5 Interesting Facts About Manali's Hidimba Temple

The Hidimba Temple is often on the list of everyone who travels to Manali. More than a tourist destination, this temple has some unique facts that are sure to surprise you. Check out some interesting facts about Manali's Hidimba Temple.
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This temple was built for the mythical character of the Mahabharata, Hidimbi, the forest-dwelling demoness, who fell in love with Bheema. The temple was built in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh to honor Hidimba Devi and seek her blessings after a troubled period in his rule. The temple is situated amidst the serene Dhungri Forest, surrounded by deodar trees.
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When everyone is well aware of the Hidimba temple, people often miss the Ghatotkacha temple. The temple dedicated to Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima and Hidimbai, is more like a platform or a shrine, which is just meters away from the Hidimba temple.
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Celebrating the birth anniversary of the goddess, the Dhungri festival takes place in the temple every year in May. From special poojas to palanquins of nearby village deities being brought to the temple, the Dhungri festival is truly a spectacle.
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Different from the usual Hindu temple, the Hidimba temple doesn't have an idol to worship. Instead, the santum contains a sacred rock, which is believed to have the goddess's footprint on it and is worshipped.
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As per the updates, the Hidumbi Temple is a nail-free masterpiece in terms of architecture. The temple is designed in a pagoda style to withstand the Himalayan weather and earthquakes. It is also believed that the entire temple is crafted by interlocking wooden beams, and no nails are used in the structure.
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