In a grove of towering deodar cedars at Dhungri in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, stands the Hidimba Devi temple, a shrine of striking beauty dedicated to Hidimba — the wife of Bhima and mother of the mighty Ghatotkacha in the Mahabharata — worshipped here as a Goddess. Built in 1553, the temple is a marvel of Himalayan wooden architecture, its multi-tiered pagoda-like tower rising among the pines, its doorway carved with intricate figures.
Amid the cool green forest, Hidimba Devi is deeply revered by the people of the Kullu valley and honoured with special devotion during the region's festivals. It is among the most beautiful and beloved temples of the Himalayas.
