Here’s another fascinating history about Manali.
The Goddess Hidimba temple was built in 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh. The temple has been built in pyramid style called the Kathkuni. Above these is another cone-shaped brass roof at the top. The door has beautiful carvings of Gods and Goddesses.
Hidimba Devi is revered and worshipped by locals as protection from negativity.
From the Mahabharata, there is a story about Hidimb, the demon ruler of mountains and brother of Hidimba. The Pandavas spent their years exile in Himachal Pradesh. Bhima, one of the five brothers, killed Hidimb and married his sister Hidimba. When Bhima decided to leave the town, Hidimba refused to follow him and chose to stay back and meditate. This is the history behind the existence of this temple due to her sacrifice.
There is another temple near Hidimba’s Temple, which is dedicated to her son Gatothkach, born after she was married to Bhima. Gatothkach was a great warrior and was martyred during Mahabharata while fighting for Pandavas against Kauravas to save the life of Arjuna.
Inside the Hidimba temple, there are foot imprints of Hidimba, which is carved on a stone block and worshipped by the devotees.
One of the key feature notable in both Hidimba temple and her son’s temples are the horns attached to the walls and tree of the temples.
The surrounding is beautiful covered by nature. One must make a trip to this temple while at Manali.
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