Nestled in the tranquil village of Rindhana, located in the Bhiwani district of Haryana, the Shitla Mata Temple stands as a beacon of healing, devotion, and ancient spiritual traditions. Revered by thousands across Northern India, this temple is dedicated to Shitla Mata, the goddess believed to protect devotees from smallpox, skin diseases, and epidemics. Her blessings are sought for health, happiness, and peace.
History and Origin
The origins of the Shitla Mata Temple in Rindhana are woven deeply into the fabric of folklore and local belief. While the exact date of its foundation remains lost in antiquity, oral traditions suggest that the temple may have existed for several centuries, with the earliest mentions dating back to the medieval period.
Mythological Context: Shitla Mata is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Legends narrate that during times of rampant diseases, the goddess took a benign form to heal the afflicted and protect villages.
Village Protection: It is said that the village of Rindhana once faced repeated epidemics. Following divine visions and miracles attributed to Shitla Mata, the villagers erected a shrine in her honor, laying the foundation for the temple we see today.
Over time, the temple evolved from a simple shrine into a significant center of worship, drawing pilgrims from surrounding districts and even from neighboring states.
Foundation and Development
The foundation of the temple was initiated by the local community under spiritual guidance. Initially, it might have been a humble platform under a sacred tree, a common beginning for rural temples in India.
Renovations: Over the decades, the temple underwent numerous renovations funded by devotees.
Trust Formation: A temple trust, managed by villagers and local spiritual leaders, now oversees temple activities, maintenance, and festival organization.
Modern Enhancements: Today, the temple complex includes a proper sanctum (garbhagriha), outer walls adorned with religious motifs, and facilities for pilgrims.
Architecture
The architecture of the Shitla Mata Temple in Rindhana is simple yet spiritually evocative, reflecting traditional North Indian rural temple styles:
Sanctum (Garbhagriha): The inner sanctum houses the idol of Shitla Mata, typically depicted seated on a donkey, holding a broom, neem leaves, and a pot.
Temple Facade: The walls are painted with scenes from Devi mythology and vibrant colors symbolic of purity and energy.
Shikhara (Dome): The temple's spire rises modestly but elegantly, crowned with a sacred Kalash (urn).
Open Courtyard: A large open courtyard allows space for community gatherings, rituals, and fairs.
Yajna Shala: An area dedicated for yajnas (fire rituals) is often found nearby, used during festivals.
Rituals and Worship
Worship at the Shitla Mata Temple is deeply rooted in ancient customs:
Puja Offerings: Devotees offer cold food (called "Basi Bhojan") such as puris, rice, and sweets. It is believed that Mata prefers food cooked the previous day.
Neem Leaves: Neem leaves, symbolizing health and protection, are often offered to the goddess.
Water Pots: Clay pots filled with water are kept in the temple to symbolize life, purity, and healing.
Animal Symbolism: Donkeys, the goddess’s vahana (vehicle), are sometimes decorated and worshiped during festivals.
Aarti and Daily Schedule
The temple follows a simple but spiritually charged daily routine:
Morning Aarti: At around 5:00 AM, the day begins with a Mangala Aarti, invoking Shitla Mata’s blessings for a new day.
Midday Puja: Devotees gather around 12:00 PM for the main offering of food and chants.
Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM witnesses the Sandhya Aarti, where lamps are lit, and the temple resonates with devotional songs and prayers.
During major festivals like Shitla Ashtami, special aartis and communal feasts are organized, drawing thousands of visitors.
Timings for Visitors
Opening Time: 5:00 AM
Closing Time: 8:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for a serene experience.
The temple remains particularly crowded during Shitla Ashtami and local fairs.
Travel and How to Reach
Rindhana is well-connected by road, and reaching the temple is relatively easy:
Nearest Railway Station: Bhiwani Junction (about 35-40 km away)
By Road: Rindhana can be accessed via personal vehicle, taxis, or local buses from major cities like Bhiwani, Rohtak, and Hisar.
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (around 120-130 km away)
Local auto-rickshaws or e-rickshaws are available from nearby towns to the temple premises.
Nearby Places to Explore
Bhiwani Temples: Famous for numerous temples and historical sites.
Star Monument: A unique architectural wonder in Bhiwani dedicated to Param Sant Tara Chand Ji Maharaj.
Rohtak City: Known for educational institutions and parks.
Charkhi Dadri: For traditional Haryana culture and small village experiences.
A spiritual journey to Rindhana can be combined with a rural tourism exploration of Haryana.
Festivals and Special Occasions
The temple comes alive during:
Shitla Ashtami (8th day of Krishna Paksha, Chaitra month): Celebrated with grand festivities, special prayers, cultural events, and fairs.
Navratri: Though mainly associated with Durga, Shitla Mata worship is integrated during these nine auspicious nights.
Annual Fairs: Organized by the temple trust, involving community feasts, folk music, and charitable activities.
Spiritual Significance
Shitla Mata is revered as:
The Healer: Goddess who cures diseases, particularly smallpox, measles, and chickenpox.
Protector of Children: Many devotees bring their newborns to the temple for blessings.
Guardian of the Community: Offering prayers here is believed to protect entire villages from epidemics and natural disasters.
For devotees, visiting the temple symbolizes a surrender to divine protection and a hope for health, prosperity, and spiritual cleansing.
The Shitla Mata Temple of Rindhana is not just a religious site but a living testimony of faith, healing, and rural devotion that has withstood the trials of time. Amidst the fast-paced world, this sacred place reminds one of the enduring connection between humanity, health, and the divine mother’s blessings.
A visit to Rindhana’s Shitla Mata Temple is not merely a trip — it is a soulful journey into the heart of India’s timeless devotion.
Share this post