Sheetala Mata temple is situated in the Una District of the Himachal Pradesh. The sheetala devi is incarnation of the Goddess Durga. The temple location is near the famous Chintpurni Devi temple. Sheetala Devi is one of the 51 Shaktipeths.
The story goes that Goddess Durga had once incarnated as Katyayani, the daughter of sage Katyayan. Once a demon called Jwarasur, started spreading incurable disease. Then goddess Durga assumed the form of Sheetala. Sheetala mata cured all of the victims. Then lord Katyani request his friend batuk to confront the demon Jwarasur. Batuk killed the Jwarasur in the form of Bhairav.
Another story is Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati was worried about the terror of the Jwarasur. Jwarasur was a demon.who was spreading the disease in all of the world. Goddess Parvati decides that the power of her coolness will bring relief to all the children and their parents. Mahadev transformed himself into Bhairav and reaches the battlefield. Both of them indulged themselves in a great and huge wrestling match and Lord Shiva killed Jwarasur.
The architecture of the shrine is very simple. The surface of the shrine is fully covered with white stone. There are two huge bells at the entrance of the temple. The temple complex is full of the trees. The walls of the temple are carved very well. The sanctum enshrines the image of Devi adorned with flowers and jewels. Devotees tie a Chunni on the tree to fulfil their wishes.
Navaratri – Navaratri is a major festival at the Sheetala Mata temple. During the Navaratri there is huge crowd in the temple. Devotees are come from the various parts of India to take blessings.
The temple opened for visitors every morning at 4.00 a.m. and close 10.00 p.m.
Morning Aarti – The morning Aarti performed in the morning at 6.00 a.m.
Evening Aarti – The evening Aarti performed at 6.00 p.m.
The temple is located at Una district of the Himachal Pradesh. The temple is 43 km away from the Hosiyarpur.
By Air : The nearest airport is Gaggal airport in Kangra district. This is 115 km away from the temple. The airport is connected with some specific cities of the India. Another airport is Chandigarh International Airport which is 125 km away from Una.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is Una Railway station which is 2.1 km away from the temple.
By Road : The temple is situated 1.5 km away from the Una Bus Station. State transport buses are also available from the Haryana, Punjab, Uttarpradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand.
Summer : During the months of summer (Mar to June), the temperature can be pleasant. The tempereature can reach upto 32 degree.
Monsoon : In the monsoon there can be heavy rainfall. The temperature remains humid and warm.
Winter : In the winter the temperature can reach sub zero level. You should advise to wear heavy woollen clothes.
A. There is no entry fee in Sheetala Mata Temple.
A. Yes, during the Navarati there can be huge crowd.
A. The best time to visit is during the summer and winter.
A. The temple opened at 4.00 a.m morning and close 10.00 p.m at night.