Apart from being renowned internationally as India’s most notable hill station, Himachal Pradesh is also known as Dev Bhoomi-the country of temples, owing to the hundreds of shrines and temples found in nearly every small and large town in this northern Indian state.
Chintpurni temple is a famous HP pilgrimage site. The temple is dedicated to Mata Chintpurni Devi, the goddess who granted all requests. It is located at an elevation of 940 metres in the same-named hamlet in Himachal Pradesh’s Una district. Additionally, the Devi is referred to as Bhagwati Chhinnamastika (The Goddess without a Head).
Mata Chintpurni’s shrine is related with Hindu tales. This temple is supposed to have been founded in Chhaproh village some centuries ago by a Kalia Saraswat Brahman, Pandit Mai Das. The temple became known as Chintpurni throughout time. It is said that the descendants of the Brahmin still live in the town and serve as the temple’s official priests.
The temple is located at an elevation of 940 metres atop one of the highest peaks in the Solah Singhi Dhar. A meandering lane lined with stores leads up to the temple. Devotees create a line to see the Devi, whose idol is set in the garbha griha of the temple in the shape of a Pindi (a round holy stone).
This Devi temple is one of seven important Shakti Peethas in India (sites where fragments of Sati’s body fell) and draws thousands of worshippers from around the nation throughout the year. Sati’s feet are said to have fallen near Chintpurni. For decades, devotees from all areas of the nation have come to this Shaktipeeth to give prayers and sacrifices and seek blessings from the goddess.
Along with the 10-day “Shukalpaksh” fair in August, the Navaratra fairs in July, October, and March-April, as well as the days of Sankranti, Purnima, and Ashtami, are very popular with devotees who go to this sacred location to get the Devi’s blessings. Apart from being home to one of Himachal’s most prominent Devi temples, Chintpurni is also recognised for its scenic beauty and attractive surroundings. As is the case with many other holy temples in Himachal, Chintpurni shrine is very well linked by road. Your visit to Chintpurni temple can be combined with a visit to some of Himachal Pradesh’s most prominent Devi temples, including Jawalaji, Brijeswari Devi, and Chamunda Devi. Chamunda Devi Temple is one of the oldest Lord Shiva temples in Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple, situated 15 kilometres from Dharamshala, is said to be around 700 years old.
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