Rock, idol, and footpad.
There is a rope hanging inside the sanctum sanctorum which has an interesting story. According to the popular legend, criminals were hanged on this rope in ancient times and their heads were banged on this rock.
This temple played an important role in ensuring justice for the criminals of its area.
Coming out of the temple, we naturally started circumambulating the temple. Then my eyes fell on the many horns hanging on the walls of the temple.
At first sight, it creates fear in the mind. After some time I came to know that these are part of the temple itself. These are the remains of animal sacrifices made in the past.
The horns were so numerous that it took me a few moments to glance at them. It was only after that that my gaze fell on the richly engraved windows of the temple.
Ghatotkach Temple
Near the Hidimba temple, there is a small temple dedicated to his son Ghatotkacha.
An information board installed there was also giving information that there is a temple dedicated to Barbarik somewhere nearby.
But destiny had not written my meeting with him here and now. But after a few years I was about to meet Barbarik at the Khatu Shyam temple.
Festivals of Hidimba Devi Temple
Being a goddess temple, it is natural that the most important festival of this temple is Navratri. I was told that during those nine days of the Goddess,
a large number of devotees stand in rows around the temple. The nine days of Navratri get a fair-like atmosphere here.
dungari festival
Dungari festival is celebrated on the day of Vasant Panchami which is considered to be the birth date of Hidimba. This day falls in the month of February when there is a shade of different types of flowers all around.
The same festival is also celebrated on the first day of Jyeshtha month, which falls in the month of May in the English calendar.
To celebrate the three-day fair, residents of nearby villages bring their deities here in decorated palanquins. They are brought to Dungri while taking out a procession of gods and goddesses on the tone of song and music.
These deities mainly include Kartikswami of Simsa, Chandala Rishi of Parsha, Srishti Narayan of Aleu, Shrigan of Jagatsukh, Vishnu of Sajla, Maladevi of Sial, Shankha Narayan of Nasogi etc.
On the fourth day of the festival, the fair is shifted to Manu’s temple located in Manali village. In the fair kites are flown, different games are played and prayers are offered to the goddess.
This festival is also called Hidimba Devi Fair. I came to know through the internet that the entire organization and organization of this fair is done by local women.
saruhni caste
Saruhani Jatra or Bahadur Singh’s Jatra is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shravan which falls in the rainy season. This festival is actually celebrated to commemorate the successful sowing of paddy.
The goddess also participates in Kullu Dussehra, which is celebrated at the end of Sharad Navratri. Not only this, the beginning and end of the Dussehra festival are done only in the presence of the Goddess.
The goddess blesses the horse of the festival. The royal family of Kullu considers Hidimba Devi as their grandmother. Before the coronation of the future king, the royal family must come here to see the goddess and seek her blessings.
Tourist Activities in the Temple
This temple is very popular among tourists. Anyone who comes to visit Manali must come here to see Hidimba Devi. The area around the temple is called Dungri Van Vihar. There are many yaks here who can take you for a walk on your back.
Many photographers roam here, who dresses you in the local costumes of Himachal Pradesh and take your photographs.
This can be a wonderful memory of Manali. Many new couples come here to visit and get their pictures made in Himachali costumes so that they can show their future generations. Overall, there is a very pleasant atmosphere here.
The temple has been declared a ‘Monument of National Importance’.
