Hari Om

Menu

Shitla Mata Mandir

Shitla Mata Mandir

Shitla Mata—whose name literally means “the cool one”—is venerated across North India as the goddess of healing, particularly from smallpox and infectious diseases.

lotus removebg preview

“जहाँ शीतला माता की कृपा हो, वहाँ रोग, शोक और संकट कभी टिक नहीं सकते।”

― Shitla Mata Mandir

Temples dedicated to her are known as Shakti shrines, deeply rooted in folk traditions and Puranic lore.

lotus removebg preview
maa shitla mandir temple patna 787630

Mythological Significance & History

In Gurgaon (Gurugram), Haryana, legend ties the temple to the Mahabharata era: Shitla Mata is identified with Kripi, wife of Guru Dronacharya, who devoted herself to healing children afflicted with smallpox. A temple was later built in her honor by Maharaja Jawahar Singh in the 18th century.
In Sandila, Uttar Pradesh, the temple marks the penance site of Vedic sage Shandilya, making it an ancient and spiritually significant center. The current structure is around a thousand years old.
In Patna, Bihar, the temple houses Shitla Devi along with the Saptamatrikas, and is believed to cure diseases and fulfill devotees’ wishes. The exact construction date is unknown, but the site contains ancient sculptures

lotus removebg preview

Significance of the Temple

Shitla Mata is especially worshipped during Shitla Ashtami (Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ashtami), a time when leftover food from winter is ritually consumed to ward off disease. This aligns with traditional health practices rooted in Ayurveda and seasonal cycles.
Worshippers seek her blessings for health, protection from diseases, fulfillment of wishes, and the well-being of children. Rituals like Mundan (first head shaving) for children are commonly held at her shrines.
Community fairs and special pujas—particularly during Chaitra month—make these temples vibrant centers of devotion.

images 28 1
lotus removebg preview
lotus removebg preview

Architecture of the Temple

sheetla mata patna

The Gurgaon temple is approximately 400–500 years old, featuring traditional North Indian temple design with arched entrances, lawns, and a verandah leading to a sanctum adorned with a gold-finished idol in jeweled attire.

In Sandila (UP), the temple complex includes shrines for Ram–Janaki, Hanuman, Shiva, and reflects medieval religious layout around a sacred pond.

Patna’s temple is simple in scale, featuring ancient idols and a traditional sanctum revered for its healing power

How to Reach to Temple

Gurgaon Temple: Located on Sheetla Mata Road in old Gurugram. Accessible via NH‑48 from Delhi, bus routes (e.g., 915, 909, 910), or metro to IFFCO Chowk/Huda City Centre, then auto/cab

Sandila, UP: Near Hardoi district, widely accessible by road from nearby towns.

Patna Temple: Situated in Patna City near Tower Chowk/Gulzarbagh station—easily reachable by local transport

23 09 2017 sheetala

Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Shitala Devi Temple
  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

lotus removebg preview

Temple Location

Related posts: