Sheetla Mata Mandir Varanasi
शीतला माता मंदिर वाराणसी
Siddhapith Shri Badi Shitala Mata Mandir is an ancient and highly revered shrine located at the adjacent Sheetla Ghat, just a few steps away from the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. Dedicated to Goddess Sheetla, who is worshipped as the protector against epidemics, poxes, and diseases, this temple holds a significant place in the spiritual fabric of Kashi. It is believed that paying respects here purifies the mind, body, and soul, bringing health, peace, and prosperity to the devotees.
Goddess Sheetla Mata (An Incarnation of Goddess Durga)
Dashashwamedh Ghat / Sheetla Ghat, Varanasi Sheetla Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - 221001, India.
Daily Hours: 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM Morning Aarti: 06:30 AM Evening Aarti: 07:30 PM
Sheetla Ashtami (Basoda): A major festival dedicated to the Goddess where devotees do not light fires in their home kitchens and offer pre-cooked, cold food (Basoda) to the deity as a mark of respect to her cooling nature.
Positioned perfectly on the bustling riverfront of Kashi, the Sheetla Mata Mandir overlooks the majestic River Ganga. Located on the northern side of Dashashwamedh Ghat—where the world-famous Ganga Aarti takes place—the area surrounding the temple is universally known as Sheetla Ghat. Unlike large modern temple complexes, this historical shrine offers a traditional, intimate, and raw spiritual atmosphere that captures the true essence of ancient Banaras.
The temple houses a beautiful, small idol of Goddess Sheetla Mata, who is depicted riding a donkey and carrying a broom, a cooling pot (Kalash), and neem leaves—symbols representing cleanliness, cooling grace, and medicinal healing. Devotees visiting the Dashashwamedh Ghat for a holy dip in the Ganga invariably stop by this temple to seek the blessings of the Mother Goddess. The sight of the temple overlooking the serene river flow during sunset provides an unforgettable spiritual experience.
History & Significance
The history of Sheetla Mata Mandir is deeply rooted in local folklore and ancient Puranic traditions. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Sheetla is the divine embodiment of nature's cooling power. In ancient times, when medicine was limited, smallpox, chickenpox, and high fevers were viewed as manifestations of the Goddess's heat. This temple was established to pacify that heat and seek protection from deadly plagues and viral outbreaks.
The temple's proximity to Dashashwamedh Ghat adds to its profound religious significance. Dashashwamedh is the spot where Lord Brahma performed the ten ashvamedha sacrifices. Being situated on this spiritual power-spot makes the Sheetla Mata temple a "Siddhapith" (a seat of fulfilled desires). It is widely believed that offering holy Ganga water mixed with milk and neem leaves to the deity helps cure ailments and keeps families safe from infectious diseases.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the winter season from October to March when the pleasant weather makes ghat-hopping comfortable. Spiritually, the absolute best times to visit are during the Chaitra Navratri (March–April), Sharad Navratri (October–November), and on Sheetla Ashtami, when special pujas and rituals are performed, and the temple is beautifully decorated.
