Hadimba Temple
Shimla
One of the primary Manali tourist attractions is the Hadimba Temple that was constructed in the 16th century. The temple is situated at a distance of 2.5 kilometers from the tourists' office in Manali. Surrounded by the wooded deodar forests, the temple attracts a large number of tourists who frequently visit the pilgrim spot in Manali. The presiding deity of the Hadimba Temple or the Dhoongri Temple is the Goddess Hadimba who is the wife of the strongest of the Pandava brothers, Bhim. According to Hindu mythology, the giantess Hadimba meditated in this region and indulged in penitence. As a result of her penance, she was raised to the position of Durga, the Goddess of power. The rock in which the giantess meditated is placed within the confinements of the temple. The rock is known as the Dhoonger in the local language from which the temple derives its name. A 10 centimeter footprint of the goddess Durga is also preserved by the entrance of the temple. A stone idol of the Goddess Hadimba that rises to a height of 60 centimeters is placed in the sanctum sanctorum. A rock worshiped inside the temple is believed to be the representative of Durga. The unique architecture of the temple incorporates the styling of the Pagoda or the Buddhist place of worship with wood carvings. The Hadimba Temple was constructed in the year 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh. Placed amidst the wooded trees, the temple is one of the most frequented pilgrim spots in Manali.
