Hadimba temple, also known as Dhungari Temple and Hidimba Devi Temple is situated in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated in Bhima’s wife, Hidimbi Devi, the structure was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. Surrounded by Dhungiri Van Vihar at the foothills of the Himalayas, the temple is built on a huge rock, impending from the ground. This rock was worshipped as the deity.

Amongst all the best places to visit in Manali, Hadimba temple is one place that is worth taking a tour of. The temple is located around a cave which was Hidimba’s meditation spot. She is worshipped during the Navaratri by the people in Manali. Though queues are noticed outside the temple, it increases during Navaratri.

More than the tale associated with it, what excites people are its designs. It has carved wooden doors and a wooden “shikhar” which is 24 meters tall. The tower has three timber tiles roofs and a cone-shaped brass roof on the top. The door carvings themes are based on Durga. Besides, foliate designs, animals, dancers, Lord Krishna’s life scenes and Navagrahas are also depicted on the main door carvings.

The base of the temple has mud-covered, whitewashed stonework. Only a 3-inch tall brass image depicting the Goddess Hidamba sits inside the temple with a rope hanging down a gigantic rock. The rope is used to punish the “sinner” as per folklore. The most intriguing fact of this temple is that people worship an imprint of the Goddess’ feet sculpted on a stone inside the temple.