Chandi Mata Temple is located at Ghunchapali village, near Bagbahara town in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh. The temple sits atop a small forest-covered hill.
The exact age of the temple is not clearly documented, but local traditions suggest the site has been sacred for several centuries.
The self-manifested idol of Maa Chandi was worshipped privately for many years before the temple structure was organized.
Organized public worship and temple development began around 1949–1951, and since then the temple has grown into one of the most important Shakti shrines in the region.
The temple is dedicated to Maa Chandi, a fierce and powerful form of Adi Shakti (Goddess Durga).
She represents strength, courage, protection, and the destruction of evil forces.
The main idol is Swayambhu (self-manifested) and is worshipped with deep faith.
Devotees come seeking protection, blessings, and fulfilment of wishes.
The temple has a simple yet spiritually powerful architectural style, blending naturally with the forested hill.
The sanctum houses a large stone idol of Maa Chandi, believed to be around 9–10 feet tall and still slowly growing.
Open courtyards, natural rocks, and greenery give the temple a raw, ancient Shakti-stale ambience.
Historically, Ghunchapali hill was a dense forest and spiritual center where sages, tantriks, and ascetics performed meditation, sensing strong divine energy.
Over time, the naturally manifested idol of Maa Chandi attracted local worshippers.
Around 1949–1951, the site was made accessible to the public, organized rituals began, and the temple gradually developed into a major Shakti shrine of the Mahasamund region.
According to the Sthalapurana, Ghunchapali hill has been sacred since ancient times due to intense Shakti energy. When villages nearby faced fear, diseases, and wild animal threats, Maa Chandi manifested herself naturally from the earth as a self-manifested stone idol.
Villagers first noticed a divine glow and strong spiritual vibrations at the hill and felt protected when visiting. The Goddess chose this forested hill to guard the land, forests, animals, and people. A unique belief associated with the temple is that the idol continues to grow slowly, symbolizing Maa Chandi’s ever-increasing divine power. The sanctum roof has been raised multiple times to accommodate this growth.
Another important legend is the peaceful coexistence of wildlife, particularly sloth bears, which visit the temple daily in the evenings. They take prasad offerings calmly, symbolizing the Goddess’s protection of all living beings. Devotees believe that prayers offered here with true devotion bring fearlessness, strength, protection, fulfillment of wishes, and victory over obstacles.
The main festivals celebrated at Chandi Mata Temple are Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri, observed with special pujas, havans, bhajans, and thousands of lit diyas. Durga Ashtami, Navami, Amavasya, and Purnima are also considered highly auspicious, attracting devotees from all parts of India.
