Hindu Temples of India: Maa Chintpurni Devi Temple, Una, HP, India

Ma Chintpurni Temple, Una, Himachal Pradesh, India

Chintpurni Devi

Location

Ma Chintpurni Temple is located in the district Una of Himachal Pradesh on a hill top of Shola Singhi range of hills. The temple is about 1.5 km away from the Chintpurni bus stand where private vehicles are not allowed to park. The devotees have to walk on the inclined road which passes through the populated as well as decorated market to reach the temple.

Ma Chintpurni is also called as Chhinmastika Devi (severed headed). It is believed that Ma Chintpurni relieves all the anxiety of life if prayed from the core of the heart.

Ma Chinnmastika Devi is among the 7 major and 51 Shakti Peethas of Sati cult. The devotees all over the country come here to pray and worship for their wellness. According to Purana (Hindu holy book) Devi Chintpurni is protected by Lord Shiva in all the four directions. The temples of lord Shiva in four directions are – Kaleshwar Mahadev, Narayana Mahadev, Muchkund Mahadev and Shiv Bari. All the above four temples are equidistant from Chintpuri Devi in four direction.

Religious Story of the Temple

According to Markanday Purana, after the self cremation of Sati, Lord Shiva, putting her Body on the shoulder was wandering with anger. Then Lord Vishnu cut off the body of Mata Sati into 51 pieces, to calm Lord Shiva, so that Tandava Nritya can be averted. All the 51 pieces spreaded all over the earth by Lord Vishnu. The forehead fell at this place and is worshiped as Chhinmastishka.

Maa Chhinmastishka as shown usually holding her own severed head and drinking her own blood with two naked yogini Jaya and Bijaya standing side by side.

History

There was a priest named Mai Das, who was a great devotee of Devi Durga. He used his most of the time to worship the Goddess. He had no interest in household work. He had two brothers named Durgadas and Devidas.

Once Mai Das was going to his in law’s house. During the journey he sat down under a tree of Vatbriksha for taking rest. At that time, this place was a dense forest and was known as Chhaproh. Due to tiredness Mai Das went a sleep and at the same time dreamed. He saw a divine girl. She directed Mai Das to worship Her below this Vatbriksha in the form of “Pindi”. Mai Das began to worship the Goddess as directed. Mai Das prayed Goddess that if I am your pure devotee then kindly show me your original form (swaroop).

Being pleased by his devotion, Goddess Durga appeared before him in her original form and directed him to worship at the same place. I will remain here forever and remove all your troubles and will protect your family. Since then, Mai Das began to live at his place under the protection of goddess Durga. Maa Durga also told that I will remain here permanently in the form of “Pindi'

The present temple is situated under the same Vatbriksha. Since then the descendants of Mai Das are doing prayers and puja of Maa Chintpurni temple and are the Priest.

Timing of the temple is from 4 am to 11 pm.

Prasadam

The devotees bring with them, from their homes sweets, Suji halwa, Laddo, Kheer, Barfi, Patasa, coconut etc, and offer Chunni, Dhwaja (flag of red color), ghee which is available in the temple market. In the centre of the temple is Garbha Grih (sanctum) in which the Pindi (round stone) installed. Devotees come here in queue for darshan and worship.

How To Reach

By Road

Delhi-Chandigarh-Ropar-Nanhal-Una-Chintpurn-420 km

Chandigarh-Chintpurni-150 km

Kangra-Chintpurni-55 km

These distances may be covered by own vehicle or taxi. Also the buses are available from the major cities of Himachal, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

By Rail

From Delhi, Himachal express, Janashatabdi runs daily for Umb Andaura and Una. Chintpurni is very near from these two Railway stations.

By Air

Nearest airport is at Gaggle in Dharamshala. The distance from Dharamshala to Chintpurni is 60 km. The Indian airlines provides flights to Dharamshala via Chandigarh.

Though you are advised to verify them before you start.

Nearby Places to Visit

1. Chamunda Devi