Introduction Of Sheetla Mata Mandir
Sheetala Mata is worshipped throughout India and its neighboring countries and is believed to cure ailments like smallpox, chicken pox, and other skin-related disorders.
Hindu devotees have immense faith, staunch belie,f and trust in the divine power of Sheetlamata who is believed to cure skin diseases. Goddess Sheetala Mata is worshipped by Hindus as the Goddess of Health and Wellness.
Thousands of devotees visit the various shrines dedicated to the Sheetla Mata, the 5 most famous Sheetla Mata temples being the Sheetla Mata Mandir, Gurgaon, Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mehandi Ganj, Lucknow, Sheetala Mata Mandir, Mainpuri, Sheetla Mata Mandir, Meerut and Sheetala Mata Mandir, Kaushambhi.
In Hindi language Sheetal means cool. Sheetla mata is believed to cool, heal, and cure dermatology-related skin ailments. In Hindu religion, the relevance of observing puja rituals and the performance of Pooja Archana of Gods and Goddesses after taking a bath signifies the importance of health and hygiene.
In a way, the Hindu rituals, customs, and traditions lay ample stress on health, hygiene and purity of mind. If one has to abide by the prescribed code of conduct of worship one notices that the rituals begin right from the dawn in the early hours of morning.
Chanting of hymns and Vedic mantras bring a semblance of mind and the Aarti and other puja rituals and offering of petals and prasad render a conducive environment for connecting with higher souls.
If we observe the Hindu rituals, customs, and traditions minutely, we find that these lay stress on acquiring skills and knowledge relating to science, a regimen for regular exercise, and observance of health and hygiene.
The tranquility of mind provides the perfect atmosphere for maximum receptivity and helps create positive vibes. In the present fast-moving world where people are loaded with stress and strain, the religious rituals act as the perpetual source of solace.
Sheetla Mata worship renders perfect cool and calm composure and helps devotees lead a healthy life, free from any skin ailments.
A brief account of the 5 most famous Sheetla Mata temples viz. Sheetla Mata Mandir, Gurgaon, Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mehandi Ganj, Lucknow, Sheetala Mata Mandir, Mainpuri, Sheetla Mata Mandir, Meerut and Sheetala Mata Mandir, Kaushambi which are located in the States of Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh is discussed herein below.
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1. Sheetla Mata Mandir, Gurgaon
Sheetla Mata Mandir, Gurgaon, Haryana is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala Mata and is also known as Mata Masani for being located in Masani Village, Sector 6, Gurugram, Haryana 122001.
The Sheetla Mata Mandir, Gurgaon was established in the 18th century by Jat King of Bharatpur-Jawahar Singh to commemorate his victory over the Mughals.
Sheetla Mata is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is revered and worshiped by Hindus and is considered a Goddess providing protection and healing against diseases.
Sheetla Mata Mandir, Gurgaon temple is located in the District Gurgaon in Haryana. The temple is at a distance of about 5 km from central Gurgaon, about 17 km from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, and about 30 km from Rajiv Chowk in Delhi.
Sheetla Mata is shown to be seated on a donkey. At the Sheetla Mata Mandir, Gurgaon, the festival of Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety in the month of Chaitra.
According to another legend, Sheetla Mata emerged from a sacrificial fire and Lord Brahma told her to carry seeds of Urad dal and people would worship her. She is believed to possess the Jvarasura, the demon of fever, and has the power to ward off ailments.
The architecture of the Sheetla Mata Mandir, Gurgaon temple features intricate carvings and a pond adding value to the design of the temple. Devotees throng the temple in large numbers, especially during Sheetala Ashtami, Navratr,i and Diwali festivals.
Sheetla Mata Mandir, Gurgaon Opening and Closing Timings: Daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
2. Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mehandi Ganj, Lucknow
Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mehandi Ganj, Lucknow located near Tikait Rai Ka Talab on Talkatora Road in Mehandi Ganj, Lucknow, the capital of the State of Uttar Pradesh is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Sheetla Mata.
It is believed that the idol of the deity was found in a nearby pond, and Tikait Rai, Diwan of Nawab of Awadh built the Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mehandi Ganj, Lucknow.
The temple is built in the traditional north Indian style of architecture. Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mehandi Ganj, Lucknow features traditional Indian architectural elements.
Sheetla Mata is believed to be a protector against smallpox and other ailments. Aathon ka mela is organized at the Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mehandi Ganj, Lucknow during March each year. Mundan(head shaving) and Karnavedh ceremonies for children are held here.
Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mehandi Ganj, Lucknow Temple Timings: 05:00 am to 09:00 pm. Aarti is performed regularly twice a day both in the morning and evening.
3. Sheetala Mata Mandir, Mainpuri
The Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mainpuri is located in Udaipur Abhai on Devi Road, in the District Mainpuri in the State of Uttar Pradesh. Mainpuri District is accessible by rail, road, and air.
A large number of devotees assemble here during Sheetala Ashtami, Navratri, and Diwali festivals to celebrate the special occasions.
The nearest airport is Kheria Airport, Agra which is at a distance of about 140 km. Mainpuri Junction is well connected with train routes. It is located on the Shikohabad-Farrukhabad Railway line.
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4. Sheetla Mata Mandir, Meerut
The Sheetla Mata Mandir, Meerut is an important and popular altar that is dedicated to Goddess Sheetla or Shitala Mata. The Goddess Shitala Mata is revered and worshipped by devotees from far and wide. Sheetla Mata is known to ward off smallpox and other infectious diseases.
According to legend, Goddess Sheetla appeared in Meerut to protect people from a devastating smallpox epidemic. The Sheetla Mata Mandir, Meerut was built in the traditional north Indian style of architecture featuring a spire(Shikar), adoring intricate carvings depicting the tales from Hindu mythological events.
Colorful flags and banners are put on the temple premises which enable people to immerse themselves in religious fervor, especially during the festivals of Sheetla Ashtami (March-April), Navratri, and Deepavali.
On the occasion of Sheetala Ashtami, which is celebrated on the 8th day after the Holi festival, Basoda Pooja is performed by Hindu families, and the food is cooked a day before the Sheetala Ashtami Puja.
Lighting of fire in the kitchen is not preferred on the Sheetala Ashtami day. Basoda means stale food which is offered as prasad to the deity and is consumed by the devotees.
Devotees perform puja archanas and get spiritual solace. Devotees worship the presiding deity, Goddess Sheetla Mata to pray for their protection from ailments and longevity of their lives.
The Sheetla Mata Mandir, Meerut Temple Timings: 05:00 AM to 9:00 PM
At the Sheetla Mata Mandir, Meerut, Aarti is performed regularly each day in the morning and evening and Prasad or Bhog is offered by the priest to the Goddess Sheetla Mata.
5. Sheetala Mata Mandir in Kaushambi,
Sheetala Mata Mandir in Kaushambi, located in Kade, Kaushambi District, Uttar Pradesh, India is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala Mata who is believed to be the Goddess who wards off skin ailments.
Sheetala Mata Mandir in Kaushambi is also known as Kada Dham. Sheetala Mata Mandir in Kaushambi is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, the seats of the divine power of the Goddess where the hand of Goddess Sati fell.
Sheetala Mata Mandir in Kaushambi is an ancient temple which dates back to 1000 AD. The key feature of the Sheetala Mata Mandir in Kaushambi temple is that the deity is shown seated on a donkey (gardhabha).
Devotees worship Goddess Sheetla Mata on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra. The Goddess is believed to ward off evil powers. 7 days fair is organised during Ashadha and Sawan months.
Devotees offer special prayers on Fridays and Mondays. Two-day Gardabh Mela (donkey fair) is organised in the ground near the Sheetla Mata Mandir in Kaushambi.
Sheetala Mata Mandir in Kaushambi is well connected by rail, with Sirathu being the main railway station, located 10 km away. The temple is very well connected by bus both private and State Transport bus services.
From the place called Saini, the Sheetala Mata Mandir in Kaushambi temple is at a distance of about 10 km. The nearest airport to the Sheetala Mata Mandir in Kaushambi temple is the Prayagraj (Allahabad) airport which is at a distance of about 75 km.
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Conclusion Of Sheetla Mata Temple
Sheetala Mata is believed to cure skin-related ailments such as smallpox, chicken pox, Measles, Mumps, Fever, Pustules and soars, etc.
Devotees worship at the Sheetala Mata Temples for protection against these ailments and to seek blessings for maintaining good health and hygiene. In rural areas, Sheetala Mata is believed to ward off the epidemic if any.
According to the Hindu mythology, Sheetla Mata is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Durga and daughter of Vedic Sage Dadhichi. According to another mythological legend, Sheetla Mata is believed to be the daughter of King Surya. Sheetla Mata is also known as Lalita.
Hindu devotees worship the temples dedicated to Sheetala Mata and seek her blessings by offering prayers regularly.
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FAQs Of Of Sheetla Mata Temple
Q.1. Why Sheetala Mata is worshipped?
Ans.1. Sheetala Mata is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga and is worshipped for protection from diseases such as smallpox, chicken pox, Measles, Mumps, Fever, Pustules and soars, etc.
Q.2. What are the famous temples dedicated to Sheetala Mata?
Ans. 2. The famous temples dedicated to Sheetala Mata located in the State of Haryana `and Uttar Pradesh are Sheetla Mata Mandir, Gurgaon, Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mehandi Ganj, Lucknow, Sheetala Mata Mandir, Mainpuri, Sheetla Mata Mandir, Meerut and Sheetala Mata Mandir, Kaushambhi.
Q.3. Who is considered as the Goddess of health and wellness?
Ans.3. Goddess Sheetala Mata is considered as Goddess of health and wellness.
