Who could imagine a goddess worshipped for both causing and curing diseases? Here at the Jai Sheetla Mata Mandir, we unravel this intriguing paradox. Jai Sheetla Mata Mandir is dedicated to Sheetla Mata, the goddess of smallpox. She is revered as both the source of the disease and its cure. This makes her a powerful and complex figure in Hindu mythology. The Jai Sheetla Mata Mandir stands as a testament to this belief.
The name “Sheetla” itself means “the cooling one”. She’s often depicted riding a donkey, carrying a broom to sweep away disease, a winnowing fan to gather germs, a pot of water for purification, and a bowl to contain the collected maladies. Here at the Jai Sheetla Mata Mandir, devotees come seeking her blessings for protection from and healing of illnesses like smallpox and chickenpox. One story tells of Sheetla Mata’s first appearance from a sacrificial fire. Lord Brahma declared that humans would always worship her, as long as she carried the seeds of the urad daal lentil. These lentils, however, would later transform into smallpox germs.
Sheetla Mata, along with Jvarasura, the demon of fever, journeyed to visit other gods. Along the way, they inadvertently spread disease. The gods, afflicted by the illnesses, pleaded with Sheetla Mata for mercy. They requested her to take her burden of disease to Earth. She agreed, and her first stop was at the court of King Birat, a devotee of Shiva. King Birat offered Sheetla Mata a place in his kingdom, but refused to place her above Shiva. In response, Sheetla Mata unleashed a wave of pox upon his people. Only when King Birat relented did Sheetla Mata heal his kingdom. The Jai Sheetla Mata Mandir echoes this story. It serves as a place where people acknowledge the power of Sheetla Mata over disease. They seek her favor and protection.
Inside the Jai Sheetla Mata Mandir, devotees offer prayers and rituals to appease the goddess. They believe that by honoring Sheetla Mata, they can mitigate the impact of illness and find relief from suffering. The temple’s very existence highlights the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in preventing disease. It encourages devotees to maintain clean surroundings. The Jai Sheetla Mata Mandir offers a unique glimpse into the intersection of faith and health.