Ma Sheetla Chaukia Mandir is a famous temple dedicated to
Goddess Sheetala Devi at Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh. The temple is located around
60 km from Varanasi .
Jaunpur Goddess Sheetala
Devi Temple Mali of the region had a dream in
which Ma Sheetala told him about Her murti hidden in the pond.
The present temple was constructed in 1874 AD by a person in
the region who was blessed with children after praying to the Goddess.
The main murti worshipped in the temple is south facing.
Devotees can enter the shrine from east and west.
The murti of Goddess Sheetala Devi is made out of a rare
black stone and is adorned with a crown. It is three feet in height and the
most striking feature of the murti is its bulging eyes. Only the face of
Goddess is visible as rest of the part of the body is always covered with
marigold garlands.
The main temple is located in a huge area and the height of
the dome of the main temple is around 20 feet.
The main sanctum sanctorum also has murtis of Gallau Ma,
Jurputi Ma, Chaura Ma, Chhailehi Ma and Dullaro Ma. There are also murtis of
Ganesha and Ma khujli in the shrine.
At the entrance of the temple is the murti of Agwan Baba,
brother of Goddess Sheetala.
Shringar in the temple is performed with roli instead of the
regular sindoor.
Sacrifices are not made in the shrine but people bring animals
perform puja and then take them back.
Bells and threads are tied for desire fulfillment.
The annual festival in the shrine is observed from January
23 to January 25. Other important festivals that are observed here are Navrati
and Krishna Janmashtami.
Special days in a week are Tuesdays and
Saturdays, when special prayer and chanting of Ramcharitmanas is performed.
Special havan and pujas are organized on all Purnima or full moon days.