Chintpurni Temple (Himachal Pradesh, India)

Chintpurni is situated at the altitude of 940 metres and is part, Una district, Himachal Pradesh. The temple is situated on one of the highest peaks of the Sola Singhi range of hills. It is about 3 km west of Bharwain which is located on the Hoshiarpur - Dharmashala road. This road is part of the State Highway network and is normally kept in good shape throughout the year. The Chintpurni temple is very popular and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. The jungle has almost disappeared. The Mantram repeated in the Pujah is said to have been revealed by the Devi herself when she appeared in human form. Along with hundreds of mythical legends about the origin of a temple in different parts of India, the very popular temple of Chintpurni temple is of the same type. The legend is that one Bhagat Mai Dass was a great devotee of Durga deity and worshipped her with great devotion and never bothered over mundane affairs. He was a married man and his family along with others had shifted from Patiala side to village Rapoh in Una district of Himachal Pradesh.

The temple dedicated to Mata Chintpurni Devi is located in District Una, Himachal Pradesh. Mata Chintpurni Devi is also known as Mata Shri Chhinnamastika Devi. Devotees have been visiting this Shaktipeeth for centuries to pray at the lotus feet of Mata Shri Chhinnamastika Devi. They bring with them their worldly concerns and seek blessings from the Devi. It is believed that if you ask something from the Devi with a true heart, your wish will be granted.The legend is that one-day Bhagat Mai Dass was going to his father-in-law's place and felt tired while by a jungle and slept under a tree. He had a dream : a young girl appeared before him and wanted him to stay there and worship her. He woke up in bewilderment. He came back to the particular spot from his father-in-law's place and went on praying to Durga. The girl appeared this time in human form and told him the whereabouts where he would find her in the form of a pindi (a round stone-ball). He should install the Pindi in a temple. The Devi blessed him that he would have no fright, as it was a Devasthan (site of Gods) though so deserted. She disappeared and Mai Das discovered the Pindi and installed it in a temple. It is believed that the place is where the toes of gati goddess had fallen being cut off by the Chakra of Vishnu Lord when he was cutting away the pieces of Sati's dead body carried by Lord Siva in his Tandava Nritya. The Pindi represents Sati's feet and is a manifestation of her. Chintpurni Devi is believed to fulfill the desires of a person who comes there and devotedly worships her.

The temple is open from 4 am to 11 pm. Devotees usually bring offerings for the Devi. Sweets (e.g. suji halwa, laddoo, barfi), kheer (sugar-coated puffed rice), patasha, coconut (or other fruits), chunni, dhwaja (red-coloured flag) and flowers are some of the offerings that devotees bring. You may bring the prasad from home or you may buy it from one of the shops in the bazaar. In the center of the Temple is the temple garbha griha. The image of Mata Chintpurni Devi is installed here in the form of a pindi (a round stone). People queue up for a darshan of the Devi and make their prayers and offerings.

How to Reach

• By Air: The nearest airport is at Chandigarh, which is 120 km away from Shimla that connects Una to all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh and India.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Una.
• By Road: Una is well connected by road to major cities of Himachal Pradesh and India.