Chhintang Devi Temple which is also known as Jalpa Devi Temple is located in Chhintang Rural Municipality, at approximately 8 km from Hile bazaar. The temple is known as Chhintang Devi because of its location. This place is also known as Jalpa Devi. This temple is also known as Jalpa Devi because the Goddess originated or is situated in water (Jal meaning water & Devi meaning Goddess). The myth behind the formation of Jalpa Devi Temple is as follows: “In a dream of the temple’s priest, Devi ordered him to put some mud from the place Ankhibhuin (Humbung Gaun) on a leaf of Mane and bring in Chhintang and then to have trust in her.” When the priest returned after some time, he discovered a source of water in an area that had previously been barren or devoid of any water. In the meantime, he immersed a sculpture (Murti) of the goddess in the water and began to worship and give bali (scape) on a daily basis & started his duty as a priest. The priest progeny has taken the role of worshipper and priest of the temple since then. As of now, priest Dagendra Rai is the 12th priest of this historical religious site.
This Holy region is home two temples known as Jalpa Devi & Kanya Devi both of which are without roofs. Inside the Jalpa Devi temple premises, there stands a big tree which is believed to be the shelter for the goddess as the murti (statue) of the Devi was under this tree and water source is believed to be present here. A tradition of giving bali (offering) prevails in this temple. There exists a strong belief among the devotes that all the wishes and desires will be fulfilled if we worship and offer strong devotion towards the Devi. Each year this religious spot welcomes thousands of devotes not only from Dhankuta but from all over the nation. Puja is conducted here every day except Sunday and on the day of new moon. This temple attracts a large number of people specially during Baishak and Bhadra Purnima. Matured women are not allowed to enter inside the temple during their menstrual cycle due to religious belief.
This temple can be reached easily from Hile Bazaar through a well gravelled road either by private vehicles or by hiking through the hills admiring the scenic beauty that this region offers. Pilgrims certainly feel a sense of comfort, happiness and peace during their visit. Thus, the number of visitors to visit this important religious site has been increasing every year.
-Article written by: Ujjwal Bhetwal for Land Nepal
