Hidimba Devi is the ruling goddess of Manali, which is home to several Gods, Goddesses, and Rishis. Legends about Hidimba Devi. Hidimbi and her brother Hidimb resided in the forests of the Himalayan foothills, which are now known as Manali. The siblings belonged to Rakshasa Jati. Hidimbi made a pledge that she would marry the one who could vanquish her brother. This can be seen as her intense desire to marry someone. During their exile, Pandavas visited this portion of India.

Bhim beat Hidimb and married Hidimbi, who became Kunti’s first daughter-in-law. However, either to community laws or personal preference, she chose to remain in her own region rather than accompany the Pandavas. Her son would succeed her as the forest’s ruler. Bhim and Hidimbi had a son named Ghatotkach, who played a significant part in saving Arjun during the Mahabharat war. Barabarik, the son of Ghatotkach, would later become the only witness to the Mahabharat conflict. He is known as Baba Shyam of Khatu.

Recommended Reading: Hidimba by Narendra Kohli, which examines the relationship of Pandavas and Hidimba as a metaphor for the interplay of the civilized world with tribal societies. Hidimba in Manali is thought to be a manifestation of Durga. People come to her with all of their issues, believing that she will solve them.

Hidimba Devi is the ruling goddess of Manali, which is home to several Gods, Goddesses, and Rishis
History of the Hidimba Temple

Hidimba Temple, like most Devi temples on hilltops, was once a cave temple. The current temple is built around a cave. The major deity is a rock that emerges from the ground. The current temple was established by King Bahadur Singh in 1553 CE, according to an inscription on a wooden panel beside the temple entrance. It is built in the traditional Kathkuni style of temple architecture found in hill regions. The temple is built with alternate layers of stone and wood. The roofs are three-tiered and slanting, and the finial, or Shikhara, is a conical shape with built-in brass. She is also known as Dungri Devi, named after the village where the temple is located.

Closer to the temple, the first thing that drew sight was the finely carved wooden entrance with many forms of Devi engraved on it. The auspicious symbols include a full pot or purna-ghatak, vegetation, and animal sculptures on the door. Other deities include Mahishasurmardini, Vishnu Lakshmi on Garuda, Shiva Parvati on Nandi, and a devotee with folded hands. Ganesha and a Navagraha panel sit atop the lintel.

Inside the temple, you can see the massive rock that houses the primary god. There is a small Murti nearby that stores metal. There is another rock with the Devi’s footsteps. This means she is present in three different forms: a rock, a Murti, and Charan Paduka. A hanging rope inside the sanctuary has an intriguing backstory. In the past, offenders were hung by this rope and their heads smacked the rock. Yes, the temple had a part in upholding justice within its authority.

A modest shrine to her valiant son Ghatotkach can be found near the temple. A placard there informed me that there is also a temple devoted to Barabarik. Navaratri is the biggest holiday observed here. I’ve heard that there are long lines around the temple during the Goddess’ nine days of celebration. During these periods, a fair-like atmosphere is created.

The Doongri celebration is celebrated on Basant Panchami, which is considered Hidimba’s birthday. It would fall roughly in February, when flowers are flowering all over. Another version takes place on the first of the Jyeshth month, which is about May. Villages from all over gather with their Gods and Goddesses on chariots or colorful palanquins to celebrate the festival for three days. The deities include Kartikswami of Simsa, Chhandal Rishi of Parsha, Shrishti Narayan of Aleo, Shriganh of Jagatsukh, Vishnu of Shajla, and Maladevi of Sial.