Chintpurni, Una: Nestled in the picturesque hills of Himachal Pradesh’s Una district, Chintpurni Mata Temple, revered as Chhinnamastika Dham, is one of the most important Shakti shrines in northern India. The temple attracts thousands of devotees from Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states throughout the year, while the holy month of Shravan brings a particularly large influx of pilgrims.
The famous Shravan Ashtami Fair adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine. During the eight-day fair, devotees arrive in large numbers to seek the blessings of Maa Chintpurni and pray for the fulfilment of their wishes.
Chhinnamastika Dham: A Sacred Shakti Peetha
Chintpurni is situated approximately 50 kilometres from Una district headquarters and around three kilometres from Bharwain in Amb subdivision. The presiding deity is worshipped in the form of a sacred Pindi.
According to Hindu tradition, the shrine is associated with Goddess Sati. It is believed that after Lord Vishnu divided the body of Sati, different parts of her body fell at various places across the Indian subcontinent. According to local religious belief, Sati’s foot fell at Chintpurni, making the place an important centre of Shakti worship.The Goddess is also revered as Chhinnamastika Devi, a powerful manifestation of the Divine Mother.
The Legend of Goddess Chhinnamastika
The legend of Chhinnamastika is associated with the Markandeya Purana. According to the traditional account, Goddess Chandi fought a fierce battle against the demons and emerged victorious.
However, her two attendants, Jaya and Vijaya, were still hungry and thirsty for blood. To satisfy them, the Goddess is said to have severed her own head. Three streams of blood emerged from her neck—two flowing towards Jaya and Vijaya and the third towards the Goddess herself.
This powerful imagery symbolises sacrifice, divine energy and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
The Story of Devotee Mai Das
The popular legend behind the manifestation of Maa Chintpurni at this sacred site is closely associated with a devotee named Mai Das.
According to local tradition, Mai Das and his brother Durga Das originally belonged to Athur village in Patiala district of Punjab. Later, the brothers settled in Rapoh Muchleiyan village in Himachal Pradesh, where they took up farming.
Mai Das was deeply devoted to prayer and worship. One day, while returning from his in-laws’ home, he stopped beneath a banyan tree at Chhaproh village and fell asleep.
During his sleep, a young girl appeared in his dream and instructed him to worship her at that very place.
After waking up, Mai Das continued his journey, but he remained deeply disturbed by the dream. Unable to sleep that night, he eventually returned to the spot and prayed to the divine presence to reveal itself.
According to the legend, the Goddess appeared before him in the form of a young girl and instructed him to establish her worship beneath the banyan tree.
The Goddess assured Mai Das that devotees who worshipped her with faith and devotion would receive her blessings and that their worries and troubles would be removed.
The Divine Promise of Water and Worship
Mai Das reportedly expressed concern about the lack of drinking water and facilities at the location.
The Goddess told him that a temple would eventually be established there and that arrangements for devotees would be made. She also indicated that a source of water could be found by removing a particular stone beneath the nearby hill.
The Goddess further entrusted the worship of the shrine to Mai Das and his descendants.
According to the legend, after giving these instructions, the divine figure disappeared into the sacred Pindi. This Pindi continues to be worshipped at the temple as Maa Chintpurni.
The ancient banyan tree associated with the legend is also regarded as a sacred part of the temple premises.
Devotees Tie Sacred Threads to Fulfil Their Wishes
One of the popular traditions at Chintpurni Temple is the tying of sacred threads by devotees.
Devotees tie threads at the shrine while making a wish and return to the temple to untie them after they believe their wish has been fulfilled. The tradition reflects the deep faith and emotional connection devotees share with Maa Chintpurni.
Major Religious Fairs at Chintpurni
Chintpurni Temple witnesses several major religious gatherings throughout the year. Important occasions include:
Shravan Ashtami Fair
Chaitra Navratri
Ashwin Navratri
New Year celebrations
During these occasions, thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine. The local administration makes arrangements relating to security, traffic, sanitation, drinking water and other facilities for devotees.
The temple is managed under the control of the Himachal Pradesh Government, with administrative responsibilities associated with the Deputy Commissioner, Una.
A Centre of Faith and Spirituality
For generations, Chintpurni has remained an important pilgrimage destination for devotees of Shakti. The combination of ancient religious traditions, legends associated with Maa Chintpurni and the faith of millions of devotees has given the shrine a unique spiritual identity.
During the Shravan Ashtami Fair, the entire area comes alive with devotional activities as pilgrims undertake the journey to seek the blessings of Maa Chintpurni, the Divine Mother who is believed to remove the worries and troubles of her devotees.