Jai Maa Chintpurni Ji!

History of the Chintpurni Temple

Maa Chintpurni Ji

Maa Chintpurni Devi temple is said to have been established by Pandit Mai Das by the grace of Maa Durga Herself. By Her blessings, his descendants still continue to live here and serve Maa Chintpurni.


Pandit Mai Das, born in a Kalia Saraswat Brahman family, was an ardent devotee of Maa Durga just as his father. He was youngest of three brothers, elder ones being Devi Das and Durga Das. They lived in village Athoor in the princely state of Patiala in Punjab. Due to various reasons, the whole family had to move to Rapoh village in Himachal Pradesh.


Mai Das spent all his time in the service of Maa Durga, praying and singing Her praises. His brothers were upset to see that Mai Das did not involve at all in the worldly affairs. However, his father made sure that his needs were met. His father had got him married while he was alive. After his father’s death, the elder brothers refused to provide any financial support to him. They left him to fend for himself and his immediate family. Mai Das faced many difficulties after he separated from his brothers. However, the only thing that kept him going was his faith in Maa Durga. He strongly believed that Maa Durga removes all difficulties from his life as She does for all Her devotees.


One day Mai Das thought of visiting his in-laws to seek assistance in carrying forward in life. Tired after walking a long distance through the forest, he sat down to rest under a banyan tree and fell asleep immediately. A magnificently radiant young girl appeared in his dream, standing next to him and telling him, "Mai Das, stay in this place and serve me. That will be best for you." Saying these words She disappeared and Mai Das woke up startled. He looked around and searched nearby but there was nothing but the silence of the forest. He continued his journey still wondering about his dream, questioning himself if that young girl was Maa Durga Herself. He reached his in-laws house but was unable to stay longer with his anxious mind.


On the way back, he sat down under the same banyan tree started meditating upon Maa Durga. He prayed, "O Mother, I have a small human mind and cannot comprehend your powers. If you consider me a true devotee, please present yourself and remove all my doubts". Hearing his prayers, Maa Durga appeared in front of Mai Das. Mai Das fell to the Devi's feet and said, "O Bhagwati, do command me. How may I serve you that my life be best spent at your lotus feet?" Durga Maa said, "I have been dwelling at this very place for many years. 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 delighted to hear that She chose him to be Her servant. However, he felt reluctant to live in the forest that was inhabited with wild animals. He doubted how he and his family shall survive on the hill-top with no source of food and water nearby. He spoke of his doubts to Maa Durga. She pointed towards the north and told him to dig out a stone under which he would find a spring of fresh water. The forest had enough to offer as food. She also gave him a mantra - Namaskar mantra :
ओम एं ह्रीं क्लीं श्रि भयनाशिनि हून हूण फट स्वह
She also gave him the Mool Mantra to do away with his fears-

ओम एं ह्रीं क्लीं चमुन्डाय विच्चयह


She said, "In the past I have been known as Chhinnamastika. From now on, people will also call me Chintpurni as I have removed all your doubts and worries. My devotees will arrange to have a temple built here. Whatever offerings are made should be sufficient for you and your descendants.” The Goddess gave him a few other instructions and disappeared.


Mai Das searched in the direction Maa had asked to look for water. He found a stone and as soon as he moved it, a clear spring of water made its way out. He was elated to see clear spring water and thanked Maa Durga. A water tank was later built at that place. Water from this tank is reserved for the use of the Temple. Mai Das took the spring water and bathed the Pindi and worshipped Maa Durga. He went back to bring his family along. They built a small hut for themselves near the water tank.


As per Maa Durga’s wishes he then began daily worship of the Devi's pindi under that tree. By and by, people started coming and the tales of Maa’s incredible powers spread far and wide. More and more devotees were visiting. The devotees built a small temple which has gradually expanded to what it is now. This pindi form of Maa Durga started to be known as Maa Chintpurni, as was Her wish. Maa Chintpurni strated relieving Her devotees from the worries.


After hundreds of years, Pandit Mai Das’s descendents still continue to serve Maa Chintpurni and thousands of devotes keep coming to seek her bleassings and get relieved of their worries.


Pandit Mai Das's samadhi is located a short distance away on the eastern side of the water tank.
ॐ जयन्ती मँगला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी । दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोस्तुते।।
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