EXPLORING GURGAONs SACRED HAVEN - SHEETALA MATA MANDIR : Grasshopper

Sakshi Nagar 17-04-2024 08:48 PM Culture

In India, renowned for its miracles and rich history, the unique bond between devotees and deities is evident. One such temple, dedicated to Mata Shitala, stands in Gurugram, Haryana, boasting a four-century legacy. Revering Goddess Kripi/Kirpai, wife of Guru Dronacharya, this temple draws numerous pilgrims. Shri Shitala Mata, Gurugram's Kuldevi, witnesses rituals like Mundan Sanskar and blessings sought by married couples. Legend has it that centuries ago, Sheetala Mata appeared in a dream to Singha Jat of Gurgaon, prompting the temple's construction. Locals believe the Mother Goddess resides here, with pilgrims attributing miraculous healings from smallpox, measles, and eye diseases to visits to the temple. Spread across a vast complex in Gurgaon, Shitala Mata Temple's grandeur and beauty are admired by all. The temple's towering peak resembles a pyramid, housing a splendid gold statue of Sheetala Mata adorned in red silk. The surrounding area, adorned with gold coating, offers breathtaking views. Lush green lawns and gardens further enhance the temple's allure.

HISTORY OF SHITALA MATA TEMPLE

The history of Mata Shitala Temple revered worldwide, traces back to the era of Mahabharata, where Acharya Dronacharya purportedly trained the Kauravas and Pandavas. Throughout the year, devotees flock here, attributing the temple's significance to Skanda Purana, which credits Sheetala Mata with maintaining universal health. The people of the village also say that the Mughal emperor had washed away the idol of Shitala Mata in the pond, then Shitala Mata appeared in a dream to Sindha Bhagat and told him about her idol being washed away. Sindha was a devotee of Mata and he was the one who saved her. The idol was taken out from the pond and installed in the temple again with proper rituals. When this was confirmed to the villagers, they also started worshiping devotee Sindha Bhagat. Worshipers believe that proper devotion to Sheetala Mata offers relief from ailments like measles, smallpox, and eye disorders. Every year, devotees throng the temple, especially on Shitala Ashtami, seeking blessings from the Mother Goddess. An ancient banyan tree in the temple's courtyard is believed to fulfill devotees' wishes when they tie vow threads, particularly mothers praying for children.

SHITALA MATA TEMPLE FESTIVALS

At Sheetala Mata Temple in Gurgaon, Hindus celebrate all festivals, with special emphasis on the Sheetala Ashtami festival. Observed on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the Chaitra month, this festival is marked with grandeur in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. Festivities include massive fairs and musical programs. On Shitala Ashtami, adhering to tradition, devotees abstain from lighting fires and prepare food in advance, allowing it to become stale for offering to Mata Shitala. Early morning rituals involve bathing, worshiping the goddess with turmeric and millet, and listening to Basoda Vrat Katha. Offerings of Rabri, curd, and other items are made to Goddess Sheetala, followed by receiving blessings and returning home.

SHITALA MATA TEMPLE TIMINGS

Shitala Mata Temple in Gurgaon welcomes visitors every day of the week, regardless of the month or season. There are no fixed visiting hours to pay homage to Mata. The temple opens daily from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, allowing devotees to visit at their convenience.