In the early hours of the morning of June 12, 2016, a day that is particularly significant to me because it is my birthday, I experienced a tremendous need to go to Chintapurni Temple, which is considered to be one of the most respected temples in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
A sacred temple that is devoted to Chintapurni Mata, the Goddess who frees believers from their concerns, can be found tucked away in the Shivalik hills. Because the temple is only a couple of hours away from Hoshiarpur, it is an excellent destination for a day trip for someone who lives in the city.
The Ride Begins: From Hoshiarpur to Himachal
I had always imagined myself going on a bike ride across the mountains, from Hoshiarpur to Himachal Pradesh, and experiencing the adrenaline rush of the wind as I sped through picture-perfect scenery. Nevertheless, because I had never traveled over high terrain before, I decided to take the bus because it was the most pleasant and secure option. The bus stop in Hoshiarpur was where I found myself at nine in the morning, all set to begin my journey of pilgrimage.
At the beginning of the bus ride, there was a picturesque view of the countryside, with rich green fields that seemed to go on forever. From the moment we entered Himachal Pradesh, the landscape underwent a dramatic transformation. There was a transition from the flat plains to the gorgeous mountains that were covered in greenery, and there were deep gorges that cut across the scenery. As the trip progressed, the fresh aroma of pine trees was carried by the breeze, which made the experience even more relaxing. We arrived at the Chintapurni bus terminus after around two hours of travel..
Reaching the Temple: The Sunday Hustle
After disembarking, I became aware that it would require some effort on my part to locate the temple that I was looking for. The temple was packed, as was to be expected on a Sunday, which is the day that pilgrims from all across North India come to seek the blessings of Chintapurni Mata.
I purchased a puja thali, which is a plate that contains offerings including as flowers, incense, and sweets, from one of the numerous merchants that were located in the area. Immediately after that, I joined the line of devotees, which was lengthy, winding, and brimming with eager anticipation.
Although the sun was shining brightly, everyone continued to move forward because of the excitement and devotion that was in the air. We had been waiting for maybe close to an hour before we were eventually allowed to enter the temple complex.
A Divine Encounter: In the Presence of Chintapurni Mata
As soon as I entered the premises of the temple, I was met with the sweet aroma of dhoop, which is a type of incense. At that moment, it seemed as if the very air itself was filled with devotion.
In the presence of devotees who were muttering prayers, presenting flowers, and igniting incense sticks, the atmosphere was nothing short of sublime. I felt a sensation of tranquillity wash over me as I neared the sanctum sanctorum. It was the kind of peace that can only be experienced in places that are considered to be quite sacred.
The sighting of Chintapurni Mata, also known as darshan, was brief but immensely powerful. The aura that emanated from the deity, who was dressed in vivid red, resulted in me experiencing feelings of peace and happiness. Following the darshan, I made the decision to take a seat in the courtyard of the temple in order to take in the spiritual energy. The chanting of prayers, the ringing of bells in the temple, and the gentle breeze all contributed to the creation of an atmosphere that was ideal for reflection.
A Sacred Blessing: The Kalawa Ceremony
I was making my way out of the temple when I came across a group of priests who were tying kalawa, which is a sacred red thread, around the wrists of devotees. It is thought that as long as one wears this thread, they will get divine protection and blessings.
As the priest tied the thread, I, too, extended my hand, and as I did so, I felt a surge of devotion and appreciation for the supernatural experience that I had just been a part of.
A Hidden Gem: The Small Temple
A staircase that led to a smaller temple that was placed downhill was something that I happened upon as I was on my way back. I discovered a tranquil and less congested place by making my way down the stairs, which I did out of curiosity.
Away from the commotion of the tourists, this undiscovered treasure provided a peaceful opportunity for introspection. Before making my way back to the bus station, I first prayed here for a while and then spent some time there.
The Return Journey: Home with Blessings
I was able to catch the bus that would take me back to Hoshiarpur just as the sun was beginning to set, which resulted in the mountains taking on a golden tone. The ride back was peaceful, and it was replete with heavenly recollections combined with a profound sense of contentment. By the time I got back to my hostel at five o’clock in the afternoon, I was feeling blessed and revitalized, and I was prepared to face whatever the new year had in store for me.
Final Thoughts
The experience of going to Chintapurni Temple on my birthday was one that completely changed my life. The day was one that I will never forget because of the beautiful bus ride, the heavenly atmosphere of the temple, and the blessings that Chintpurni Mata bestowed upon me.
This pilgrimage is not only a journey through the mountains; rather, it is a journey into the heart of devotion for everyone who is physically located in or in close proximity to Hoshiarpur. You will leave Chintapurni Temple with a sense of tranquillity and divine protection, regardless of whether you are looking for spiritual solace or simply a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature. Chintapurni Temple makes both of these things available to you.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or weekdays are ideal to avoid the crowd. Sundays and holidays tend to be busier.
- How to Get There: Buses frequently run from Hoshiarpur to Chintapurni, taking around two hours. You can also opt for a private taxi or self-drive if you’re comfortable with mountain roads.
- Temple Timings: The temple is open from 5 AM to 10 PM. However, darshan timings may vary, especially on festival days.
- Dress Code: Modest, temple-appropriate attire is recommended.
- Local Eats: Don’t miss the opportunity to try the delicious prasad offered at the temple.
This trip provided me with a divine connection with Chintapurni Mata, which made my birthday an experience that I will never forget. It was not simply the location that made my birthday memorable. Visiting this holy place needs to be on your list of things to do if you ever find yourself in Himachal Pradesh or in the surrounding area.
