Shitala Mata Temple

About-Shitala-Mata-Temple
Vital Information for Visitors
Address:

Shitala Mata Temple, Shitala Ghat, Near Bundi Parkota Ghat, Maidagin, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, UP

Open & Close:

Open on all days – 05:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Entry Fees:

Free

Duration:

Approx 30 minutes

Belongs To :

Goddess Shitala

Famous For:

Shitala Mata temple

The temple of Goddess Shitala (Shitala Mata Mandir) is a major tourist attraction in Varanasi. Devotees of the goddess visit the temple frequently but, on Shitalashtami, a large number of Hindus throng here to offer prayer to secure themselves from diseases- the wrath of Goddess Shitala. Only Hindus are permitted to enter the white-colored Shitala Mata Temple. The temple remains open from 5 AM to 11 PM. This goddess is a personification of chicken pox, small pox and accompanied with fever. Since the efforts of various government agencies under the guidance of WHO (World Health Organization) has paid off resulting in eradication of smallpox from India, the Goddess Shitala is now being worshipped in some regions as deity of tuberculosis. As per legend, Goddess Shitala, also called as Mother Shitala, was born only with Lord Brahma, the creator, to be worshipped on earth. This Hindu goddess is both worshipped and feared. Goddess Shitala is not only associated with smallpox but with heat also.

It’s because the viral disease of smallpox is followed by delirium due to high fever. In India, winter lasts till February. Since March, the weather conditions start changing for hotter environment, implying scorching summer season ahead. This transition period (March & April) in season and weather conditions is the time of prevalence of diseases like smallpox, fever etc. Hence, major religious observance, Shitalashtami, comes near the advent of the hot season. Festival of Shilashtami is observed every year on the eighth day of the bright half of the Hindu lunar month of Vaishakh (April-May) to propitiate a jealous, spiteful goddess whose wrath is visited upon those who ignore and displease her. In northern India this festival falls at the advent of the hottest time of year; the climate thus mirrors the heat and fevers brought on by contact with Shitala herself, in her form as smallpox. Although Shitala is conceived as spiteful and jealous, she cannot be ignored, since this will be sure to provoke her wrath. The literal meaning of her name, “Cool One,” can be seen as an attempt to appease her wrath through flattery. Therefore, in order to pacify her anger, the devotees offer cool liquids like cold mild and curd.

Varanasi Tour Packages

Golden Triangle with Mathura Varanasi Haridwar Rishikesh Tour

Golden Triangle with Mathura Varanasi Haridwar Rishikesh Tour

10 Nights / 11 Days
Destination : Delhi- Jaipur-Abhaneri- Fatehpur Sikri- Agra- Varanasi-Haridwar-Rishikesh

Incredible India with Diwali Tour

Incredible India with Diwali Tour

15 Nights / 16 Days
Destination : Delhi-Udaipur-Jaipur-Abhaneri-Fatehpur-Sikri-Agra-Orchha-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Mumbai-Goa

North India Heritage Tour

North India Heritage Tour

9 Nights / 10 Days
Destination : Delhi – Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri- Agra- Gwalior- Orchha-Khajuraho - Varanasi

Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour

Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour

7 Nights / 8 Days
Destination : Delhi - Jaipur - Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Varanasi - Sarnath - Delhi

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