Sheetla Mata Mandir

What it is

The temple is dedicated to Sheetala Mata, and devotees count it among the Shakti Peeths. It stands in Gurgaon village next to a temple pond, in the oldest part of the city, and for many local families it is the first temple they visit on any big occasion. Many come here for a child's mundan, the first haircut.

Getting there

It is about 3 km from Gurugram railway station and a little less from the bus stand. There is no metro nearby. From the Yellow Line, an auto from IFFCO Chowk or MG Road is the usual way. The roads near the temple are narrow, and on mela days it is better to leave the car well away and walk the last stretch.

When to go

The two big fairs fall in the Hindu months of Chaitra, around March and April, and Ashadh, around June and July. Navratri and the days around Diwali are also very busy. For a quiet visit, go early on a weekday morning outside these times.

Good to know

Dress modestly and expect to leave your shoes outside. On mela days hold small children by the hand in the crowd. Shops along the approach sell flowers, sweets and offerings, and they get very busy before festivals. On ordinary weekday mornings you will mostly see local regulars stopping in on their way to work.