Office Address
14, Residency Road, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
VALLABHNAGAR (UDAIPUR): Devotional fervor and ancient Sanatan traditions have enveloped the historic township of Vallabhnagar as the nine-day Shardiya Navratri Mahotsav officially commenced at the revered Untala Sheetla Mata Mandir on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Decorated with dazzling festive illumination, fragrant marigold garlands, and Vedic mandaps, the sacred shrine is witnessing intensive spiritual rituals, highlighted by chief devotee Chandrashekhar Pujari undertaking a strict nine-day Nirahar (water-only) fast, nightly women’s Dandiya Raas, a grand town procession (Shobhayatra) on October 18, and a massive Maha Havan ceremony with Purnahuti on October 19.
Key Highlights: Untala Sheetla Mata Navratri Festival 2026
- Ceremonial Ghat Sthapana: Auspicious Kalash and Ghat Sthapana solemnized on Sunday, October 11, marking the start of Shardiya Navratri.
- 9-Day Nirahar Tapasya: Chief priest Chandrashekhar Pujari is observing a complete foodless penance throughout the nine days for regional welfare and peace.
- Nightly Women’s Dandiya Raas: Pure devotional Garba evenings held exclusively for women devotees within the secure temple courtyard.
- October 18 (Ashtami): Grand town Shobhayatra carrying the holy palanquin of Maa Sheetla through Vallabhnagar, followed by a midnight Bhajan Sandhya.
- October 19 (Navami): Sacred Vedic Maha Havan; the principal offering (Mukhya Aahuti) will be offered at 4:30 PM, culminating in Purnahuti and Mahaprasad.
The celebrations in Vallabhnagar form an integral part of southern Rajasthan’s rich festive calendar during Navratri. Devotees planning temple pilgrimages and cultural visits across the district can also reference our comprehensive guide on the Navratri 2026: Complete 9 Days Schedule, Goddess Avatars & Daily Colors Guide, along with the district-wide Best Garba & Dandiya Raas Venues Across Udaipur 2026.
1. Historical Legacy of Untala & Reverence of Sheetla Mata
Vallabhnagar, historically renowned across Rajputana chronicles as Untala (ऊंटाला), holds an illustrious place in Mewar’s martial history. Situated approximately 40 kilometers east of Udaipur, the town was the battleground of the legendary siege of Untala Fort during Maharana Amar Singh I’s reign, where the Chundawat and Shaktawat warrior clans demonstrated matchless bravery.
Guarding the township from ancient times, the Untala Sheetla Mata Mandir is venerated as the supreme protector goddess (Gramdevi) of the region. Traditionally associated with health, cooling benevolence, and immunity against seasonal afflictions, Maa Sheetla is worshipped with profound faith by agricultural and trading communities across Vallabhnagar, Bhinder, Kanoi, and Badgaon.
2. Chief Priest’s Nine-Day Nirahar Penance & Ritual Preparations
According to Temple Trust President Mahesh Joshi, comprehensive arrangements have been executed to accommodate thousands of visiting devotees from surrounding rural tehsils. The entire sanctum sanctorum and towering temple Shikhar have been enveloped in golden fairy lights and floral festoons.
President of the Pujari Yuva Manch, Bhupendra Pujari, announced that the temple’s chief upasak (head priest), Chandrashekhar Pujari, entered a rigorous nine-day Nirahar Tapasya (fasting without solid grains or cooked meals) beginning at the auspicious Ghat Sthapana muhurat. Throughout the festival, he remains seated within the inner sanctum, performing continuous japa, Durga Saptashati recitations, and circumambulations for the health, prosperity, and agrarian well-being of the region.
3. Nightly Women’s Traditional Dandiya Raas in Temple Courtyard
Upholding authentic rural Mewari cultural heritage, the temple administration organizes a traditional Dandiya Raas exclusively for women and young girls every night between 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM. In sharp contrast to commercial DJ events, the Dandiya in Vallabhnagar is performed to live folk devotional hymns, harmonium, and traditional dholak rhythms praising Maa Durga and Maa Sheetla.
Participants dress in traditional flared Rajasthani lehengas, Bandhej dupattas, and ethnic silver jewelry. In sync with district-wide security protocols, such as the recently mobilized Udaipur Police Shakti Suraksha Abhiyan, the temple trust has deployed dedicated female volunteers and local police personnel to guarantee a fully secure, family-friendly atmosphere.
4. October 18: Grand Town Shobhayatra & Midnight Bhajan Sandhya
The festival reaches its spiritual crescendo on Sunday, October 18, 2026 (Durga Ashtami), with the majestic Nagar Shobhayatra. The sacred idol of Maa Sheetla will be enshrined in a resplendent flower-decked palanquin (Rath) and paraded across the major bazaars and heritage gates of Vallabhnagar.
- Procession Highlights: Traditional Dhol-Tasha troupes, saffron-clad flag bearers, Kalash-bearing women, and dynamic devotional tableaux depicting Navdurga avatars.
- Civic Welcome: Residents and merchant associations will shower rose petals and offer Aarti at every neighborhood intersection along the procession route.
- Grand Bhajan Sandhya: Following the return of the palanquin to the temple sanctum at nightfall, an all-night devotional concert featuring acclaimed Rajasthani bhajan singers will commence at 9:00 PM.
5. October 19: Sacred Maha Havan, 4:30 PM Aahuti & Purnahuti
On Monday, October 19, 2026 (Maha Navami), the temple will conduct its grand annual Vedic Maha Havan. Commencing at dawn, a battery of Vedic scholars will chant sacred hymns, offering oblations of desi ghee, sacred samidha wood, herbs, and dry fruits into the central sacrificial fire pit (Havan Kunda).
The defining moment of the religious festival—the Mukhya Aahuti (मुख्य आहुति)—is scheduled precisely at 4:30 PM in the presence of thousands of devotees, accompanied by the blowing of conch shells and ceremonial bells. This will be followed by the final Purnahuti, Maha Aarti, and a community feast (Mahaprasad) open to all residents and visiting pilgrims.
6. Complete Festival Schedule at a Glance
| Date & Day | Primary Sacred Ritual | Timing | Significance & Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 11 (Sun) | Ghat Sthapana & Fast Commencement | Morning Muhurat | Inauguration of Navratri; Priest Chandrashekhar begins 9-day Nirahar fast. |
| Oct 11 – Oct 17 | Daily Abhishek & Women’s Dandiya | 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Nightly devotional Raas and special Alankars of Maa Sheetla. |
| October 18 (Sun) | Grand Nagar Shobhayatra | 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Divine palanquin procession traversing historic Vallabhnagar town. |
| October 18 (Sun) | Mega Bhajan Sandhya | 9:00 PM Onwards | All-night devotional singing with acclaimed regional artists. |
| October 19 (Mon) | Vedic Maha Havan Yagya | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sacred fire oblations chanting Chandi Path and Saptashati hymns. |
| October 19 (Mon) | Mukhya Aahuti & Purnahuti | 4:30 PM Sharp | Chief offering, concluding Maha Aarti, and grand Mahaprasad distribution. |
7. Travel & Transit Advice for Visiting Pilgrims
Vallabhnagar is conveniently connected to Udaipur via the Udaipur–Chittorgarh highway corridor (NH-27 / Debari–Mavli link). Pilgrims traveling from Udaipur city, Dabok Airport, or Fatehnagar can easily reach the shrine within 45 to 60 minutes. For dedicated point-to-point transit and family cab rentals, check our verified service guide on Udaipur Taxi Service: Fares, Fleet & Booking Guide.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the Untala Sheetla Mata Mandir located?
The temple is situated in the historic town of Vallabhnagar (anciently called Untala), located approximately 40 km east of Udaipur city in southern Rajasthan.
What is the special fast undertaken by chief priest Chandrashekhar Pujari?
Chandrashekhar Pujari is observing a strict nine-day Nirahar penance, abstaining from all solid grains and cooked food throughout Navratri, praying for community peace, seasonal health, and prosperity.
When will the grand Shobhayatra take place in Vallabhnagar?
The grand Shobhayatra (religious chariot and palanquin procession) will be taken out on Sunday, October 18, 2026 (Durga Ashtami), traversing key streets and markets of Vallabhnagar town, followed by a midnight Bhajan Sandhya.
At what time will the Mukhya Aahuti be offered on October 19?
The sacred Mukhya Aahuti (principal offering) of the Vedic Maha Havan will be performed exactly at 4:30 PM on Monday, October 19, 2026, marking the Purnahuti of the Navratri Mahotsav.
Find this guide helpful?
Add Udaipur Mirror as a preferred source on Google to see more of our travel guides in your AI overviews.
