Go2Himachal
Hadimba Devi Temple
shakti peeth

Hadimba Devi Temple

Also known as: Dhungri Temple

manali, KulluAltitude: 2050 mDeity: Hadimba Devi (Bhima's wife from Mahabharata)

History

Built in 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh in memory of Hadimba Devi, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. Set within the sacred Dhungri cedar forest of Manali, this 500-year-old pagoda-style temple has become the spiritual heart of Kullu Valley.

Established: 1553 CE (built by Raja Bahadur Singh)

Architecture

A four-tiered pagoda structure of deodar wood, unique in the region. The doorway is intricately carved with figurines of dancers, animals and mythological scenes. Instead of an idol, the sanctum houses a 7.5-cm footprint of the goddess on a rock.

Mythology & Legend

Hadimba, a rakshasi from the Mahabharata, retreated to Dhungri forest after her son Ghatotkacha died in the Kurukshetra war. She meditated here until she attained divine status. Villagers still consider her the guardian goddess of Kullu.

Timings, Aarti & Entry

Timings
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Entry Fee
Free entry. Photography allowed outside sanctum.
Parking
Paid parking (₹50 for cars) 300 m below the temple. Walk through cedar forest.
Aarti Schedule
  • • Morning aarti: 8:00 AM
  • • Evening aarti: 6:00 PM (extended during Dussehra)

Dress code: Modest. Shoes to be removed at outer gate.

Where to Stay

Hotels Nearby
  • • Manuallaya Resort
  • • Snow Valley Resorts
  • • The Himalayan
  • • Larisa Resort Manali
Dharamshalas
  • • Hadimba Temple Trust Dharamshala
  • • Kullu Devta Sadan (Old Manali)

Nearby Attractions

Ghatotkach Temple
0.2 km · Son of Hadimba; sacred tree shrine
Van Vihar
2 km · Riverside park with boating
Mall Road Manali
2.5 km
Old Manali
3 km · Cafés + Manu Temple
Solang Valley
14 km · Paragliding + snow point

How to Reach & Taxi

Nearest Airport
Bhuntar (KUU) — 50 km
Nearest Railway
Joginder Nagar (narrow gauge) 143 km; Chandigarh 310 km
Road
NH-3 up to Manali; then 3 km uphill road to Dhungri.
Taxi Guidance

Local taxi from Manali Mall Road: ₹300–₹500 return. Delhi–Manali one-way taxi: ₹8,500–₹12,000 depending on vehicle.

Get a taxi quote on WhatsApp →

Best Season & Festivals

Best season: April to June (pleasant) and October to February (snow experience). Dussehra (Oct) is the most vibrant time.

Kullu Dussehra · October
Hadimba is the presiding goddess; her palanquin leads the procession.
Hadimba Jayanti · May
Fair with folk dance, sacrifices and local devta gathering.

Pilgrimage Packages

Manali Temples 2-Day Circuit (Hadimba + Manu + Vashisht)
2 days · From Delhi
₹12,500+ per person
Enquire on WhatsApp →
Kullu–Manali Devta Trail
4 days · From Chandigarh
₹18,500+ per person
Enquire on WhatsApp →

FAQs

What are Hadimba Devi Temple timings?

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During Dussehra evening aarti extends past 8 PM.

Is there any entry fee?

No entry fee. Parking costs ₹50 for cars.

How far is Hadimba Temple from Mall Road Manali?

About 2.5 km — a 30-minute uphill walk or a ₹200 auto ride.

Can I visit Hadimba Temple in winter?

Yes. December–February brings snow around the temple, making it especially atmospheric.

Is photography allowed inside?

Photography is allowed in the temple complex and cedar forest but not inside the sanctum.

What's the best time of day to visit?

Early morning (8–10 AM) to avoid crowds and get soft light through the cedars.