Just 1.5 km from Gehrwin in Bilaspur district lies the tranquil Sheetla Mata Temple, nestled in the village of Jangla. Built in the middle of a sacred water tank, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Sheetla, revered across India as the divine protector against heat-borne diseases and a symbol of purity, peace, and maternal care.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Jangla village, near Gehrwin, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: ~700 meters above sea level
- Nearest Town: Gehrwin (1.5 km), Bilaspur (40 km)
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Accessible via NH-103 and local roads from Bilaspur and Hamirpur
- By Rail: Nearest station – Kiratpur Sahib (~85 km)
- By Air: Chandigarh International Airport (~140 km)
A concrete pathway leads across the tank to the temple, creating a peaceful and reflective approach for devotees.
🛕 Mythological Significance
Goddess Sheetla Mata is believed to be the younger sister of Badol Devi, and is associated with coolness, healing, and protection from diseases like smallpox and chickenpox. In many traditions, she is seen as a manifestation of the divine feminine who soothes suffering and restores balance.
According to local legend, a villager from Jangla dreamt that the goddess instructed him to install her idol in a place surrounded by water. Guided by this vision, he discovered the current site and established the temple, fulfilling the goddess’s wish for a cool, serene abode.
🕉️ Deity & Worship
- The goddess is worshipped in her Shakti form, often associated with healing and maternal care
- Devotees offer milk, rice, jaggery, and neem leaves, believed to ward off illness
- The temple is especially visited by families seeking protection for children and relief from fevers
🏛️ Temple Highlights
- Built in the center of a water tank, symbolizing the goddess’s affinity for coolness and purity
- The idol was sculpted in Makhowal, near Anandpur Sahib, and is known for its serene expression
- Surrounded by trees and water, the temple offers a naturally meditative environment
- A footbridge connects the temple to the main road, enhancing its spiritual charm
🎉 Festivals & Rituals
- Sheetla Ashtami (March–April): The most important festival, marked by fasting, offerings, and community prayers
- Navratri: Special pujas and aartis are performed during both Chaitra and Ashwin Navratris
- Daily Worship: Devotees visit throughout the year to offer prayers and seek blessings for health and well-being
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Badol Devi Temple: The elder sister shrine, just 5 km away
- Shahtalai & Deotsidh: Sacred sites of Baba Balak Nath Ji
- Gobind Sagar Lake: Ideal for boating and birdwatching
- Bachhretu Fort: A historic fort with panoramic views of the valley
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Sheetla Mata Temple near Gehrwin is a sanctuary of healing, serenity, and maternal grace. The gentle ripples of the tank, the cool breeze, and the goddess’s calming presence make this temple a place where devotion meets peace. It’s a perfect stop for pilgrims and travelers seeking both spiritual and emotional renewal.
