Sheetla Devi Temple is situated at Gurgaon village, a suburb of Gurgaon, in the state of Haryana. The temple, standing near a pond, is dedicated to Mata Sheetla Devi. Sheetala Mata Mandir, situated near Delhi, is at times referred to as a 'Shakti Peeth' and is considered as one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in India. The temple is flooded by hoards of devotees, especially during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). During this period also, the rush is exceptionally heavy on Mondays.
The Legends of Sheetala Mata Temple : There are many legends, which are connected with the building of the present temple of Shri Mata Sheetla Devi. According to one legend, a poor carpenter living in Farukh Nagar had a beautiful daughter of marriageable age. On hearing about her beauty, the Mughal ruler expressed his desire to get married to the girl. The carpenter resented giving away her daughter to a person from a different religion and so appealed to King Surajmal of Bharatpur. The matter being outside his jurisdiction, the king refused to interfere. The disappointed carpenter met Prince Bharatpur, son of King Surajmal while returning home who tried to talk it out with his father but to no avail.Consequently, the prince revolted against his father. On his way to attack Delhi, he passed through Gurgaon and he pledged to the Shri Mata Sheetla Devi that if he returned victorious, he would build a proper temple. The prince won and upon his return, he built the temple. There is another version of the same temple. It is said that when prince of Bharatpur was proceeding towards , he and his army rested at Ballabhgarh. But the horses refused to move further from here. The court astrologer was summoned to explain the strange behaviour of the horses, whereupon it was found that since obeisance was not paid the goddess after entering Gurgaon on their way, this had angered her. Thus an elaborate worship of the goddess was arranged and the horses started moving. The prince pledged that he would build a temple on his victorious return.
Nearby Places of Interest : Sohna Sulphur Springs - The tiny town with pretty name, Sohna is credited with sulphur springs. This is situated in the heart of the town by the side of a perpendicular rock and is approachable only on foot through small narrow lanes where vehicles can not pass. The water is strongly sulphurate and its temperature varies from 46 - 51 degrees. The present site of main kund, called Shiv Kund, is believed to have been the ancient abode of hermits. The hot water is believed to have curative effect on skin infections and diseases like gout and rheumatism. Hindus consider the tank sacred and come for a dip in its water on solar/lunar eclipse and Somavati Amavasya. The complex is studded with an extravagance of colourful flowers, trees and shrubs. Its vast landscape with peacocks strutting about grips one with all its beauty and splendor. Sohna by night becomes a wonderland of lights, simply bewitching.
Getting there and Around : By Air - The nearest airport is New Delhi. By Road - The state transport buses connect Gurgaon to neighboring cities with in the state and in neighboring states. By Rail - Nearest big Railway Stations are New Delhi & Nizamudin Local Transport: Taxis, metered auto-rickshaws, private buses and state buses.
City: Gurgaon
State: Haryana
Type of Construction: Ancient
Type of Building: Temple
Dedicated To: Goddess Durga
Other Deities: Sheetala devi
Religion: Hinduism
Location : Gurgaon, (Haryana)
Presiding Deity : Shri Mata Sheetla Devi
Significance : Shakti-Peeth
Time For Festivity : Through Out The Year Except August, Sept and Nov. to Feb.