How to Reach

From Delhi to Shitla Mata Mandir-Jind:

• By Road: Jind is about 160 km from Delhi. Regular buses and taxis are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate and other terminals.
• By Train: Direct trains are available from Delhi to Jind Junction. From the railway station, the temple can be reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. From there, road or rail transport can be used to reach Jind.

From Ahmedabad to Shitla Mata Mandir-Jind:

• By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad to Delhi or Chandigarh. From there, travel by road or train to Jind.
• By Train: Trains are available from Ahmedabad Junction to Delhi or Rohtak, followed by a connecting train or road journey to Jind.
• By Road: Long-distance buses and private taxis are available, though this option is time-consuming.

History of the Temple

Shitla Mata Mandir in Jind, Haryana, is dedicated to Goddess Shitla, who is worshipped as the protector from diseases, especially smallpox and other infectious illnesses. The temple holds great religious importance among devotees in Haryana and nearby regions. According to local beliefs, the worship of Goddess Shitla has been practiced here for several centuries. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for good health, protection from ailments, and overall well-being. The temple becomes especially vibrant during Shitla Ashtami, when thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers and traditional offerings.

Main Poojas Performed

The rituals at the temple are centered around the concept of “Sheetal” (cooling), aimed at protecting devotees from “heat-borne” ailments like smallpox and chickenpox.

• • Sheetala Ashtami Pooja (Basoda): The most critical ritual where “stale” or pre-cooked food (Basoda) is offered to the deity. It is believed the Goddess should not be subjected to the heat of a fresh stove on this day.
  • Shodashopachar Pooja: A formal 16-step worship ritual involving the offering of water, flowers, incense, and lamps to the deity.
  • Mundan Sanskar: A very popular ritual at this temple where the first haircut of a child is performed to seek the Goddess’s protection over the child’s health.
  • Daily Aarti: Performed twice daily (morning and evening) to invoke the presence of the Goddess.

Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja

The temple follows traditional North Indian customs regarding modesty

Men:

• • Recommended to wear dhoti-kurta or simple pajama-kurta. While western casuals like trousers are permitted, shorts and sleeveless tops should be avoided.

Women:

• • Traditional attire such as Saree or Salwar-Kameez is preferred. It is customary to cover the head with a dupatta or the end of a saree while inside the sanctum.

Restrictions:

• • Leather items (belts, wallets, shoes) must be left outside the main shrine area. Devotees are expected to be in a state of physical cleanliness (having bathed recently).

Official Websites

The temple is managed by the Shri Mata Shitla Devi Shrine Board (SMSDSB), which is a statutory body under the Government of Haryana.

Government/Board Link:
https://sheetlamatamandir.com/
Local Administration:
https://jind.gov.in/