Mandi (Himachal Pradesh): In a remote village nestled in the picturesque mountains of Himachal Pradesh exists a temple dedicated to the revered Hindu goddess Durga.
Situated at a height of 1,404 metres in Karsog town of Mandi district, what makes the 'Chindi Mata' temple stand out from the countless other temples in the country is that the map of this temple is believed to have been prepared, not by humans, but ants, hence the name 'Chindi'.
Devotees visit the temple from far-flung places across the country.
The temple houses an 'Ashtabhuja' idol of goddess Durga carved out of a piece of rock, apart from an idol of Lord Vishnu.
Beautiful carvings on the temple wall enhances its beauty.
Goddess appeared as a girl
It is believed that the venerated goddess appeared in the dream of a local priest and informed him about a map prepared by an army of ants of a temple that is to be built in the village, and consequently, the shrine came into existence.
The 'Chindi Mata' fair
The locals believe that 'Chindi Mata' leaves the temple temporarily every three years, and the entire affair is celebrated in the form of a fair which is held at Chankarath.
Devotees, particularly childless couples and those suffering from various diseases, throng the temple from all over the country to pay obeisance to the deity and seek her blessings.
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How to reach the temple
This famous religious site is located some 13 km from Karsog on Shimla Marg. Vehicles are easily available from Shimla or Karsog to reach the Chindi Mata temple. The nearest railway station from the shrine is at Shimla, which is connected to Kalka by a short line. Kalka can be easily reached by train or by bus.
