess and after worshipping her a, buffalo is sacrificed.

The pagoda type wooden temple of the goddess at Dhungri is about 500 years old. No idol is enshrined and only a foot-print on a stone is kept within. On the 14th of May, a Mela (Fair) is held to celebrate the birthday of the goddess Hadimba. This Mela is held in the Dhungri forest. It lasts for three days. Thousands of men, women and children participate in the Mela. Rice-bear (Lungri) flows among both men and women who make themselves merry in music and dance.

Introduction

Hadimba Temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. From the name of the forest parkland this temple derives its name. This temple was erected in 1553 and is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba.

THE LEGEND OF HADIMBA TEMPLE
According to Mahabharat 'Hadimb Rakshash' (Demon) ruled some of the sub-mountainous tracts of the Himalayas who had a sister named Hadimba.
After escaping from the wax house, the Pandavas with their mother came to the territory of Hadimb Rakshash. Bhima ( one of the Pandava brothers) fell in love with Hadimba, the sister of the ruler. Bhima could marry her only after killing the brother. The pair-lived in the valley for about a year after which Bhima joined his brothers and mother. Hadimba gave birth to a son who was named 'Ghototkachh'. Till Ghototkachh was a minor, Hadimba looked after her country. She retired to the inner hills, for meditation, when her son Ghototkachh took over the country. Ghototkachh was a good administrator and a brave warrior. Dhungri was the place near Manali where Hadimba had resorted for meditation. A temple of Hadimba in 'pagoda' style was raised and she became Devi Hadimba. Hadimba had supernatural powers owing to 'tapashya' (meditation) and was kind to her people. Hadimba became the patron-deity of the Rajas of Kulu . The Tilak ceremony of every Raja of Kulu had to be done with the permission of the goddess and after worshipping her a, buffalo is sacrificed.

The pagoda type wooden temple of the goddess at Dhungri is about 500 years old. No idol is enshrined and only a foot-print on a stone is kept within. On the 14th of May, a Mela (Fair) is held to celebrate the birthday of the goddess Hadimba. This Mela is held in the Dhungri forest. It lasts for three days. Thousands of men, women and children participate in the Mela. Rice-bear (Lungri) flows among both men and women who make themselves merry in music and dance.