She is the Goddess of sores, poxes and diseases. Widely worshipped to get relief from illness, the divinity of Sheetala devi is celebrated in many temples that stands in her name. One such shrine is the abode of Goddess next to the Chintpurni shrine. Though not a Shaktipeetha, the temple is part of the Nav Shakthipeetha yatra or  Nav Durga temples, where the nine aspects of Durga is worshipped.

Location Himachal Pradesh, Una, Shimla

Legend

Mythology regarding Sheetla devi, regards her as the incarnation of Durga to cure the diseases.  The story goes that Goddess Durga had once incarnated as Katyayani, the daughter of sage Katyayan. A demon named Jwarasur, started spreading incurable diseases  to wreck havoc on earth. To relieve the world from all fevers and diseases, Katyayani assumed the form of Sheetala Devi. She is described as having four hands, each holding a broom, winnowing fan, jar of cooling water and a drinking cup.

This temple is part of famous Nava Shakthipeeth Yatra.

Architecture

The shrine simple in its architecture is atop a hillock. Tiled walls and floors cover the shrine that had two huge bells hanging at the entrance. The sanctum enshrines the image of Devi adorned with flowers and jewels. The temple tree is covered with red chunni and thread tied by devotees

Culture

Kangra with its scenic beauty is a famous tourist destination. Tea is a major crop cultivated here and Kangra tea is famous all over the world for its rich aroma.

Darsan Info

Sheetala devi temple timings - 4.30 AM to 10.00 PM in Summer and 5.00 AM to 9.30 PM in winter. The temple is a part of the Nav Devi darshan yatra covering the nine abodes of Shakthi across Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Jammu & Kashmir

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

October - Navrathri

Temple Rituals

The priests perform daily rituals and puja to the deity. They perform puja with the offerings given by the devotees.

Special Rituals

The temple is visited by devotees as they believe that worshiping here will cure their diseases. Devotees tie a red string to the tree to get their wishes fulfilled.

Additional Info

 

Shri Hirnanmai

Hotel Jai Maa

The taste centre

Supermarket : Available