If you ask anyone in Gurugram about its most famous temple, chances are they’ll say Sheetla Mata Mandir. This isn’t just a place of worship – it’s the soul of the city. Every day, thousands of devotees walk through its gates carrying flowers, sweets, and prayers in their hearts.
The temple is dedicated to Mata Sheetla, the goddess of healing and protection. People believe she has the power to cure fevers, keep families safe, and bring peace to homes. What makes this temple even more special is its deep link with the Mahabharata, one of India’s greatest epics.
Whether you come for faith, history, or curiosity, the moment you step inside, the scent of incense, the sound of bells, and the chants of devotees create an energy that feels both powerful and calming.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need – from temple timings and Navratri hours to the story of Sheetla Mata, distance from Delhi, rituals, and tips for your visit.
The Story Behind Sheetla Mata Mandir
Every temple has a story, but this one is woven with history and legend.
Long ago, Gurugram was the land of Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata. His wife, Kripi (also called Lalitha), was a gentle soul. She cared for children and people suffering from smallpox and skin diseases at a time when no medicine existed. Locals started calling her Mata Sheetla, the cooling mother who brought relief from burning fevers.
When she passed away, people built a small shrine in her memory. Centuries later, King Jawahar Singh of Bharatpur expanded it into a proper temple after he won a battle against the Mughals. He had prayed to Sheetla Mata before the war, and after his victory, he fulfilled his promise by building this grand temple.
There’s another story too. People of Keshopur (Delhi) also worshipped Sheetla Mata, and both villages claimed her. Finally, it is said that Begum Samru, a powerful lady of the Mughal court, consecrated the goddess in Gurugram after her child was cured of smallpox. Since then, Gurugram became the home of Masani Mata (another local name for Sheetla Mata).
Where is Sheetla Mata Mandir in Gurugram?
The temple is in Sheetla Mata Road, Old Gurugram, near sector 6. Unlike the shiny glass towers that define modern Gurgaon, this part of the city still carries an old-world charm. Narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, and shops selling flowers, prasad, and incense surround the temple.
If you are coming by car, parking is a bit tight, so it’s better to come early in the morning. Auto-rickshaws and cabs from any part of Gurugram can easily take you there. Do not miss the opportunity to travel to Sheetla Mata Temple, book your one-way car for Gurgaon, and get the blessings of the mata.
Is Sheetla Mata Mandir a Shakti Peeth?
Many locals and devotees believe this temple is one of the Shakti Peeths of India. In these holy places, parts of Goddess Sati’s body are said to have fallen. According to some traditions, Sati’s left breast fell here, which is why this site is considered so powerful.
Even if different lists of Shakti Peeths vary, faith here is strong. For devotees, there is no doubt – this is a place of divine feminine energy.
How to Worship or “Impress” Sheetla Mata
So people also ask – “How do we make Mata happy?” The answer is simple: devotion and purity. But here are the common practices devotees follow:
- Offerings: Flowers, sweets, milk and water. Cold foods like kheer (rice pudding) are special.
- Fasting: Many fast on Tuesdays and Fridays, or on Sheetla Ashtami.
- Cleanliness: Mata loves purity. A clean bath, simple clothes and a clean heart matters most.
- Chants: Reciting Sheetla Mata Chalisa or her aarti brings peace.
- Charity: Offering food or help to the needy is a powerful way to seek her blessings.
Timings of Sheetla Mata Mandir
- Normal Days: The temple opens around 6:00 AM and closes around 8:00 PM. In some seasons, it opens earlier (5:00 AM) and closes by 9:00 PM.
- Navratri Festival: During Navratri, the temple is almost open 24 hours, with short breaks for cleaning and rituals. Devotees queue up day and night and the energy of the place is electric.
👉 Tip: If you want a peaceful darshan, try visiting between 6:00–8:00 AM before the rush begins.
Sheetla Mata Mandir Distance from Delhi
From Delhi it’s about 30–35 km away. From IGI Airport it’s about 15-20 km. Depending on traffic it takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to reach.
Many people from Delhi come for a day trip early morning, complete darshan, enjoy local food and return by evening.
What You’ll See Inside the Temple
When you enter, the first thing you notice is the red colour sanctum where the goddess is worshipped. The walls are filled with sindoor and marigold flowers. There’s a small pond nearby where devotees offer water and pray.
Around the main sanctum you’ll also find shrines of Hanuman, Shiva and Shani. The sound of bells, the smell of incense and the chanting of devotees creates an atmosphere that’s both powerful and peaceful.
During Navratri the entire temple lane is decorated with lights and the energy is something you won’t forget.
Best Time to Visit
- Navratri (March–April, September–October): The most festive time, however extremely crowded.
- Sheetla Ashtami (after Holi): Special rituals and offerings.
- Early Mornings (any season): It’s a peaceful darshan, with not much crowd.
Insider Tips for Visitors
- Bring only what you need. Bags are checked on entry and large items are not allowed.
- If you are with kids or elders, try to avoid peak festival hours, as the queues can get very long.
- Try the delicious prasad shops located outside– the peda and laddoos are very good.
- If possible, combine your visit with nearby heritage sites such as the Dronacharya Temple or Bhim Kund, and do a complete Gurugram spiritual tour!
Why Visit Sheetla Mata Mandir?
This temple is not just about religion – it’s about faith, healing and history. For centuries people have come here with prayers for health and protection. Some ask for children, some for relief from illness and some just for peace of mind.
Even today the temple has the same magic. When you bow before the goddess, you feel a sense of calm. For locals, Mata is more than a deity – she is a mother who listens, protects and blesses.
Final Thoughts
The Sheetla Mata Mandir in Gurugram is a blend of myth, history, and living tradition. Just a short drive from Delhi, it’s one of those places where the spiritual and the mundane meet. Whether you go for faith, curiosity or history, the temple will leave an impact on you.
If you are planning a Delhi trip, don’t miss this – a visit here is not just darshan, it’s an experience of heritage, healing and devotion.
FAQs
The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM on normal days. During Navratri it remains open almost 24 hours with short breaks for rituals and cleaning.
The temple is about 30–35 km from central Delhi and 25–30 km from IGI Airport. Depending on traffic it takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by car.
The temple is linked to Kripi (Lalitha) wife of Guru Dronacharya from Mahabharata. She used to take care of smallpox patients and after her death she was worshipped as Sheetla Mata the goddess of healing. Later, King Jawahar Singh of Bharatpur expanded the temple after his victory over Mughals.
Yes, local traditions and Haryana tourism recognize the temple as one of the Shakti Peeths of India where parts of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen.
Devotees offer flowers, sweets, milk and cool foods like kheer. Many fast on Tuesdays, Fridays or on Sheetla Ashtami. Cleanliness, chanting of Sheetla Mata Chalisa and helping the needy is also considered as ways to get her blessings.
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