It is believed that during the later phase of her life, Hidimba would practise rigorous tapasya and she was eventually blessed with supernatural powers. She turned into a ‘Devi’ or a goddess and became the protector of the region. What made Hidimba different from other demonesses was her human nature. She wasn’t an evil force like her brother Hidimb; she was kind and helpful. Locals who looked up to her built a temple in her name. Today, Hidimba Devi is worshiped as a deity and her temple has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manali. However, it’s not just the story of the demoness turned Goddess that fascinated me, but also the unfathomable beauty of the temple which left me mesmerised. I have been to many shrines across the country and abodes of Devi, but this Pagoda-style architecture of an ancient Hindu temple was something unique and new.
The wooden porch with spooky interiors featuring skeletons of horned-animals
I reached the temple during the closing hours of the evening, perhaps that’s why it looked a bit spooky and dark from a distance. But my notion changed as I stepped inside. The temple looked magnificent with those stunning, wooden carved interiors. It was constructed over a massive, sacred rock, which is a “manifestation of the earth goddess”. The design featured a three-tiered wooden roof and lower planks in the form of projecting canopies. There’s a certain old world charm about this beautiful temple. Its calm atmosphere can easily touch the depth of one’s soul, making it a perfect getaway for nature and peace lovers like me. The temple is tucked away into the lap of a thick pine forest, which is no less of a wonder to nature lovers. It was probably the best temple visit I made as I strolled around in the middle of the woods. It was dense, dark, chilling and enchanting—an absolute breath-taking experience. There was a soothing aura around this place, it calmed the soul and inspired a state of humility. Although this might sound absurd, there was something arresting about the forest, I felt someone’s presence—was it Hidimba Devi?
Well! Maybe it was just in my mind. But locals believe that Hidimba Devi still protects the forest and is still around like a guiding star for the people there. We travel to so many places, but only a few remain etched in our hearts—Hidimba Devi temple was one such destination. It made me rethink about my incomplete knowledge of the Mahabharata. But now, to me, Hidimba Devi is the unacknowledged heroine of Mahabharata. She is an example of a strong and devoted woman, who accepts her fate with dignity and brings up a warrior son singlehandedly with utmost humility and integrity.
