A Temple of Faith and Healing
Situated in the serene locality of Nagla Budhi on Central Hindi Institute Road in Agra, the Sheetla Mata Mandir stands as one of the region’s most revered shrines dedicated to Goddess Sheetla Mata. The temple is a center of immense devotion, especially during the auspicious festival of Navratri, when thousands of devotees gather to worship the Divine Mother. Known as the Goddess of Purity, Health, and Protection, Sheetla Mata is believed to cure diseases, particularly smallpox and other infections, and to bless her devotees with well-being and peace.
Agra Sheetla Mata Mandir Navratri festival 2026 date is from October 11 to October 20. Chaitra Navratri festival is from March 19 to March 27, 2026
The temple, though simple in structure, holds a deep spiritual atmosphere that resonates with the faith of countless pilgrims who visit it year after year. The chants of “Jai Sheetala Mata Ki” echo through the air as devotees offer prayers and seek blessings during this sacred period.
The Spiritual Essence of Navratri at the Temple
The festival of Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is one of the most important celebrations in Hindu tradition. It honors the nine forms of Goddess Durga, who embodies divine energy (Shakti) that sustains and protects the universe. During this period, devotees at the Sheetla Mata Mandir perform daily rituals, offer flowers, sweets, and light lamps to the Goddess, and chant verses from the Devi Mahatmya and Durga Saptashati.
A verse from the Devi Mahatmya (Chapter 11, Verse 10) beautifully conveys the spirit of devotion:
“Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah”
Salutations again and again to the Divine Mother who abides in all beings in the form of power.
The faithful believe that worshipping Sheetla Mata during Navratri not only grants protection from ailments but also purifies the mind and soul.
Peak Festivities: Ashtami and Navami Celebrations
The largest crowds at the temple gather on Ashtami (eighth day) and Navami (ninth day) of Navratri, which are considered highly auspicious. These days mark the culmination of nine days of prayer, fasting, and devotion. Devotees line up since early morning to offer their prayers and seek the Goddess’s blessings.
One of the most significant rituals performed is the Kanya Puja, where young girls symbolizing the nine forms of the Goddess are worshipped. Their feet are washed, they are adorned with flowers, and are offered food, gifts, and blessings. This tradition reflects the teaching from the Skanda Purana which states:
“Kanya ye Devi Rupena Pujyante Lokasangrahah, Tasam Pujanamatrena Sarva Deva Namaskritah.”
By worshipping young girls as embodiments of the Goddess, one gains the merit of worshipping all the Devas.
Local Traditions and Devotee Practices
In Agra’s local tradition, devotees often bring offerings of cooked food and sweets, especially bhoondi, poori, and halwa, which are later distributed as prasadam. Families visit the temple together, carrying clay lamps, red cloths, and garlands of marigolds to adorn the idol of Sheetla Mata. Devotees also tie sacred threads around the temple premises, symbolizing their wishes for health, peace, and protection.
As the evening aarti (prayer) begins, the temple courtyard is illuminated with countless lamps, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of devotion and light — representing the triumph of purity over impurity, and divine energy over ignorance.
Symbolism and Significance
Sheetla Mata, revered as the divine healer, embodies the cleansing and nurturing aspects of the Mother Goddess. The Sanskrit word Sheetla means “coolness” — symbolizing relief, calmness, and the soothing of afflictions. Her worship teaches the importance of purity, compassion, and self-discipline. The rituals performed during Navratri remind devotees of the eternal truth expressed in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 22):
“Ananyash chintayanto mam ye janah paryupasate, Tesham nityabhiyuktanam yoga-kshemam vahamyaham.”
Those who meditate on Me with unwavering devotion — I provide what they need and protect what they have.
A Living Center of Faith
The Sheetla Mata Mandir in Nagla Budhi is not just a place of worship — it is a living center of divine energy and collective faith. The Navratri celebrations here unite people of all ages and backgrounds in a shared spiritual experience rooted in centuries of Hindu belief and scripture. For the devotees of Agra, visiting this temple during Navratri is not merely a ritual — it is an act of surrender to the compassionate power of the Mother who protects, purifies, and blesses all who come before her.
