Information of Sheetla Mata Temple, Dhanop, Bhilwara, Rajasthan

Sheetla Mata Temple is located in the village named Dhanop, in Phooliya Kalan tehsil, in the district of Bhilwara, in the state of Rajasthan, in Northwestern India. It is situated on the Shahpur-Vijaypur state highway. It is approximately 85km from the city of Bhilwara. This shrine is popularly known as Dhanop Sheetla Mata Temple. It is an 1100 years old Hindu temple. This temple is largely dedicated to Goddess Sheetla Mata. It is the most colorful Hindu temple in this state. The roof of the shrine is painted in sprinkling white color and the pillars and wall are colored in dark red color. It is one of the most sought after and most frequently visited temple by local people in this region. This shrine is also visited by large number of tourists and visitors from domestic and foreign region with lot of interest.

Sheetla Mata Temple Religious Significance

Sheetla Mata temple of Dhanop has statue of the primary Goddess in five forms namely Annapurna, Ashtbhuja, Chamunda, Bisbhuja and Kalika. On top of the temple there is a big shikhara and six gumbadas. There is one beautiful and attractive statue of Lion that is worshipped by devotees with great faith and devotion. In this temple complex, there are sub-temples dedicated to Lord Shiva-Parvati, rddhi-siddhi, Kartikeya, Ganesha, and chausath joganis. The ruler of Kanauj named Jaychand stayed at this religious spot after a war with neighboring region. He signed a peace treaty with opponent rulers at this religious spot. A well-qualified and vast experienced priest is generally appointed in rotation for two months. It is to be highly noted that the serving priest can't visit his home and meet his family members, friends and close relatives during this period. During navaratra, a huge fair is organized here. A large number of adherent devotees and pilgrims come from far-off places to this particular shrine. As per the local tradition, in vikram samvat dated 1150, Raja Dhundhmar wholeheartedly camped here on navaratra with his large number of army personnel while coming from the region called Hadauti. He devotionally worshiped the goddess here. It is to be remembered that this particular place was known as Tambavati which was due to certain reason changed to Dhanop by Raja Dhundhmar.

Sheetla Mata Temple Architectural Significance

During the rule of Prithvi Raj Chauhan, the sabhamandapa of the shrine was strongly believed to be constructed in a successful manner. The shrine's flooring is made of marble. Within the temple complex, there is a neem tree or Azadirachta indica tree that perfectly looks like a Christmas tree. It is a wish fulfilling tree. The visiting devotees and pilgrims wholeheartedly tie colorful piece of cloth with personal and professional desires and wishes in their heart. It is to be remembered that because of the colorful piece of cloth, the neem tree looks like a Christmas tree throughout the year. The idol of goddess Sheetla (a form of Durga) is made up of black stone and installed in the main sanctum on the raised platform. On auspicious occasion and festive days, the idol is applied with patches of sindoor (vermilion) on it. The ceiling of this temple is marked with bright floral paintings.

Festivals at Sheetla Mata Temple

Sheetla Mata temple of Dhanop is popularly known among the local people, pilgrims and adherent devotees for conducting auspicious days and festive days in a religious manner. The festival out here is celebreated in a garnd way and enhance the importance of te temple among the mass as well as the devotees, who come here from various places across India to offer prayers. The festive days are marked with bright light arrangement and floral design hangers at this shrine. All the major and minor Hindu festival days are celebrated in a religious manner at this shrine with a lot of perfection. A good rush of devotees, pilgrims and local people visit this shrine from far and near with faith and devotion.

It is a beautiful temple which is well known and popular, but along with one can seek blessing from the almighty for a beautiful life ahead.