Shitala Mata Temple, Butapaldi

This east-facing temple in Butapaldi village, Mehsana district, dates from about the 12th century and is dedicated to the goddess Shitala. It is laid out as a mandapa (hall), antarala (vestibule) and garbhagriha (sanctum), and is a state protected monument.

The platform carries friezes of kirtimukha faces, elephants, human figures and deities. On the sanctum doorframe, five niches across the top hold images of Vishnu, with Lakshmi in the side niches. The outer walls of the sanctum show Parvati on the south and Mahishasuramardini (Chamunda) on the north and west. Fine carving covers the altar, seats, small pillars and ceiling of the mandapa. The sanctum's original image is gone; in its place is a bust, worshipped locally as Brahmani or Shitala Mata.