Introduction
Sheetala Mata Temple is located in Chaksu, Jaipur district, Rajasthan. This ancient temple, believed to be around 500 years old, is dedicated to Sheetala Mata, the goddess revered as the protector from smallpox and other diseases. Unique to this temple is the worship of a broken idol of the goddess. Sheetala Mata, also known as Mahamai and the protector of children, is worshipped chiefly by the Prajapati/Kumhar community.

Religious Significance
Sheetala Mata is highly respected in Rajasthan and across India, especially for her power to heal illnesses like smallpox. The temple sits atop the scenic Sheel Ki Dungri hill, about 300 meters high, giving devotees a serene environment to seek blessings and relief from ailments. The goddess’s symbolic icons include a burning earthen lamp and a clay pot, and her vehicle is a donkey.

Every year, during the month of Chaitra (March-April), a grand fair known as Sheetala Ashtami or Basoda is celebrated with great fervor. Devotees offer cold, aged food as prasad, a tradition rooted in legend that worshipping Mata with leftover food wards off diseases.

Legend
As per folklore, Sheetala Mata descended to Earth with pulses in her hands. After a conflict with King Virat, whose subjects were afflicted by skin diseases due to her anger, the king apologized by offering her raw milk and cold buttermilk. Since then, worship on Sheetala Ashtami includes offering leftover cold food to the goddess for health and prosperity.

Visiting Information
The temple is situated approximately 40 kilometers from Jaipur on Tonk Road and is accessible by bus, taxi, or private vehicle. The nearest railway station is Chaksu, around 9 kilometers from the temple, with easy auto or taxi transport available. Jaipur Airport also connects travelers from distant places to Chaksu. The temple offers an excellent pilgrimage experience throughout the year, with peak visits during the annual fair.

Cultural Importance
During the festival, devotees from nearby regions including Jaipur, Tonk, and Sanganer gather to participate in the celebrations, making it a vibrant cultural event. The temple hill’s stones are also revered and taken by devotees for worship in their homes.

Other Attractions Nearby
Travelers exploring the Sheetala Mata Temple can also visit the Akshayanidhi Adishwar Dham, a notable Jain temple nearby, renowned for its impressive architecture and spiritual significance.

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