How to Reach

From Delhi to Shitla Mata Mandir Neemrana

• By Road: Neemrana is about 120 km from Delhi. One can travel via NH-48 (Delhi–Jaipur Highway). Regular buses and taxis are available from Delhi.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Rewari Junction (approx. 35 km). From Rewari, taxis and buses are available.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. From the airport, Neemrana can be reached by road.

From Ahmedabad to Shitla Mata Mandir Neemrana

• By Road: The distance from Ahmedabad to Neemrana is approximately 700 km. One can travel via NH-48 by bus or private vehicle.
• By Train: Trains are available from Ahmedabad Junction to Rewari or Alwar. From there, Neemrana can be reached by taxi or bus.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. From Delhi, Neemrana is reachable by road.

History of the Temple

Shitla Mata Mandir in the Neemrana–Alwar region of Rajasthan is dedicated to Goddess Shitla, who is worshipped as the protector from diseases, especially smallpox and other epidemics. The goddess is believed to have cooling powers and is associated with health, protection, and well-being.

The temple holds great significance among local devotees and pilgrims from nearby regions. According to local beliefs, the worship of Shitla Mata has been practiced for centuries, especially by rural communities seeking protection from illnesses. The temple becomes a major center of devotion during Sheetla Ashtami, when thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers.

The temple has been maintained and developed by devotees and local authorities, preserving its religious importance and cultural heritage.

Main Poojas Performed

The rituals at this temple focus on “cooling” the deity, reflecting the Goddess’s nature.

• • Sheetla Ashtami Pooja (Basoda): This is the primary ritual. Devotees offer Basoda (food cooked the previous day) to the Goddess. It is a strict tradition that no fire is lit in the temple or local kitchens on this day.
  • Shodashopachar Pooja: A formal 16-step worship ritual performed by priests involving the bathing of the idol with cold water, curd, and turmeric to maintain the “coolness” of the deity.
  • Mundan Sanskar: A very popular ritual at this specific shrine where parents bring their children for their first haircut (tonsuring) to seek the Goddess’s protection against ailments.
  • Aarti: Daily morning and evening prayers are performed with lamps (often made of flour), accompanied by the singing of Sheetla Mata Chalisa.

Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja

While there is no rigid “uniform” enforced by a trust website, the following cultural standards are strictly observed by the local community and temple priests:

Men:

• • Traditional attire such as Dhoti-Kurta or Pajama-Kurta is recommended. While modest western wear (trousers and shirts) is allowed, shorts, capris, and sleeveless shirts are discouraged.

Women:

• • Sarees or Salwar Kameez with a Dupatta are the standard. It is a local custom to cover the head with a veil or dupatta while inside the sanctum sanctorum.

Restrictions:

• • Most Rajasthani temples, including this one, request devotees to avoid “revealing” clothing such as mini-skirts, ripped jeans, or sleeveless tops out of respect for the Sanatan culture.

Official Websites

Currently, there is no dedicated independent “official” website for the Neemrana Shitla Mata Mandir Trust. However, information and administrative oversight can be found through:

Government Resource:
https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/alwar.html
Archaeological/Cultural Record:
https://ignca.gov.in/online-digital-resources/archaeological-sites/rajasthan/alwar/shitala-mata-mandir/