Mata Chintpurni Temple is also known as Chinnamastika Devi Temple. Chintpurni Mata Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chinnamastika Devi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Chintpurni is about 40 km from Una. Chintpurni Temple is one of the major pilgrimage sites among the 51 Shaktipeeths.
About Chintpurni Temple
Chintpurni Temple is an important pilgrimage site in Himachal Pradesh and is believed to fulfill the wishes of its devotees. It is a place where devotees come to seek blessings and find peace. It is believed that the head of Sati Mata fell on Chintpurni. And since then this place is very revered. Chintpurni Mata is considered very important among the 51 Shaktipeeths. Lord Vishnu had to cut the body of Mata Sati into 51 parts. This was done to pacify Lord Shiva.
It is said that during a fight between the gods and the demons, the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha defeated the gods and took over the universe. The deities, seeking help, went to goddess Parvati for assistance. Goddess Parvati decided to take the form of Chinnamastika Devi and along with Goddess Kali and Goddess Saraswati, she defeated the demon and restored the balance in the universe. Chintpurni Temple is believed to be the place where Goddess Chinnamastika Devi appeared.
Chintpurni Mandir
There are many hill station near chintpurni. The temple is situated on top of a hill and is surrounded by dense forests. The main shrine of the temple is a small square-shaped room that houses the idol of the goddess. The idol of Chinnamastika Devi depicts the goddess as a severed head, which is held in one of her hands. And a stream of blood is drinking from the arteries in his neck. While next to him are two naked yoginis, each drinking another stream of blood. The other two hands hold scissors and a bowl of skulls. Here the festival of Navratri is celebrated on a very large scale. Devotees come here in large numbers at that time. The temple complex also includes other smaller temples dedicated to other deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Hanuman.
History of Mata Chintpurni Temple
Pandit Mai Das, a Brahmin of the princely state of Patiala, is believed to have established this temple of Mata Chintpurni Devi in Chhaproh village about 12 generations ago. Later this place came to be known as Chintpurni after the name of the deity. His descendants still live in Chintpurni and pray and worship at the Chintpurni temple. These descendants are the official priests of the temple.
It is believed that a visit to Shakti Peetha is highly auspicious and can help in attaining spiritual enlightenment and perfection. Chintpurni Temple is considered one of the most important Shaktipeeths and attracts devotees from all over India and other parts of the world. Many devotees visit the temple during Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her various forms. During this time the temple premises are decorated with lights and decorations and a huge fair is organized in the surrounding areas.
How to Reach
To reach the temple, visitors have to climb a series of steps that lead to the top of the hill where the temple is located. Una district is well connected by all national highways and airports or railways. The climb can be challenging for some, but the beautiful views and serene surroundings make it well worth the effort. Devotees come to this Shaktipeeth for centuries to visit Mata Shri Chinnamastika Mata. Apart from the holy temple, there are some very picturesque places in and around Chintpurni for sightseeing and indoor and outdoor activities.
