Exploring Himachal - Trip to Manali Part - II

In the previous post, i had written about my journey from Chandigarh to Manali and the tourist spots located in between. Our next day in Manali was earmarked for local sightseeing and exploring local markets of the hill station.

It was a sunny morning in Manali and when we came out of our hotel, we found the streets bustling with the tourists, tour guides and the locals. As i had said in the previous post that our hotel was also sort of a small view point, our sightseeing started from the garden of our hotel. The views were simply irresistible and superb and we knew our camera had a field day. Here are some glimpses of  natural beauty for you:

View from my hotel's garden

Hidimba Devi Temple

The first among our visit list for the day was Hidimba Devi Temple around 3 km from mall road of Manali, which is very popular among tourists due to it's location amid beautiful cedar forests on top of a hill and tranquil environment. The temple holds great significance for the locals and tourists alike, who visit the temple to seek blessings of Goddess Hidimba. 

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, who was wife of Bhima, the strongest of Pandava brothers. As per Hindu Mythology, Hidimba, born into a Rakshasa Family, had taken a vow to marry the person, who will defeat her brother Hidimb, a brave and fearless giant. During Pandava's exile, Hidimb was killed by Bhima and Hidimba married Bhima and gave birth to Ghatotkach, who became a great warrior in Mahabharat battle. When Bhima and his brothers returned from exile, she stayed back and started meditation (Tapasya) to atone her sins and eventually attained the status of Goddess. 

People in Manali worship her as deity and especially during Navaratri, the devotees throng to the temple in large numbers.

The temple was built in 1553 AD by Raja Bahadur Singh in a distinctive architectural style having three square roofs and one cone-shaped roof at the top. It is a protected monument and it's premises are being maintained by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). One thing, which caught our attention was the skeletons and horns of animals hanging on the walls of the temple. There is an idol made of wood of Ghatotkach at some distance from the temple.

Hidimba Devi Temple

A long serpentine queue was there outside the temple to offer prayers to the goddess, when we reached there. It took us one and half hours to reach inside the temple.

Long Queue outside temple

See below the display board - Archaic traditions still continue

Horns & Skeletons of Animals

After the prayers, it was time for indulging in some fun activities, which are there in plenty. You can get your photographs clicked in traditional attire holding rabbit in your hands, you can ride the yak or you can buy souvenirs for your loved ones and yes, you can also spend some time in the Forest Park located just behind the temple. Traditional dress for women is called Pattoo, whereas for men it is known as Lachhoo. 

We also had our moment in the colorful dress and then we spent some time in the wilderness of mighty deodar forests. Sitting or taking a stroll in the tranquility of these forests far away from the chaos of urban life can reinvigorate one's mind and body and re-establish the broken link with the mother nature.

Van Vihar near Hidimba Temple

View from the forest

Himachal Culture & Folk Arts Museum

We also visited Museum of Himalayan culture and Folk arts located near the temple which was showcasing culture of Himachal through traditional dresses, utensils, musical instruments, wood carvings, paintings and several other traditional articles depicting life in mountains. The wide range of artifacts kept in the museum gave us a deep insight of the old-age practices and rituals followed in the hilly state. 

Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art, Manali

Utensils of Old days 

Statue of Goddess

After enriching ourselves with the Himachal culture, we proceeded further for our next destination Vashisht Temple, an ancient temple and a village of hot springs, about which i will write in the next post.

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