Sheetla Mata Mandir in Gurgaon, Haryana, holds great significance as a major Hindu pilgrimage site, attracting numerous devotees daily who come to offer prayers and seek blessings from the Goddess. Also known as the pox-goddess, Sheetala Devi is worshipped by people from various regions, including Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, North India, and West Bengal, due to her association with healing and protection from diseases.
The temple, located near a pond in Gurgaon village, witnesses a constant flow of devotees throughout the year, except during the month of Shravana (July-August). During Chaitra (March-April), the temple experiences a surge in visitors, akin to the atmosphere of the Kumbh-Mela. Mondays of this month witness a particularly large crowd of pilgrims.
Sheetla Mata Mandir Gurgaon History
The history of Sheetla Mata Mandir in Gurgaon is steeped in legend. One story speaks of Goddess Durga incarnating as young Katyayani to vanquish demons that were plaguing the Earth with their malevolence.
Among these demons was Jwarasur, who spread various diseases like cholera, dysentery, measles, and smallpox. In her benevolence, Katyayani healed some of her friends but transformed into the powerful Goddess Sheetala to rid the world of all types of fevers and diseases.
Significance of Sheetla Mata Mandir Gurgaon
The temple holds immense significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and tribal communities, and Goddess Sheetala has been mentioned in Tantric and Puranic literature. She is often referred to as “Maa” (mother) by her devotees. In North India, she is sometimes considered as one of the forms of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort.
Sheetla Mata Mandir Gurgaon Timings
Sheetla Mata Mandir follows specific timings, remaining open for darshan from 6 am to 8 pm. The temple’s puja is performed by both Brahmins and low-caste Pujaris, with worship mainly conducted during the dry seasons of winter and spring. Various arti sangrah and stuties, such as shri Sheetla Mata chalisa and Shitala Maa ki Arti, are offered during the puja.
Sheetla mata mandir gurgaon opening timings – 6 am
One of the significant festivals celebrated at the temple is Sheetala Ashtami, also known as Basoda Puja. Observed on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Chaitra (mid-March to April), the festival attracts devotees from states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. People keep a vrat (fast) on this day to seek protection from deadly diseases and offer stale food as Prasad to Goddess Sheetala.
For visitors looking to reach Sheetla Mata Mandir Gurgaon, the nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The site is well-connected by road and rail, with state transport buses serving the area.
Tourists have several accommodation options in Gurgaon, with hotels and private organizations providing comfortable stays at various budget levels. These hotels ensure proper hygiene, clean food, and often offer Wi-Fi facilities to make the tourists’ experience more enjoyable and connected to the world.