Hidimba Devi Temple

Hidimba Devi Temple, locally called Dhungari Temple, stands in the Dhungiri Van Vihar cedar forest in Manali. Maharaja Bahadur Singh built it in 1553 for Hidimba, wife of Bhima in the Mahabharata. Legend says she was born a demoness, sister of the demon king Hidimb, whom Bhima killed. After raising their son Ghatotkacha and ruling until he came of age, she withdrew to meditate on a rock, and Durga made her a goddess.

The 24-metre temple has three square roofs of timber tiles under a brass cone. Carvings on the main door show Durga, animals, dancers, the Navagrahas and scenes from Krishna's life. Inside, a large rock bearing the goddess's footprints is worshipped along with a 3-inch brass image of her.