Shri Sheetala Mata Temple

There is a legend about this temple. There was a shrine, sacred to the goddess Devi, locally known as Masani at the village of Kesopur in the Delhi district. Some two hundred and fifty years ago according to tradition, the Goddess appeared in a dream to one Singha, a Jat of some influence and a resident at the village of Gurgoan. The Devi communicated to Singha that she wished to leave Kesopur and directed him to construct a shrine for her in his village. At the same time, she authorised the fortunate Singha to appropriate all the offerings at her shrine. The orders of the goddess were promptly carried out. The shrine was built and flourished, its fame spreading far and wide.

Although it is placed on a comparatively narrow road, the temple sprawls over a large area. Situated on the main road, the temple does not have a car parking area. Outside the gate leading to the premises of the temple, there are two shops selling things for sacred offerings where they have packages wrapped in a basket & priced differently, ready to be sold to the pilgrims.

Once you enter the gate, a concrete path leads you inside the premises of the temple. The entrance is wide enough to handle the rush that throngs the temple during the festivities. Further up, an arched structure stands midway & is lined with well-maintained lawns on one end & the other end hosts a small structure housing other deities. The plants have also been placed in risen platforms bordered by concrete which acts like a resting place for the pilgrims.

The sanctum, inside, is built like a large hallway leading to a small room & the large hallway provides a glimpse of the main idol & the seating area for the pilgrims. The narrow path bordered with railings leads to the area which houses Sheetla Mata. The deity is surrounded in a room & the pilgrims cannot go near it but can offer their prayers from a window-like structure built at a distance from the idol.

One look at the deity leaves you mesmerised. It is finished in gold polish & is embellished with precious jewels, beautiful clothes & the huge gold nose ring enhances the idol who is seated in a silver-polished arched structure. Hindu priests take your offerings & provide you with Parshad (sacred offering of food).