Introduction
One of the numerous forms of the Supreme Goddess Durga is Mata Chintpurni Devi. She is also known as Maa Chinnamasta or Maa Chinnamastika in this form, which means “the one with a detached head.” Humans have insatiable appetites, which lead to stress and anxiety.
The Chintpurni temple is dedicated to Mata Chintpurni, located in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated on a hilltop known as Chintpurni, which offers scenic views of the surrounding area. The temple attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year, especially during the festivals of Navratri and Diwali.
Legend has it that Mata Chintpurni Devi emerged from the severed head of the goddess Sati, who had self-immolated due to the disrespect shown towards her husband, Lord Shiva. The temple is thus considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, sacred places where body parts of Sati are believed to have fallen.
The image of Mata Chintpurni Devi enshrined in the temple is depicted with her head severed from her body, holding her own severed head in one hand and a sword in another. This form of the goddess is known as Chhinnamastika, symbolizing the transcendence of the ego and the control over one’s desires and attachments.
Devotees visit the temple seeking the blessings of Mata Chintpurni Devi for the fulfillment of their wishes, relief from worries, and spiritual growth. The temple complex also includes various other shrines dedicated to different deities, offering a serene and holy atmosphere for devotees to engage in prayer and meditation.
Mata Chintpurni Devi holds a significant place in the religious and cultural fabric of Himachal Pradesh, and her devotees believe in her divine power to provide guidance, protection, and blessings in their lives.
Information:
Location-
Mata Chintpurni Temple is located in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on a hilltop known as Chintpurni, which is approximately 3,890 feet (1,186 meters) above sea level. It is about 56 kilometers from Una town and around 130 kilometers from Dharamshala, another popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. The temple’s precise geographic coordinates are approximately 31.4742° N latitude and 76.3436° E longitude.
Entry timing
The temple is open for all visitors every morning at 5:30 am and 9:30 pm in summer and the time in winter is 4 am to 6 pm.
How to Reach Chintpurni Temple:
To reach Chintpurni Temple from Shimla, you can follow the directions below:
By Road:
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- Start from Shimla and head south towards Kalka.
- From Kalka, continue on National Highway 205 towards Nangal.
- From Nangal, take National Highway 154 towards Hoshiarpur.
- After reaching Hoshiarpur, take National Highway 503 towards Chintpurni.
- The Chintpurni Temple is located in Chintpurni town.
By Train:
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- There is no direct train connectivity from Shimla to Chintpurni.
- You can take a train from Shimla to Una, which is the nearest railway station to Chintpurni.
- From Una, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chintpurni, which is approximately 65 kilometers away.
By Air:
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- The nearest airport to Chintpurni is Gaggal Airport in Kangra, which is approximately 80 kilometers away from Chintpurni.
- From Shimla, you can take a flight to Gaggal Airport.
- From Gaggal Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chintpurni.
Chintpurni Temple as “Shakti Peeth”
Chintpurni Temple is considered a Shakti Peeth because it is believed to be one of the 51 sacred places in Hindu mythology where body parts of the goddess Sati are said to have fallen. The Shakti Peethas are associated with the mythological story of Lord Shiva and his consort Sati.
According to different mythology, the goddess demon arrived to slay the demons Sumbha and Nishumbha. After killing the demons, the Goddess’ companion asked for more blood, so she cut off her head to quench the desire.
Goddess Durga was a devout subject for Bhai Mai Das. The Goddess once appeared to him in a dream and requested that he construct a temple here. He, therefore, constructed the temple in Chhaproh village while keeping god’s instructions in mind. Since that time, his descendants have been doing Shri Chintapurni worship. The present-day chief priests of this temple are descended from him.
The architecture of Chintpurni Temple:
The architecture of the Chintpurni Temple is reflective of traditional North Indian temple design and features a distinct style that is characteristic of many Hindu temples in the region.
The main temple structure is built in the Nagara style of architecture, which is prevalent in North India. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements that depict various mythological figures, deities, and scenes. The temple complex is a spacious area that comprises multiple structures and facilities for devotees. It includes the main shrine dedicated to Goddess Chinnamastika Devi, along with smaller shrines, halls, and open courtyards.
The temple complex typically includes a pillared hall called the mandapa, which serves as a gathering space for devotees and a venue for religious ceremonies. The mandapa is often adorned with sculptural art depicting religious motifs and stories. The temple’s exteriors are intricately designed with ornate facades, carvings, and sculptures. These decorative elements often depict gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and mythological stories, adding a rich artistic and religious touch to the temple’s appearance.
Nearby Hotels:
The Grand Raj: The Grand Raj Hotel is situated in Una near Dharamshala Road, Kangra 176001. Himachal Pradesh Which is 37 km near the Chintpurni Temple. It offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and other amenities.
Hotel Amber Residency: Hotel Amber Residency is situated in Hoshiarpur. This Hotel is around 34 km away from the Chintpurni Temple. The Hotel offers comfortable rooms, an in-house restaurant, and basic amenities for a budget-friendly stay.
Hotel River Retreat: Hotel is situated Near Dharamshala Airport Gaggal, 41 km away from Chintpurni Temple. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and other amenities.
Storii by ITC Hotels Amoha Retreat: The hotel is situated in Diktu, Dharamsala, 47 km away from Chintpurni Temple. It offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and basic amenities for a budget-friendly stay.
FAQs:
Q1. What are the visiting hours of Chintpurni Temple?
A. Only regular days are included in the Temple’s operating hours stated below.
Monday through Friday- 5 a.m. to 9 p.m
On the weekend days- 5 am – 11 pm
Q2. Is there any Entry free to visit Chintpurni temple?
A. No entry fee is required to enter the temple complex. For some attractions, such as exhibitions, boat trips, or the water show, there can be a fee. For further information on these fees, it is advised to check the official website or contact the temple.
Q3. Can we take photographs inside the temple complex?
A. The temple complex does not permit the use of cameras, cell phones, or other electronic devices. This limitation is in place for security reasons and to uphold the temple’s holiness.
Q4. What is special in Chintpurni Temple?
A. The Chintpurni Shakti Peeth (Chhinnamastika shakti peeth) is housed in the temple. The mythology surrounding the Shakti Peetha is a component of the Shaktism tradition, which recounts the tale of the goddess Sati’s self-immolation. She had to be dismembered into 51 pieces, which fell to Earth and were thereafter revered as holy places by Vishnu.
Q5. What time is Aarti in Chintpurni temple?
A. Aarti’s timing is 6:00 am in the morning and 8:00 pm at night. The closest airport is Gaggal Airport in Kangra, which is 60 kilometers away. The closest railway station, Hoshiarpur in Punjab, is 43 km distant.
