Shri Santau Shitla Mata Mandir

Located amid forested hills in the countryside outside Gwalior, Shri Santau Shitla Mata Mandir is one of the region's most revered shrines dedicated to Goddess Sheetla. According to local tradition, the shrine originated centuries ago when a devotee named Gajadhar brought the deity's sacred energy from Kharaua village. The goddess established her seat on this hill, and Gajadhar's descendants have served as priests for generations.

The temple holds a unique place in local folklore, having been visited in past decades by local forest inhabitants and infamous Chambal dacoit leaders like Malkhan Singh and Mohar Singh, who came to offer brass bells after making vows. Today, the temple attracts thousands of daily devotees. A prominent tradition at the site involves devotees building small symbolic houses out of loose stones on the hillside, praying to the deity to bless them with a home of their own. Childless couples also visit to offer prayers and swing miniature wooden cradles for blessings. During the bi-annual Navratri fairs, long queues of pilgrims trek up the hill to seek blessings.