Ghatotkach Tree Temple - Manali    Share

Surprising uniqueness and striking incongruities mark the Hidimbi Devi Temple and the adjacent Tree Temple for Ghatothkach in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. An easily trekkable 200 metres through tall deodar trees, up a tiny hillock, in Dhungri Village, on the outskirts of Manali, take us to the cave temple for Hidimbi Devi, built on a huge rock. Also known as Hadimba Devi, in the Mahabharata, Hidimbi is the sister of a rakshas called Hidimba, who ate human flesh. When the Pandavas escaped from the Palace of Wax in which Duryodhana had tried to burn them alive, they reach Hidimbavana, a forest. Smelling humans, the rakshas, Hidimba, sends his sister to bring them to him. The vigilant Bhima kills Hidimba. Heeding Hidimbi’s plea, his mother Kunti suggests that he marry her. Bhima reluctantly agrees and the following year a son is born to them. He is Ghatothkach, who later plays a significant role in trouncing the Kauravas

This was a spooky place but. One of those mythical and minimal places that Manali had

You would only enjoy it if you know Mahabharata well

No proper building here but good one. Nice write up given for the history of the same. Good to know that these guys (Hadimba and Ghatotkach) also being recognized.

Interesting place, knives as offerings. On a tree and not very crowded. It's next to hidimba devi temple