Chintpurni Temple, Una, Himachal Pradesh India

Dedicated to Mata Shri Chhinnamastika Devi and Mata Chintpurni Devi, the Mata Chintpurni Temple Chintpurni Temple is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths in India. Lying in the Una village of Una district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the name of the temple literally means a remover of troubles and worries.

Situated at the altitude of 940 meters, the temple rests on one of the highest peaks of the Sola Singhi range of hills. About 3 km west of Bharwain, on the Hoshiarpur - Dharmashala road, the temple remains open from 4am to 11pm. People reach the shrine after walking around half a km up a gentle incline and making their way through a very busy market. There is a garbha griha at the centre of the main temple where the image of Mata Chintpurni Devi is installed in the form of a round stone, also known as a 'Pindi'. People stand in queues to get a look of the deity and offer prayers. It is a popular belief here that the goddess always fulfills the wishes made from a pure and true heart.

The temple like all the other temples in Himachal observes a major fair held in July and August. Named as the Sawan Ashtami Fair, it is a ten day affair that begins on the first Sawan Navaratra. A large number of pilgrims and devotees participate in this fair bringing their worldly concerns with them and seek blessings from the goddess.

 The temple is believed to be founded by Pandit Mai Das, a Saraswat Brahman. He established this shrine of Mata Chintpurni in Chhaproh village twenty-six generations ago. Over time this place became known as Chintpurni after the eponymous deity. The descendants of the Brahmin still live in Chintpurni and perform prayers at the Chintpurni temple.

Apart from the holy shrine, the place is also known for its picturesque surroundings. The valley houses excellent views for sight seeing, indoor and out door activities. The temple is also very well connected through road. That is to say, the place can be an ideal option for a religious visit and holiday both.

Pandit Mai Das a Kalia Saraswat Brahman, is generally believed to have established this shrine to Mata Chintpurni Devi in Chhaproh village twenty-six generations ago. Over time this village became known as Chintpurni after the eponymous deity. His descendants still live in Chintpurni and perform archana and puja at the Chintpurni temple.

According to the Kalia family lore, Bhakta Mai Das's father lived in Athoor village in the princely state of Patiala. He was an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga. He had three sons called Devi Das, Durga Das and Mai Das. The youngest one was Mai Das. For various reasons, the family moved to village Rapoh, near Amb (now in District Una, Himachal Pradesh). Just like his father, Mai Das was an intense devotee of goddess Durga and spent much of his time in Durga puja, bhajan and kirtan. His brothers were not too happy with him as Mai Das did not spend much time on affairs of this world. However his father made sure that his worldly needs were met.

Mai Das had got married when his father was still alive. After his father died, his brothers refused to provide any financial support to him. They told him to look after himself and his immediate family. Mai Das had to face many difficulties after he separated from his brothers. However his faith and devotion to Mother Durga remained undiminished as he sincerely believed that Durgaji removes all difficulties for her devotees.

Once Bhakta Mai Das was travelling to his in-laws' place. After a long and tiring walk, he sat down to rest under a Vat tree (banyan tree, Ficus Bengalensis) in a densely forested area. He dozed off and started dreaming. A luminous and beautiful young girl appeared in his dream and said to him, " Mai Das, stay in this place and serve me. That will be best for you." Mai Das woke up with a start and looked around. He could not see any other person nearby and felt quite confused.
Bhakta Mai Das continued on to his in-laws' house. He was still thinking about his dream. Was that really the Devi? If so, how would he carry out the Devi's command? He arrived at the in-laws' house but did not stay there for long as his mind was quite unsettled.

On his way back, he sat down under the same Vat tree and began to concentrate his thoughts on Durga Mata. He prayed, "O Mother, I have but a small mind and cannot comprehend your powers. If you consider me a true devotee, please present yourself and remove all my doubts". Upon hearing Mai Das's prayer, Durga Mata appeared in front of Mai Das in her Chaturbhuj form sitting astride a lion. Mai Das fell to the Devi's feet and prayed to her, "O Bhagavati, do command me. How may I serve you that my life be best spent at your lotus feet?"
Durga Mata said, "I have been living at this very place for many, many years but in the Kali Yug people had neglected this spot. I will now appear under this tree in the form of a pindi (a round stone). Perform puja for me every day."

Mai Das was still somewhat reluctant to live there as panthers and other wild animals abounded in the dense forest. Also as that spot was on a hill-top, there was no known source of water nearby. Durga Mata pointed to a place on the northern slope of the hill and told him to dig out a stone under which he would find a spring of fresh water.