In Patna, Bihar, near the Ganges River, the Shitla Mata Temple is a sacred spot where devotees come to pray to Goddess Durga, known here as Shitla Mata, the protector from diseases. Shitla Mata Mandir, also called Agamkuan Temple, sits right in Gulzarbagh area, close to the ancient Agam Kuan well, and it’s believed to fulfill wishes for health and healing through true devotion. This old shrine is dedicated to Shitla Devi, a form of Durga who guards against illnesses like smallpox, and it’s seen as a shakti peeth where the seven mother goddesses are also worshipped.
History of Shitla Mata Temple
The Shitla Mata Temple is believed to be more than 2,500 years old, possibly dating back to the Mauryan period. It is closely tied to stories of divine protection and healing. Patna itself, with its long connection to the Ganges and ancient Hindu traditions, has always been considered a sacred city. Local tradition says the temple developed around the Agam Kuan well, which was built by Emperor Ashoka around 240 BC and linked with dark rituals. According to belief, the goddess transformed its cursed waters into a source of healing. Many historians regard this shrine as one of Patna’s oldest, with accounts describing the idol of Shitla Devi as a miraculous appearance that blessed the region.
In earlier centuries, it became popular among people seeking cures, and British records from the 19th century also mention its reputation for healing. After independence in 1947, the temple came under the care of a local trust, which later carried out restoration in the 1990s while preserving its original style.
Architecture of Shitla Mata Temple
The temple is made in a very typical North Indian style, plain but with a deep sacred feeling. It is built mainly of local stone and brick, which gives it an old, rough charm. At the center is the sanctum where the idol of Shitla Mata sits. The space is not very large, yet it feels powerful, the idol covered with silver and colored from daily offerings of sindoor and flowers. Above it rises a small dome with a kalasha on top, a common sight in temples of Bihar. The walls carry carvings of goddess Durga in different forms and other protective marks. Many are worn away with time, but still catch the eye.
Around the courtyard stand stone pillars carved with flowers and figures from old stories. They lead toward the entrance, which has a small gopuram. The gateway is simple, but one can still see faded paintings of the goddess on it. Inside, there are also images of the seven mother goddesses, the saptamatrikas, which add to the holy mood. Close to the temple is the well known as Agam Kuan. It is round in shapelined with bricks, and people believe it connects to nine hidden wells below. Old tales also speak of treasures buried there. A pond next to it is used by devotees to bathe before worship.
Legends of Shitla Mata Temple
The temple is full of old stories that show the deep faith of the people. One well-known belief says that long ago, when diseases spread widely, Shitla Mata appeared near the Agam Kuan and blessed its water. From then on, the water was said to cure fevers, smallpox, and other illnesses with the goddess giving her promise of health to anyone who prayed sincerely. Her very name, Shitla, means “the cool one,” as she is thought to calm burning fevers and bring comfort. People also believe that she grants children to childless couples and brings peace in times of hardship.
Another tale connects the place to Emperor Ashoka. It is said he dug the well after killing his brothers, using it to hide their bodies. But the goddess came to the spot, made the well pure, and changed its cursed water into something holy and life-giving. Villagers often speak of wonders as sight restored, skin rashes vanishing, or people healed after taking a dip in the pond.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open every day, summer: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM; winter: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM; Ashtami till 11:00 PM. It’s free to go in, but pujas cost ₹20–100. No pictures in the main hall. One special thing is you can see the idol from outside without entering, and bathe in the pond first for blessings.
But only those in traditional clothes like salwar or dhoti get close to the idol. Inside the grounds, behind the sanctum, there are smaller shrines for saptamatrikas. Here, seven akhand jyots burn continuous with ghee. When wishes fulfill, devotees light a lamp, costing from one rupee to one lakh rupees.
How to Get There:
Air: Jay Prakash Narayan Airport is about 5 km away, with flights to Delhi (around 1.5 hours) and Kolkata (around 1 hour). Taxis take about 20 minutes to the temple.
Train: Patna Junction is 1 km from the temple, with trains to Delhi (about 12 hours) and Varanasi (about 6 hours). Auto-rickshaws for local trips.
Road: Patna’s 530 km from Delhi via NH19. Buses run between cities. Autos work in town.
Best Time to Visit: October to March is cool, 15–25°C. Weekdays quiet. Ashtami and Navratri busy, with 5,000–20,000 visitors, so come early.
Nearby Attractions
Golghar: 4 km away, an old granary from 1786.
Patna Museum: 3 km away, full of ancient artifacts.
Mahavir Mandir: 2 km away, a big Hanuman temple.
Final Words
Shitla Mata Temple in Patna holds a special spot in devotees’ hearts, mixing old history with lasting faith for ages. As a sign of divine healing in Patna, the temple stays one of the cherished spots around, making it a must-visit temple in Bihar.
