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Sheetala Ashtami also called Basora puja or Basoda puja (meaning previous night) is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) after the festival of colors, Holi.

It is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the goddess Sheetala or Shitala.

As per the Hindu calendar, Sheetala Ashtami takes place on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha (the waning moon) in the Hindu month of Chaitra or Phalguna.

On this auspicious day, devotees worship Sheetala Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the one who saves people from various diseases like chicken-pox, smallpox, measles, and other heat-borne diseases.

Many idols and images of the Goddess show her with either four or two hands.

When depicted with four hands, she holds a short broom, a fan, neem leaves, and a Kalash (pot).

And depicted with two hands, she holds a short broom in one hand for cleaning off the viruses and germs, and a Kalash with Gangajal in the other hand for purification.

Besides these, her vehicle is a donkey.

Goddess Sheetala blesses her devotees and wards off all kinds of heat-generated diseases or ailments.

As per the tradition.

devotees do not light fire on this holy day to cook food, and hence, they eat food items prepared on the previous day.

Moreover, they prepare a special dish made of rice and jaggery or sugarcane juice on Saptami Tithi (previous day) to offer as Naiveidhya prasada.

How to perform Sheetala Ashtami Puja?:

The festival of Sheetal Ashtami falls at the beginning of

the summer season during the month of March-April.

The major festivity is observed in the northern and western villages and primarily in the areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

In Southern India, the deity is worshipped with a different name as ‘Goddess Mariamman’ or ‘Goddess Poleramma’.

• A devotee must wake up early in the morning and take a cold-water bath before sunrise.

Then visit the temple of the Sheetala Mata to perform the rituals.

• Offer a Diya (lamp) made with wheat flour dough but do not light the lamp.

• Then offer sindoor, Mehendi, Haldi, flowers, paan supari, currency coins, coconut with its husk, bananas, and sweets.

• Then prepare the thalis with Naivedhya (food prepared a day before because no fire is burnt at home on that day) for the puja and also fill water in a Kalash (pot).

•Chant mantras and offer prayers to seek her blessings and request her to accept your sincere prayers and offerings.

• Sit in front of the idol and do dhyana or meditation.

• Perform the aarti and offer flowers to conclude the puja and then distribute the prasad to all family members.

• A devotee must not observe a fast on this day and should eat only the Prasad of the puja.

Mantra to chant during the Puja

VandehanSheetala Devi Rasabhasththaandigambaraam, Maarjaneekalashopetaan Soorpaalankrtamastakaam.

Significance of Sheetala Ashtami: Skanda Purana clearly describes the relevance of the Sheetala Ashtami festival.

As per this sacred text, Goddess Sheetala is an incarnation of Goddess Durga or Maa Parvati.

Goddess Sheetala signifies the divine healing power of nature.

On this auspicious day, all members of a family including the childrens’ worship and offer prayers to the deity to remain safe and protected from various heat borne diseases like chickenpox and smallpox.

Sheetala Ashtami Fast story: There are various legends associated with the Sheetala Ashtami Vrat.

As per one of the most popular legends associated with the festival, there was a king named Shubhaketu.

He was a generous and virtuous king who had a beautiful daughter named Shenhalata.

The King was a great devotee of Sheetala Mata.

Every year, the king as well as people of his kingdom used to celebrate Sheetala Ashtami as a grand festival with keen devotion.

After a few years, the daughter of King Shubhaketu was married to Prince Priyabrata.

Once Shenhalata visited her father’s kingdom during this festival season and participated in the puja of Sheetala Ashtami as per the ritual of the royal household.

As per the custom of the royal house, Shenhalata along with her friends left for a pond located in the nearby forest.

In the meanwhile, they lost their way to the pond and were seeking help.

At that point, Sheetala Mata turned into an old lady and guided them towards the pond.

During their discussion, She also helped them in performing the rituals with sincerity.

At the end of the puja, Goddess Sheetala Mata was too pleased and granted a boon to Shenhalata.

But, Shnehalata told to the Goddess that she will utilize the boon only when she needs it.

On their way back to the kingdom, Shenhalata saw a poor family grieving on the death of their family member due to chickenpox.

Immediately she recalled the boon she was granted and prayed to Goddess Sheetala to give life to the dead man, and he revived back to life.

Immediately, this unbelievable information spread across the country and everybody realized the importance of observing a Sheetala Ashtami puja.

Since that day people started observing the fast with firm devotion and faith every year.

Summary: The auspicious festival Sheetala Ashtami, which is also known as ‘Basoda Puja’, is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across the country, especially in the rural areas of northern and western parts of India.

Goddess Sheetala usually sits on a donkey and carries a ‘Kalash’ with holy water and a ‘broom’ in her hands to sweeps off all the germs and viruses.

Legends from Hindu Scriptures advocate that 33 crore Gods and Goddesses reside in the ‘Kalash’ which Goddess Sheetala carries in her hand.

Devotees of Sheetal Mata perform puja and offer prayers with their utmost faith to the deity to attain a disease-free, joyous, and peaceful life.

Sheetala Ashtami

The fast of Sheetla Ashtami will be observed on March 15, .

This day is dedicated to Mother Sheetal, who is in the form of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

Sheetal Mata is called the goddess of health.

Those who worship Goddess Sheetla on Ashtami of Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month i.e. Sheetla Ashtami or Basoda, smallpox, measles Sheetala ashtami rules.

Sheetala Ashtami Muhurat

Chaitra Krishna Sheetla Ashtami date starts – 14 March , 08.22 pm

Chaitra Krishna Sheetla Ashtami date ends – 15 March , 06.45 pm

Worship time of Sheetla Mata – 06.30 am – 06.29 pm

Puja Duration – 12 Hours

Sheetala Ashtami Puja Samagri

Roli, Kumkum, Mehendi, Haldi, Akshat, Molly, Clothing, Dakshina, Flowers
Curd, cold milk, Holi buns, urn filled with water, ghee, flour lamp, fasting story book
Prasad (prepared the night before the fast) – Sweet rice (Olia), Churma, Magad, Khaja, Namak Pare, Shakkar Pare, Besan Chakki, Pue, Pakori, Rabri, Bajra Roti, Puri, Kandavare, Chane lentils of

Sheetala Ashtami Puja Vidhi

Prepare Prasad on Sheetla Ashtami a day before i.e. on the night of Saptami. For this, first clean the stove thoroughly. Make bhog after bath.
On the day of Ashtami, take a bath with cold water early in the morning and then offer water to the idol in the temple of Sheetla Mata.
Offer Roli, Mehend, Haldi, Akshat, Kalava. During this chant these mantras – Vandeham Sheetalan Devi Rasabhasthan Digambaram. Marjanikalshopeta Shurpaldkritmastakam.
Now put ghee and cotton wick in the flour lamp and keep it in front of the idol of the mother. Be careful not to light the lamp.
Offer stale halwa, puri, bajra roti, pue, rabri, etc. as bhog.
Recite Sheetlashtak stotra and then listen to the story of Sheetla Ashtami fast.
At the end, offer water back, put some of the flowing water in the pot. This water is holy. Apply this on the eyes of all the members of the house. Sprinkle in every corner for the purification of the house.
Now worship the place where Holika Dahan took place. Offer some water, offer worship material.
Now wet turmeric and apply it on the hand and print it on the main door of the house or on the wall of the kitchen. Put kumkum and rice on it.
The family members should accept the dishes which are offered as Prasad. Some neem leaves are also eaten along with Prasad on this day. it cures diseases

Sheetala Ashtami fasting rules

The stove is not lit on the day of Sheetla Ashtami.

Eat cold and stale food on this day.

According to beliefs, on the day of Sheetla Ashtami, thread should not be put in the needle, nor should sewing be done.
Do not wear new clothes or black clothes on the day of Sheetla Ashtami.
Do not offer fresh food to Mother Sheetla at all.

Hindu Nav Varsh : Do these 5 easy measures on the first day of Hindu New Year, the vault will remain full throughout the year

Sheetala Ashtami

According to the North Indian conventional calendar, Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated in the months of Chaitra (March–April) praying to the Goddess Sheetla.

The 8th day of a Krishna Paksha in the period of Chaitra and people in the Hindu culture celebrate it as the Sheetala Ashtami.

The consensus is that practising this Vrata will aid in the healing of different ailments.

Also known by the name Basoda, Sheetala Ashtami will occur early in March.

Let us know more about the festival and how to celebrate it.

Goddess Shetala is credited in the Skanda Purana for curing epidemics and sicknesses.

People manifest to Sheetala Devi to assist her offspring during major epidemics and communicable illnesses that threaten living things on Earth.

Hence, she has a pot of medical fluid in the other hand and a broom or neem twigs in the first, which represent her ability to purify the atmosphere.

Sheetala Ashtami : Date, time & puja muhurat

Sheetla Saptami will be on March 14, , Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Sheetala Ashatami in will be on Wednesday, March 15, .

People can perform the Basoda puja at the following time and Shubh muhurat.

Sunrise: 15 Mar 06:39 AM

Sunset: 15 Mar 06:31 PM

Puja Muhurat on Sheetala Ashtami: 15 March from 06:31 AM to 06:29 PM

Sheetla Ashtami Tithi starts: March 14, , 08:22 PM

Sheetla Ashtami Tithi ends: March 15, , 06:45 PM

Significance of Sheetla Ashtami

The tale regarding Sheetala Ashtami demonstrates the demon Jwarasura in it.

He represents many plagues and infectious illnesses in the form of a human.

When Jwarasura’s deeds intensify, people get ill and pass away.

The disease that the devil had unleashed was untreatable by medication.

So, they worshipped the High Priestess, Shakti.

She emerged as Sheetala Mata and guarded her followers.

Also, she cleared the water and atmosphere of sickness and cleaned the surroundings.

The devil was vanquished by her and changed into a donkey.

He expressed regret for his behaviour.

He became her go-to person. In many parts of India, folks pray to the deity Sheetla for her ability to cure various illnesses including chickenpox.

During Sheetala Ashtami, old food is offered as part of a special rite.

The food required for Sheetala Ashtami puja is made the day before.

On this day, people present the Sheetala Devi with a variety of foods. Moreover, people also give old folks food and ask for their graces.

Mythological tale about Sheetla Ashtami Vrat

Seven boys were born to a Brahmin family; yet, despite all of their long-ago marriages, nobody of them had offspring.

After hearing the Brahmin speak one day, an elderly woman who was passing by from that area advised that the Brahmin follow the Sheetla Shashti fasting and described how to do so.

After the daughters-in-fast, the law all of them got pregnant with sons within one year.

Once a Brahmin forgot to observe the fast; the next night, the Brahmin discovered the bodies of her boys.

Out of terror, she awoke her spouse, but he had already passed away.

When the neighbours arrived, they told them all of this was the result of Sheetla Devi’s anger because everybody was in horrible shape and sobbing while hearing the commotion.

The Brahmin, who was feeling depressed, headed towards the woods, where she saw an elderly woman and recounted the entire story when she inquired.

In truth, she was Sheetla Devi.

She requested the Brahmin to put curd on his skin, which lessened the burning.

The Brahmin quickly realised what had happened, and he quickly apologised and pleaded for the family’s survival before falling at her feet.

A marvel occurred and all seven of his sons, along with his husband and daughter-in-law were all miraculously raised from the dead when she requested that curd be applied to their bodies.

Food to prepare for Sheetla Ashtami in

On the evening before Ashtami, prepare Bhog for Sheetala Mata and make other preparations for the puja.
Use pure oil to make the food and jaggery for the one you eat.
Moreover, on the Sheetala Ashtami , you must make roti, sweetened rice, besan, and potatoes puris.
Also, you can serve black gramme, soaked overnight on the Basoda in some areas.
Offer Bhog to Sheetla Devi shrine on this Ashtami day. Present it together with a sweet prepared using milk or milk products.
Furthermore, you can also serve butter and curd on sweetened roti.
With it, on Basoda , you must offer Sheetala Devi raw lassi in the Bhog too.
Young females rever in various cultures on this day and must avoid hot foods.

How to perform Sheetala Ashtami puja in ?

Custom dictates that households refrain from lighting fires on Sheetala Ashtami to cook. So make meals a day ahead of time and eat the old food on a real day.
Follow the tradition of offering old food to Devi Sheetala, igniting the meaning of Basoda.
Before the puja, early in the morning, before sunlight, take a bath.
Then go to the Sheetala Goddess shrine and offer the Devi Haldi and Bajra in adoration.
Make sure, on Basoda in , you listen to the Basoda Vrat Katha after completing the puja rites.
Later, present the deity Sheetala rabbi, curd, and other necessary offerings.
Make sure, you seek your elders for blessings. Following the same, ready the meals for the Goddess and consume the remaining food throughout the day.
Consider the “Basi Khana” as the prasad and serve it to the people in your family.
Additionally, make sure you provide the same food to the destitute and underprivileged, as other devotees.
Read “Sheetalashtak” on this particular day to get favourable results.

People make a Bhog for Sheetla Mata including cold and stale meals on this specific day and refer it to as Basoda. During Ashtami, this is carried out.

On this day, worshippers of Devi Sheetla fast as well.

The tale of Sheetla Mata is also read aloud. After that, people read the Sheetlashtak to rever her.

The beauty of Sheetla Mata is described by Sheetlashtak. People sing her chants as well.

Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetala Ashtami, also known as Basoda, is a festival dedicated to Goddess Sheetala and celebrated in the month of Chaitra, i.e., in March-April, as per the Hindu Calendar. The Sheetala Ashtami Pooja date falls on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha during Chaitra and is a Hindu festival. Sheetla Ashtami, in , shall fall in March.

It is said that observing this fast helps in healing various illnesses.

Before we learn about the other details of the Basoda Puja, let us know what is the meaning of Basoda.

The term Basoda is derived from the word ‘Basi’ or ‘Stale’.

As per the traditions adhered to for a long time now, it is prohibited for the Hindus to light up the kitchen and make any food on Sheetala Ashtami, the story of this celebration is mentioned below.

About Goddess Sheetala

As per the Skanda Purana, Goddess Sheetala is acknowledged for curing sickness and epidemics.

Whenever life-threatening diseases or epidemics occur on Earth, devotees look upon Sheetala Mata to protect the world.

As a result, she holds a pot of medicinal fluid in one hand and neem twigs or a broom in the other, depicting her power to cleanse the environment.

Significance of Sheetla Ashtami

The Sheetala Ashtami story talks about the demon Jwarasura, who represents a human form of plague and contagious diseases. People get fatal diseases when the deeds of Jwarasura intensify.

The diseases, thus unleashed by the devil, were not treatable. Hence, everybody worshiped the High Priestess, Shakti, who emerged as Sheetala Mata.

The Goddess protected her followers and cleared the water, surroundings as well as atmosphere.

The Goddess defeated the devil and turned him into a donkey, for which he expressed regret.

After this event, the significance of Sheetla Ashtami came to notice and devotees from many parts of India started praying to Goddess Sheetla for her power to cure various illnesses.

For the Sheetala Ashtami pooja, stale food or, say, the food made the previous day on Saptami, is offered to the Goddess as a part of the ritual.

Apart from food, devotees also offer food to the elderly and seek their blessings.

Sheetla Ashtami Vrat: Mythological Story

A Brahmin had 7 sons, all married, but none had offspring even after their many years in marriage.

The Brahmin was upset by this, and once when an elderly woman who was passing by that area learned about it, advised him to follow Sheetla Ashtami Vrat.

She also gave him the details on how to do it.

After the daughters-in-law fasted, each got pregnant within a year.

On Sheetala Ashtami, one of the years the Brahmin woman forgot to fast and shockingly the following night, she discovered the bodies of her sons.

When she woke her husband, she found him dead too.

The neighbors, when they saw this, pointed out that it was due to the anger of the Goddess Sheetla Mata that things turned upside down.

Depressed, the Brahmin fled to the woods, where she met an elderly woman and narrated the whole story when asked.

She was indeed Sheetla Devi.

The woman asked the Brahmin to apply curd on her skin to lessen the burning.

At this, the Brahmin woman discovered what happened and begged for the survival of her family by falling at her feet.

Suddenly, a wonder brought to life her husband, sons, and daughters-in-law after she applied curd to their bodies.

Bhog for Basoda

Devotees will have to prepare for the Sheetala Ashtami puja by preparing bhog after taking into account the following:

Use pure oil to prepare food
Use Jaggery in Basoda
Make roti, potato puris, besan, sweetened rice, black gram, Keri ki launji, etc.
Offer sweets using milk or milk products.
Curd or butter on sweetened roti can be served
Raw lassi can also be served as bhog.
Avoid hot or freshly cooked meals

Sheetala Ashtami Puja Vidhi

On Basoda , one should follow the below-mentioned rituals –

Prepare food a day ahead, and do not light up stoves to cook on Sheetala Ashtami .
Take a bath early in the morning, before sunrise.
Offer the stale food to Sheetala Mata.
Offer Devi Haldi & Bajra to Goddess Sheetala.
Listen to the Sheetla Ashtami Vrat Katha without fail after the puja.
Present other necessary offerings like curd, rabbi, etc
Seek blessings from elders.
After offering the food to the Goddess, devour the remaining food.
Also, offer food to the poor and underprivileged.
To get favorable results, read Sheetalashtak.

Sheetala Ashtami : Celebration in Different States

The significance of Sheetla Ashtami is widespread and is celebrated differently in different states.

In the major parts of the country, devotees will celebrate Basoda pooja.

It is believed that Sheetala Mata is the goddess of smallpox, and by honoring her on Basoda , one can protect themselves from such diseases.

Let us now have a look at what is the meaning of Basoda for different states –

In Rajasthan, many fairs are organized to celebrate this day. Individuals attend this fair with much enthusiasm and worship the Goddess.
In bhog, they make ker sangri, malpua, gulgule, puri and roti.
In Madhya Pradesh, many tourists and devotees attend the grand fair organized at the Basoda festival in Sheetla Mata Shakti Dham.
In Gujarat, devotees worship Goddess Sheetala and celebrate the Basoda festival by preparing special food items.

Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetala Ashtami, also known as Basoda (बसोडा) is a Hindu festival celebrated on the eighth day after Holi, which usually falls in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). This festival is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, who is worshipped as the goddess of health, hygiene, and cleanliness.

On this day, people worship the goddess Sheetala by offering her food, flowers, and incense sticks.

They also perform puja, a traditional Hindu prayer ritual, in which they chant mantras and seek blessings from the goddess for good health and hygiene.

In some parts of India, people observe a fast on this day and break it only after the puja is completed.

Sheetala Ashtami is also a day for cleaning and purifying homes and surroundings, as it is believed that the goddess Sheetala bestows her blessings upon those who keep their surroundings clean and hygienic.

People also prepare and consume special dishes like pakoras, dahi chawal, and gujiyas on this day.

In some regions of India, this festival is also associated with the agricultural season, and farmers offer prayers to the goddess Sheetala for a good harvest.

Overall, Sheetala Ashtami is a festival that celebrates health, cleanliness, and prosperity, and is an important part of the rich cultural heritage of India.

Sheetala Ashtami is more popular in North Indian states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Sheetala Ashtami Story

The origin story of Sheetala Ashtami or Basoda is associated with the goddess Sheetala.

According to Hindu mythology, there was once a demon named Jwarasur, who was causing widespread illness and disease among the people.

The gods and goddesses were unable to defeat him, and the situation became critical.

At this time, the goddess Sheetala appeared and agreed to help.

She took the form of a beautiful woman and set out to defeat the demon.

She entered his palace and started spreading her infectious diseases like smallpox and chickenpox.

Jwarasur, unable to bear the torment, surrendered and pleaded with her to stop.

Sheetala agreed to spare his life on the condition that he would not harm anyone anymore. Jwarasur promised to do so, and the goddess Sheetala left.

The people were cured of their illnesses, and they began to worship the goddess as the goddess of health and hygiene.

Since then, Sheetala Ashtami has been celebrated to honor the goddess and to seek her blessings for good health and hygiene.

People offer prayers and perform puja to seek her blessings and protection from diseases.

The story also emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, which is why people clean their homes and surroundings on this day.

It is believed that by keeping their surroundings clean, people can ward off diseases and attract good health and prosperity.

Characteristics of Goddess Sheetala Mata

In Hinduism, the Goddess Sheetla is depicted with several objects that symbolize her power and abilities.

Here are the physical characteristics of some of these objects:

Winnowing fan: Goddess Sheetla is often depicted holding a winnowing fan or “chaur” in one of her hands. The winnowing fan is a traditional Indian tool used for separating grain from chaff. In the context of Sheetla Mata, the winnowing fan represents the goddess’s ability to purify and separate disease from the body and mind of her devotees.
Broom: Another object often associated with Goddess Sheetla is the broom or “jhadu.” The broom represents the goddess’s role as a caretaker of hygiene and cleanliness. It symbolizes her ability to sweep away impurities and keep her surroundings clean and pure.
Pot: The pot or “ghada” is another object associated with Goddess Sheetla. The pot represents purity and is often used in Hindu rituals to store holy water or other sacred substances. In the context of Sheetla Mata, the pot symbolizes her power to purify and heal her devotees.
Neem Leaves: Neem leaves are believed to have medicinal properties and are often used in traditional Indian medicine to treat various ailments. In the context of Goddess Sheetla, neem leaves are a symbol of her healing powers and her ability to cure and prevent disease.
Ass: Goddess Sheetla is often depicted riding on an ass or donkey. The donkey is a symbol of humility and represents the goddess’s willingness to help even the lowliest of beings. It also represents her ability to carry the burden of disease and illness away from her devotees.

Sheetala Ashtami Mahurat

Sheetala Ashtami on Wednesday, March 15,

Sheetala Ashtami Puja Muhurat – 06:29 AM to 05:15 PM(Duration – 10 Hours 46 Mins)

Sheetala Saptami on Tuesday, March 14,

Ashtami Tithi Begins – 06:52 PM on Mar 14,

Ashtami Tithi Ends – 05:15 PM on Mar 15,

Sheetala Ashtami Vrat Rules

Devotees observing a vrat must maintain celibacy.
The fire must not be lit in the kitchen, especially to cook on the day of vrat.
Do not consume freshly cooked food on puja day.

Sheetala Ashtami or Basoda Puja Vidhi

The puja vidhi may vary from region to region, but here’s one of the simplest ways of performing the rituals:

Take a bath and visit the temple with all the offerings/Bhog (curd, rice, halwa, puri, a kheer or rabdi etc.) to the Goddess. You can also do the puja at home. Besides the bhog, you must also offer water in a Kalash, haldi, kumkum, akshat, flowers, sindoor, Mehendi, kajal, red chunri, kalava, banana, coconut etc.
Light a lamp made with wheat dough and use mustard oil/ghee to ignite the lamp.
Seek the blessings of Goddess Sheetala while offering these items in this order – Haldi, Kumkum, akshat, kalava, chunri, kajal, Mehendi, flowers, banana, coconut etc.
Then offer some water from the Kalash and the bhog.
Pray to the Goddess and seek her blessings for good health.
Conclude the puja by performing the aarti.
Then sprinkle some water from the Kalash on yourself and other family members. You may also use it to cleanse your home.

According to Basoda customs families don’t lit fire for cooking.

Hence most families cook one day before and consume stale food on Sheetala Ashtami day.

It is believed that Goddess Sheetala controls smallpox, chickenpox, measles, etc. and people worship her to ward off any outbreak of those diseases.

In Gujarat, the similar ritual as Basoda is observed just a day before Krishna Janmashtami and is known as Shitala Satam.

Shitala Satam is also dedicated to Goddess Sheetala and no fresh food is cooked on the day of Sheetala Satam.

Sheetala Ashtami

Basoda festival According to the North Indian calendar, Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated in the months of Chaitra (March–April) offering prayers to goddess Sheetla.

On the 8th day of a Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra Hindu people in the northern parts of India go on celebrating the Sheetala Ashtami.

The general consensus is that opting for this Vrata helps in the healing of different seasonal ailments prevail during this period.

Known by the people of India in various corners of India as Basoda, Sheetala Ashtami will be observed on 15th March

Let us know more about the festival and how to celebrate it.

We find Goddess Shetala in the Skanda Purana to cure epidemics and sicknesses. People pray to Sheetala Devi to assist her devotees during major epidemics and contagious diseases that threaten living beings on the earth.

Hence, the Mother has a pot of medical fluid in one hand and a broom or neem twigs in the other, to represent her ability in purifying the surroundings.

Sheetala Ashtami : Date, Time and Puja Muhurat

Sheetla Saptami will be on Tuesday, March 14, .

Meanwhile, Sheetala Ashatami is on Wednesday, March 15, .

People go for the Basoda Puja during the following time and the Shubh muhurat goes thus.

15 Mar 06:39 AM

15 Mar 06:31 PM

Puja Muhurat on the very day of Sheetala Ashtami: is 15 March from 06:31 to 06:29 PM

Sheetla Ashtami Tithi starts on March 14, at 08:22 PM

Sheetla Ashtami Tithi ends on March 15, at 06:45 PM.

Significance of Sheetla Ashtami

The tale behind the Sheetala Ashtami goes thus.

Once upon a time there was no peace on earth. Acute chaos loomed large thee. People were not at peace.

They were bitterly tortured by a demon named Jwarasura.

He went torturing human beings with various types of diseases.

It was his sole aim to inflict human beings with various deadly maladies.

Many infectious diseases began to disturb human happiness taking the form of humans.

In this way Jwarasur created panic among humans leading human beings to utter illness and ultimately led them to death.

The diseases that the devil had unleashed were beyond treatment.

People who were thus totally under a spll of panic tried their best to keep themselves away from the deadly ailments, but hey failed every time.

Hence they decided to worship Devi Adya Shaktii

Devi Ma was pleased with the puja done by the common people and came on earth in the Avatar of Sheetala Mata to guard her devotees.

In the very beginning she tried her best to cleanse the water of she rivers and ponds, then she tried her best to purify the air so that pople can take free air.

In this way she first impletnted the program of freeing the world from all kinds of pollutions.

The devil was vanquished by Mata Sheetala and she changed him into a donkey.

He fell on the fet of the Mother and sought Her Grace. He repented for his misdeeds and prayed to the Mother to pardon him.

Devi was pleased with his prayer and She turned the demon into a donkey.

Since that time the demon turned ino donkey became the vehicle of the Mother.

Ma Sheetala Astami in India

In many parts of India, folks pray to Mother Sheetla so that cure all types of deadly maladies that are seen to take away the lives of common people particularly of those who reside in the farthest corners n the remote areas of our country.

According to common faith if the Mother is worshipped with astute devotion she must take care of her sons and daughters and save them from contagious diseases like chicken pox and many others.

During Sheetala Ashtami, stale foods are offered as a part of special rites.

Old people too are given food so that they can offer their blessings to the people around junior to them.

Another mythological tale goes about Sheetla Ashtami Vrat too.

The tale is thus.

The Sheetala Ashtami Story

Long ago, on the very day of the Sheetala Ashtami, an old woman and her two daughters-in-law worshipped Goddess Sheetala and prepared food on the day of Saptami to consume the next day.

Both the daughters-in-law had sons that are why they were worried of getting sick from the intake of stale food and passing the ailment to the children.

Hence, they decided to worship Goddess Sheetala with the old woman.

Later on they took warm, fresh food instead of the stale items as per the Puja tradition.

Both of them secretly prepared fresh food to dine and pretended taking stale food. The old woman was quite in the dark in this matter.

After a while, the women tried to wake the sleeping grandsons to feed them, but when she entered the room she found them dead.

When the old woman wanted to know from her daughters-in-law if they had done any wrong, both of them admitted the truth.

The old lady was furious and banished her daughters-in-law from the village.

She asked them to return only when they were able to bring the young boys back to life.

The two women roamed around in search of Goddess Sheetala just to seek her favor and the lives of their children back.

On the way they by chance came across two sisters, named Ori and Sheetala chatting beneath a large tree.

The sisters were highly vexed with lice in their hair and were trying to get rid of them by all means.

The two daughters-in-law helped them to get rid of all lice from their heads.

The two sisters having been extremely relaxed said to them, “Your bellies find peace as you have cooled our heads.”

The sisters told them that they were roaming around with the dead bodies of their children in search of Goddess Sheetala, but in vain.

Having heard this one of the sisters told them that they two were sinners, wicked and mischievous.

They were not worth looking at.

On the day of the Sheetala Ashtami, both of them enjoyed warm food, instead of eating stale, cold food.

The daughters-in-law recognized Goddess Sheetala and begged her pardon.

The words melted the heart of the Mother and she forgave them and brought their sons back to life.

The two women came back home.

They were welcomed by the villagers who came to know that they had met Goddess Sheetala.

Since then the significance of Sheetala Ashtami spread far and wide and the day is celebrated by devotees all over the world.

The day of the Sheetala Ashtami is going to be held in India with utmost devotion. Actually the Sheetala Ashtami has a great significance in the Hindu religion and is regarded by devotees that if the Mother Sheetal is appeased she can cure all sorts of diseases and help them to get rid of all sufferings.

We hope that the details mentioned above have helped the readers to understand all about this auspicious day.

We hope that Sheetala Mata will bless you to enjoy happy and healthy lives.

Food to Prepare for Sheetla Ashtami

On the evening before Ashtami, Bhog/Food for Sheetala Mata is prepared.

Moreover, on the Sheetala Ashtami you must make roti, pulao, besan, and potato puris.

Offer Bhog to Mata Sheetla Devi temple on the Ashtami day with sweet prepared using milk.

Sheetla Ashtami comes 6 days after the Holi festival but many people observe the Sheetla Ashtami on the first Monday or Thursday after Holi.

Sheetala ashtami is on Wednesday, March 15 in the year .

Sheetala Asthami , conclusion

Sheetala Mother is considered as one of the avataars of Goddess Durga.

Goddess Sheetala is seated on a donkey holding neem leaves, broom, soup and a clear pot. Skanda Purana goes on explaining the worshipping method of Sheetala Mata.

Skanda Purana mentions Sheetala Mata Stotra written by Lord Shiva.

It is also known as ‘Sheetalashtak’.

Anyway, behind the mythology there lies the true story of Sheetala Asthami.

The truth is that on the very day of Sheetal Ashtami people have to take pledge that by all means the Earth must have to be freed from all sorts of pollutions.

Some Mothers obey Shitala fast or Vrat for the good health and prosperity of their children.

Sheetala Mata wears a red-colored dress, rides a donkey.

She has 4 hands which hols a silver broom, small bowl, winnow fan, and river Ganga’s jal or water.

Famous shrines – Sheetla Mata Mandir in Delhi and Gurgaon, Sheetala Mata temple at Dhanop in Rajasthan are some of the shrines dedicated to Sheetla Mata, to name a few.

On Basoda , offer Sheetala Devi raw lassi in the Bhog.

Young females on this day must avoid hot foods.

Households must refrain from lighting chulas or ovens on Sheetala Ashtami to cook food.

So one has to prepare foods the previous day and consume that stale food on the day of the Puja day.

Before the Puja, early in the morning, before sunlight, take a bath.

Go to the Sheetala temple and offer the Devi Haldi and Bajra.

On Basoda listen to the Basoda Vrat Katha having completd the puja. .

Later on offer Mata Sheetala Rabbri, curd, and other offerings.

Seek your elders’ blessings.

Make ready the meals for the Goddess and consume the remaining food throughout the day.

Consider taking of stale food as the prasad and serve it to the members of your family.

Additionally, make sure you provide the same food to the poor and other devotees.

Read “Sheetalashtak” on the very day to get favorable results on Sheetala Ashtami .

Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetla Saptami : Puja Fasting Rules, Story (Katha)

Sheetla Saptami and Sheetla Ashtami’s festival is related to Goddess Shitla’s worship. Shitla Saptami Fast is done so that one can be blessed with a child and also for the happiness of a child.

The Shitla Mata fasts involves eating cold and pre cooked food as per rituals.

The same food is served as Bhog to Sitla Mata. Goddess Shitla Mata is cool. She is named so along the lines of the name Sheetal which means cool.

Hence, it is believed that when a person observes the Shitla Mata fasts all the disturbances in one’s life gets sorted.

Points to keep in mind while observing the Sheetla Saptami Fast

Do not consume food which is hot.
Take a bath with cold water only.
Ony food which is prepared a day before should be consumed.
Food should not be reheated.
Gas should be worshipped and should not be lighted on this day.

Sheetla Saptami fast destroys measles disease

A common disease that occurs in children known as measles (smallpox) or called as ‘Mata Aana’ in common language can be cured by worshipping Sheetla Mata as worshipping her during this time is said to be beneficial.

In this way, even today, in rural areas, we can especially see the worship of Mata Sheetla at the time of this disease.

In urban areas also, if people see the effect of this disease then they visit the temple and worship Mata Sheetla for making peace with this disease.

Sheetla Saptami Story

The Shitala Saptami fast is observed for the protection of children and for good health. Along with observing fast on this day, one should also either listen to read the Shitala Saptami Katha.

This gives auspicious results.

In a village, a lady lived with her two daughter in law.

They were living happily.

On the day of Shitla Saptami, the old lady and her daughter in laws observe the Shitla Satam Vrat.

The old lady cooks the food a day before.

On the day of Shitla Satam, all three women consume the same food cooked a day before.

Later on, both the daughter in laws become pregnant.

However, this time they get worried about consuming stale food.

They believe this may harm their baby.

After performing the Shitla Mata Puja, they do not eat the cooked food and prepare fresh food and to eat.

When the old lady questions the two daughters in laws, they lie.

They finish their house work and eat the freshly cooked food.

The old lady on the other hand believes the daughters in law and eat stale food.

The daughters in law do not consume stale food.

This behaviour of the daughters in law annoys Goddess Shitla.

This leads to the death of the newborns.

Seeing the state of their newborns, both the daughters in law grieve a lot and tell the truth to their mother in law.

When the mother in law comes to know of the truth, she throws them out of the house.

The daughters in law leave the house with the bodies of their newborns.

On the way, both of them sit below a Banyan tree.

There they meet two women named Ori and Shitla.

Both were trying to get rid of lice in their hair.

The two daughters in laws decide to help them.

When the issue is resolved both the girls feel very happy.

They feel very peaceful when their bodily pain ceases and the two sisters bless the daughters in law with children.

The daughters in law realise that the two sisters were no one else but the incarnation of Goddess Shitla.

When both the women sought forgiveness from Goddess Shitla, the Goddess conceded and forgave them.

She blessed them by bringing the dead children to life.

Both the daughters in law return to their home with the newborns alive.

They share the miracle with everyone in the village.

All of them hail Goddess Shitla and start worshipping the Goddess with a lot of devotion.

Procedure for Sheetla Mata Puja

On the day of Shitla Saptami, first of all prepare Bhog for the Goddess.
Sweet olia which is made from rice, Khaja which is made from maida or flour, Churma, Shakarpare, Magad Laddu, Chikki, Malpue, Pakori, Rabri, Bajra, Roti, Puri, vegetable etc. should be prepared a day in advance.
Whatever is to be offered as Bhog to Goddess Shitla should not be eaten at all before worship.
Nine Sikore (also called Kandwar, it is a small bowl made of clay), an ax and a lamp should be purchased for the worship of Shitla Saptami.
On the day of Shitla Saptami, one should take a bath first thing in the morning and wear neat and clean clothes.
For Pujan, take Sikore in a plate, serve some curd, Rabri, rice made of Olia, Pua, Roti, Pakodi, Namakpare, Shakarpare, sprouts, bajra and anything else that is made. Next take another plate and place all items related to Shringar such as rice, Roli, Moli, turmeric, Mehndi, Kajal, clothes and a coin for the Goddess.
Also place a jar of water,
Make a Diya from dough and place a Ghee lamp in it. Offer this lamp without lighting to Shitl/86 Mata.
Apply Tilak on the forehead of all the members of the family.
The person should fold their hands and pray to Goddess Shitla with the following verse: “O Shitla Mata, forgive our mistake and provide happiness and calmness in our life ensuring we remain composed”
Mata Sheetla should be worshiped in the temple, if it is not possible to go to the temple then she can be worshiped at home also.
Bathe Sheetla Mata with cool water then apply Tilak of Roli and turmeric.
She should be offered items of Shringar such as Sama, Mehendi, Moli, Kajal etc.
Gullaris, also known as Badbule, Budbul, is a Garland made from cow dung. This Garland is offered to Sheetla Mata.
Mother Shitla is worshipped by singing folk songs, Aarti etc.
At the end of the Puja, water should be offered to the mother. Store this water. This water should then be sprinkled on oneself and over other members of the family.
The place where water is kept at home should also be worshiped. After completion of the Puja of Sheetla Mata, cold food which is also called Basoda should be consumed and the blessings of the elders of the house should be taken.

Sheetala Ashtami

Dedicated to propitiating goddess Sheetala, Sheetala Ashtami falls on the eighth day during the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) of moon in the month of Chaitra (March – April).

Notably, this day marks the entry point to the intense summer months in India.

Being one of the hottest places in India, this festival is considered highly important in Rajasthan in addition to states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

Sheetala Ashtami

Mother Sheetala is considered the goddess who can cure heat borne diseases including measles, chicken pox and small pox.

Therefore, this vrat is observed with great involvement so that people are saved from these dreaded diseases during the outbreak of summer months.

Mother Sheetala Devi

Mother Sheetala is one of the manifestations of Mother Parvati in the name Katyayani, the daughter of Rishi Katyayan.

In this form, the goddess ventured into destroying the demonic forces and save the worlds.

In course of her voyage, she came across a demon called Jwarasur, the demon of fever who was spreading several heat borne diseases like chicken pox, small pox, fevers, and measles.

Goddess Sheetla Devi

Goddess assumed the form of Sheetala devi to destroy this demon.

She was mounted on a donkey and carried in her four arms a silver broom, a winnowing fan, a bowl and a pitcher of Ganges water.

She gave rise to a dwarf Bhatuk who in turn assumed the ferocious form of Bhairav and vanquished the demon.

Sheetala devi cured the diseases of all the people with her benevolence.

Sheetalashtami Story

Once there lived a king called Indralumna who ruled over Hasthinapur.

His daughter Shubhakari was given in marriage to prince Gunvan.

Once, the king invited both of them to observe Sheetalashtami.

As per the procedure, the couple left for a lake and spared meticulous efforts to perform the vrat with devotion.

Pleased with their sincerity, Sheetala devi appeared before them and granted a boon which Shubakari could use anytime she wanted.

Sheetalashtami Story

On their way back, Shubhakari saw a sorrowful Brahmin family that was grieving over his death due to snakebite.

Shubhakari used the boon to revive the Brahmin from death.

All the people realized the power of the Sheetalashtami vrat and started observing it with great faith.

Sheetalashtami Vrat Procedure

On the day of Sheetalashtami, people take bath in a lake or river and install an image of Sheetaladevi seated on a donkey in the river bank.

They decorate the idol with cool stuff like chandan paste, turmeric and vermilion and offer fruits and sixteen types of offerings.

At the end of the puja, they offer rice mixed with ghee.

Notably, this rice should have been cooked the previous day. After the puja, this rice is eaten by all the family members.

Fasting on Sheetalashtami

The ladies of the home observe a day long fast on this day accompanied by the prayers and worship to propitiate Sheetala devi.

On the next day, they take food that was cooked earlier, offered to goddess and preserved.

It is said that those who observe this vrat with fervor shall find their homes free of any heat borne diseases during summer months.

Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetala Ashtami is also known as ‘Basoda Puja’ and is a popular Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Sheetala.

It is observed on the ‘ashtami’ (8th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of moon) during the Hindu month of ‘Chaitra’.

It corresponds to the month of mid-March to April in the Gregorian calendar.

Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated after the colourful festival of Holi, generally after eight days.

But in some communities it is observed on the first Thursday or Monday that comes after Holi.

Also in some districts, Sheetala Ashtami is observed on the ‘ashtami’ of the Krishna Paksha, every month, but of all these, the Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ashtami is considered most propitious.

The celebrations of Sheetala Ashtami are very renowned in the north Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

In the Indian state of Rajasthan, the Sheetala Ashtami festival is celebrated with great passion.

A huge fair is organized for this occasion and several musical events and programmes are also staged.

Devotees celebrate this festival with immense fervour and devotion.

It is believed that by keeping the vrat on this chosen day, they will be prevented from several diseases.

Rituals during Sheetala Ashtami:

On the day of Sheetala Ashtami as per the traditions, the families do not lit fire for the purpose of cooking. They therefore prepare food a day in advance and consume the stale food on the actual day. It is only in Sheetala Ashtami that there is unique custom of offering stale food to Goddess Sheetala.
Devotees get up early, before sunrise and take a bath. They visit the Sheetala Devi temple and worship the Goddess with ‘haldi’ and ‘bajra’. After performing the puja rituals they listen to the ‘Basoda Vrat Katha’. ‘Rabri’, ‘curd’ and other essential offerings are then made to Goddess Sheetala. People also take blessings from their elders.
After offering the prepared food to the Goddess, rest of the food is eaten all day long as Prasad and is known as ‘Basoda’ in local language. The food is also distributed among other devotees and also given to the poor and needy people. On this day reading ‘Sheetalashtak’ is also considered favourable.

Significance of Sheetala Ashtami:

Sheetala Mata is known to be an important Goddess in Hindu mythology.

The Goddess is seated on a donkey and has been portrayed holding neem leaves, broom, soup and a pot.

Her magnificence has been explicitly mentioned in several religious scriptures.

In the Skanda Purana, the benefit of worshipping Sheetala Ashtami has been explained in great details.

The Sheetala Mata Stotra written by Lord Shiva and also known as ‘Sheetalashtak’ can also be found in the Skanda Purana.

This day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Sheetala.

According to the Hindu scriptures, it is believed that Goddess Sheetala controls chickenpox, measles, small pox and other similar diseases.

By worshipping the Goddess on this auspicious day people can prevent the outbreak of epidemic diseases in their family, especially among children.

Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetala Ashtami also called Basoda Puja falls in Chaitra month.

The festival falls on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth date) of the Krishna Paksha (Waning Phase of the Moon) in the month of ‘Chaitra’ as per the Hindu calendar.

The day is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala to get blessed with good health and relief from epidemic diseases, especially to protect their children.

On the day of Sheetala Ashtami, people don’t prepare any fresh food as the fire isn’t lit for cooking.

Devotees follow the custom of offering stale food to the Goddess, because of which, this day is also known as Basoda.

The festival is more popularly observed in north India, in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Sheetala Mata

Sheetala Mata is a Goddess who is shown seated on a Donkey.

She has a broom in Her hand and She wears the leaves of ‘Neem’ as ornaments.

She holds a pot of cool water in her hand as well.

She uses these items to rid a house of disease–she sweeps up the germs with her broom, uses the fan to collect them, and dumps them into the bowl.

She then sprinkles water from the pot (which is water from the river Ganges) to purify the house.

Sheetala Mata is a symbol of cleanliness and healthy life. Sheetala literally means one who cools in Sanskrit.

She is one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga or Shakti who cures poxes, sores, ghouls, pustules, and diseases.

Sheetala is accompanied by Jvarasura, the fever demon, Oladevi, the cholera goddess, Ghentu-debata, the god of skin diseases, Raktabati, the goddess of blood infections and the sixty-four epidemics.

It is believed that Goddess Sheetala or Sheetala Mata controls the onset of smallpox, chicken pox, and measles.

People worship her and observe a fast to prevent the outbreak of epidemic diseases.

The story behind the worship of Sheetala Mata

There was a village where an old woman lived and once there was a huge fire in the village.

The entire village burnt but the fire did not touch the house of the old woman.

Surprised by this, the villagers asked the old woman the reason for her house remaining untouched by fire.

The old woman said that she always observes a fast on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra and breaks her fast by eating cold & stale food.

She said that she does not light up her cooking stove entirely on this day and worships Sheetala Mata wholeheartedly and for this reason, Sheetala Mata saved her and her house from fire.

Since then the tradition of worshipping Sheetala Mata started!

Significance

Sheetala Mata has been described as the goddess of health in Hindu scripts.

Goddess Sheetala clears the germs(negative vitality) and gathers them in the dustpan.

At that point, she utilizes neem leaves to sprinkle the water from the heavenly Kalash.

It is believed that on this day a woman who observes a fast and worships her reverently, her family, and her children remain healthy.

The goddess is also said to cure diseases like fever, measles, smallpox, eye diseases, etc.

Mantra

Sheetle har me paap, putra putra sukhprade

Dhandhanya prade devi, pujagruhan namostute ||

Sheetla Ashtami Pujan (Basoda)

Significance

Shitala is an ancient folk deity widely worshipped by many faiths in North India, West Bengal, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan as the pox-goddess.

She is the Goddess of sores, ghouls, pustules and diseases.

History

A demon named Jwarasur, the demon of fever, started spreading incurable diseases to Katyayani’s childhood friends, such as cholera, dysentery, measles, smallpox etc. Katyayani cured the diseases of some of her friends.

To relieve the world from all fevers and diseases, Katyayani assumed the form of Shitala Devi.

Each of her four hands held a short broom, winnowing fan, jar of cooling water and a drinking cup.

With her power, she cured all the children’s diseases.

Katyayani then requests her friend, Batuk to go out and confront the demon Jwarasur.

A battle ensued between the young Batuk and demon Jwarasur. Jwarasur succeeds in defeating Batuk.

Then, Batuk, lying dead, magically faded into dust.

Jwarasur was shocked that Batuk disappeared and wondered where he went.

Then, what he doesn’t know that Batuk has assumed the form of an awful male figure.

This person was three-eyed and had four arms.

He held a battle-axe, sword, trident and demon head.

He was pitch-black in color.

His hair was flowing.

Eyes blazed with fury.

This figure wore a tiger-skin and a garland of skulls.

Batuk assumed the form of Lord Shiva’s ferocious form, the terrible Bhairav.

Bhairav reprimands Jwarasur and tells him that he is the servant of Goddess Durga (Katyayani).

A long discussion ensued but then converted into battle.

Jwarasur created many demons from his powers but Bhairav managed to destroy all of them. Finally, Bhairav wrestled with Jwarasur and killed him with his trident.

How to Celebrate

The auspicious day of Sheetalashtami, or Sheetala Ashtami, is dedicated to Goddess Sheetla in the month of Chaitra (March – April) as per the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India.

Devotees keep fast on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) in Chaitra month to cure from measles, chicken pox and small pox.

Devotees prepare food on the day before Sheetla Asthami and visit the to perform the puja of the goddess on the festival along with the food.

People gorge on this food which is called Baseda in local lingo as a prasad of Sheetla mata. Some consider Bajra, Rabri and curd as an essential offering on this ocassion.

Significance of Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetala Mata is known to cure ailments such as chicken-pox and small pox and measles.

The Goddess seated on a donkey is seen holding neem leaves, broom, soup and a pot.

Her magnificence has been mentioned in several religious scriptures.

In the Skanda Purana, the benefit of worshipping Goddess Sheetala has been explained in details including Sheetala Mata Stotra or Sheetalashtak which was written by Lord Shiva.

The day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Sheetala.

By worshipping the Goddess, devotees can prevent the outbreak of epidemic diseases, especially among children.

Legend of Sheetala Ashtami

A king named Indralumna was ruling Hasthinapur.

His daughter Shubhakari was married to prince Gunvan.

Once, the king invited them to observe Sheetal Ashtami.

The couple left for a lake and performed the vrat with devotion.

Pleased with their dedication, Goddess Sheetala appeared before them and granted a boon to Shuhbakari.

On their way back, Shubhakari saw a family of priest grieving over the death of the priest due to snakebite.

Shubhakari used the boon to revive the priest from death.

Locals realised the power of the Sheetal Ashtami vrat, and they too observe the vrat with great faith.

History of Sheetala Ashtami

One story says Goddess Durga has incarnated as little Katyayani, the daughter of sage Katyayan to destroy all arrogant evil demonic forces of the world, in her real form as Durga, she killed many demons that were sent by Kaalkeya.

A demon named Jwarasur, the demon of fever, started spreading incurable diseases to Katyayani’s childhood friends, such as cholera, dysentery, measles, smallpox etc. Katyayani cured the diseases of some of her friends.

To relieve the world from all fevers and diseases, Katyayani assumed the form of Shitala Devi.

Each of her four hands held a short broom, winnowing fan, jar of cooling water and a drinking cup.

With her power, she cured all the children’s diseases.

Katyayani then requests her friend, Batuk to go out and confront the demon Jwarasur.

A battle ensued between the young Batuk and demon Jwarasur. Jwarasur succeeds in defeating Batuk.

Then, Batuk, lying dead, magically faded into dust.

Jwarasur was shocked that Batuk disappeared and wondered where he went.

Then, what he doesn’t know that Batuk has assumed the form of an awful male figure.

This person was three-eyed and had four arms.

He held a battle-axe, sword, trident and demon head.

He was pitch-black in color.

His hair was flowing.

Eyes blazed with fury.

This figure wore a tiger-skin and a garland of skulls.

Batuk assumed the form of Lord Shiva’s ferocious form, the terrible Bhairav.

Bhairav reprimands Jwarasur and tells him that he is the servant of Goddess Durga (Katyayani).

A long discussion ensued but then converted into battle.

Jwarasur created many demons from his powers but Bhairav managed to destroy all of them.

Finally, Bhairav wrestled with Jwarasur and killed him with his trident.

Sheetla Mata

Sheetla Mata is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Her Vahana is Donkey.

Vahana means carrier.

Every deity in Hinduism has a carrier, generally referred to as a vehicle or Vahana, and it serves as the seat of the goddess.

Unlike other Hindu goddesses holding weapons and Kalash, Shitala Mata has a broom in her right hand and a medicinal water pot in her left hand.

With the broom, she drives away the disease-causing germs and uses medicinal water to cure poxes and other diseases.

Sheetla Mata Story

Goddess Sheetala was born from a yajna conducted by Lord Brahma.

The lord presented her with a boon that she would be worshipped as long as she carried Urad Dal with her.

After some days, the goddess married Jwarasura, the fever demon born from the sweat of Lord Shiva.

Together the couple visited heaven.

On their way, the Urad Dal she carried changed into smallpox germs.

And so, where ever the couple went, they were spreading fever and germs.

Devas pleaded with Sheetla Mata to show mercy.

Upon the requests made by Lord Indra and other Devas, the couple decided to find a place for themselves, stay there, and worship Bhagwan Shiva.

This way, they shall put an end to the spread of the germs.

Shitala Mata and Jwarasura descended to the earth and prayed to lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva was pleased by their prayers and presented Shitala Devi with medicinal water and healing powers.

The couple then visited King Birat, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva.

He agreed to provide them with accommodation but refused to worship Shitala Mata and her companion.

Goddess turned furious and started spreading smallpox in the kingdom.

Thousands died.

The king finally relented and prayed to the goddess to show mercy.

Pleased by the king’s prayers, Shitala Mata cured the pox with the medicinal water in her hand and neem leaves.

Today she is worshipped for good health. She cures smallpox and several other diseases related to fever.

Sheetla Mata Mandir

Apart from the story of Jwarasura and Sheetla Mata, there is another version.

This version is famous in and around Delhi.

Many Delhites believe that Shitala Mata was the wife of Guru Dronacharya.

Guru Dron was a master of military arts and divine weapons (ASTRAS).

He taught the Pandavas and Gauravas.

Kripi (Goddess Shitala) was his wife.

She used to take care of sick children infected with smallpox and other diseases in her own ashram.

Guru Dron visited her now and then. Kind at heart and compassionate in actions, Kripi was called “Mata.” After she died, the locals built her a temple in the Keshopur Ashram, where she lived, and named her Sheetala Mata. Guru Dron’s temple is near Gurugram Bhim Kund. Sheetla Mata mandir is near Guru Dron’s temple.

Sheetala Mata Temple in Gurgaon

The Shree Mata Sheetla Shrine Board of Haryana governs the temple.

It is in Gurugram or Gurgaon.

The temple is very famous; Navaratri is the major festival celebrated in the temple.

At the Shitala Devi Temple in Gurgaon, devotees call her Lalitha.

How to reach the temple?

Temple is well connected by air, road, and rail. It is at a distance of 6 km from NH8.

If you are visiting the temple from Delhi, you can take a metro train from the Huda City Metro Station.

From here, the temple is just 6.6 km. Gurugram railway station is 2.7 km away from the temple.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport.

Sheetala Mata Puja Date

The best time to perform Sheetla Mata pooja is during Basoda.

Also called Sheetala Ashtamai, Basoda is popular in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.

In , Sheetala Ashtami starts on the 14th of March at 8:22 PM and ends on the 15th of March at 6:45 PM.

You can Sheetla Mata Puja either on the 14th night (after 8:22 PM) or on the 15th of March (before 6:45 PM).

Make sure you do the pooja during the Ashtami tithi, that is, within the time mentioned above.

How to perform Sheetala Mata Pooja?

The first and foremost rule of the pooja is that you do not cook food on Sheetala Ashtami.

Say you are to do the pooja on the 14th night.

Then you do not cook food the entire 14th (day and night).

You eat food prepared on the 13th.

You can go back to your normal cooking from the 15th.

If you are doing the pooja on the 15th of March, then you eat the food prepared on the 14th of March and go back to your normal cooking from the 16th of March.

Ideally, it is good to do the pooja on the 15th of March as most of the Ashtami tithi falls on this day.

However, you can also do it on the 14th.

You clean the pooja room and diyas a day before.

Get some neem leaves if possible.

Place a picture of the goddess.

You can also use a stone to represent her.

Clean the stone or the photo with water, apply turmeric and Kumkum, and decorate it with flowers.

Sheetala Devi heals small poxes with neem and turmeric.

So it is good to use more turmeric and neem during the pooja.

You can chant her Ashtotram or do mantra japas simultaneously, offering turmeric.

Do deep, dhoop, and offer the Prashad you prepared the day before.

The major rule of pooja is to offer the food prepared the previous day.

You can also offer red cloth, wheat, curd, and henna to the goddess.

Pooja Benefits

The pooja protects you and your family from smallpox and every other fever-related disease.

You can do this pooja regularly on Ashtamis.

Sheetla Mata protects you and your family from skin diseases, heat burns, and accidents.

She is the guardian of the children.

Prashad for Shitala Mata

As Prashad has to be prepared the previous day, many are doubtful about what to offer to the goddess.

You can offer Sweet Olia, Roti, Churma, Rabri, Vegetables, Chikki, Puri, etc.

Scientific Reasons for offering Cold Food

Eating cold food relaxes your digestive system.

The meaning of the word “SHEETAL” is cold.

The entire Sheetala Mata pooja and the fasting relax and strengthen the digestive system.

Sheetla Mata Mandir

Introduction about Sheetla Mata Mandir

The Sheetla Mata temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Mata Sheetla Devi who is considered an Avatar of Goddess Durga.

She is also known as Lalitha and is the wife of Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas featuring in the fabled Indian epic Mahabharata.

The temple is located in Gurugram in North India, near the capital city of New Delhi.

The Goddess is the very epitome of Shakti and famed for her healing powers.

She is especially revered for her ability to cure the dreaded disease Small Pox.

People flock to her temples to seek blessings for a long and healthy life free from ailments.

She is worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists and tribal communities and some Dravidian speaking people as Mariamman, the powerful Goddess of healing.

The temple today is a highly popular religious and spiritual center drawing large numbers of people not only from within the country, but also from the whole world.

History of Sheetla Mata Mandir

Sheetla Mata resided in Keshopur village located in Delhi and her husband Guru Dronacharya visited her frequently from his Gurugram Ashram.

She was totally devoted to looking after the welfare of children and spent her time tending to all the sick children, especially those suffering from smallpox.

People called her Mata out of love and affection and after her demise, a temple was built in her honor. People started referring to her as Mata Sitla or Mata Masani, i.e. ‘the goddess of smallpox’.

The Hindu Jat king Jawahar Singh of Bharatpur is believed to have built the current structure in the 18th century to commemorate his victory over the Mughals.

Mythical History of Sheetla Mata

Ancient stories narrate the story of her incarnation as Katyayani, the daughter of sage Katyayan to vanquish the demonic forces of the world.

The demons of disease and fever that were terrorizing the world with incurable diseases were forced to relent when faced with this little Avatar of Maa Durga.

Many evil forces that threatened humanity especially children, in the form of sicknesses were quelled by the wrath of this Divine child.

This child is the manifestation of Sheetla Mata and revered for her ability to overcome sickness and disease.

Significance of Sheetla Mata Mandir

Sheetla Devi is worshipped by many people in various Avatars in the Indian sub-continent, primarily in North India.

Sheetala means cool, cold or cooling and this name stuck to her because she rendered relief to many who suffered from various diseases.

She is often referred to as Maa by her devotees and many people revere her as Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

Several other monikers are also attached to her and she is mentioned in Tantric and Puranic literature, as also in vernacular texts.

Her popularity as a folk deity endears her to people of many faiths and regions and people flock to her shrines for blessings.

Festivals Related to Sheetla Mata Mandir

Sheetala Devi is mainly worshipped in the dry seasons of winter and spring, with Brahmins and Pujaris conducting the worship.

Sheetala Ashtami or Basoda Puja Is a major festival popularly celebrated in the temple, generally eight days after Holi.

The Navratras season is also celebrated with great fanfare with people coming from far and wide for a Darshan of the deity.

Generally, weekends also witness a large turnout of people who throng the temple just to have a glimpse of their beloved Devi.

The whole temple vibrates with positive energy during festive seasons and the entire surroundings come alive, with devotees spreading the cheer to one and all.

Visiting the temple is a beautiful and enlightening spiritual experience.

Benefits or Blessings of the primary deity- Sheetla Mata Mandir

Sheetla Devi is known for her compassion and those who worship her are relieved of their sufferings.

Many women come to seek the blessings of the Goddess for the well-being of their children and keep them free of disease.

She is especially renowned for her capability to cure small pox, sores, pustules and other diseases which mainly strike children.

Her benevolence also drives away ghosts, demons and other evil spirits which trouble infants and babies.

Location – How to reach Sheetla Mata Mandir

Sheetla Devi Mandir is located in the state of Haryana in North India.

A popular religious and tourist center located south west of the national capital Delhi, it is well connected by Air, Rail and Road to other parts of the country.

By Road: Gurugram is well connected by bus service to all neighboring cities, with state and interstate buses plying frequently to and fro.

By Metro: Gurugram is also connected by metro rail to Delhi.

By Rail: The nearest Railway Stations to Gurugram are New Delhi Railway Station & Nizamudin Railway Station.

By Air: The nearest airport is located at New Delhi, which is approximately 15 km from Gurgaon.

Buses, taxis and three wheelers ply frequently from these locations to the Sheetla Devi Mandir.

Sheetala Astami

Basoda Puja

Basoda Puja is held in honour of Goddess Sheetala on Krishna Paksha Ashtami, the day following Holi.

Sheetala Astami is another name for Basoda.

It usually occurs eight days after Holi, however many people observe it on the first Monday or Friday following Holi.

In North Indian states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, Sheetala Astami is more prevalent.

Details about Sheetla Ashtami

There are fasts and festivals in Hinduism every month.

In Hinduism, Sheetla Ashtami is celebrated every year on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month.

This fast falls on the eighth day of Holi.

It is believed that by worshiping Sheetla Mata on this day, one gets freedom from diseases and brings happiness and peace in the house.

Know when is Sheetala Ashtami- Sheetala Ashtami .

When it it celebrated?

Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated every year on the Ashtami date of the Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month.

This year Sheetala Ashtami will be celebrated on March 25. Along with worshiping Sheetla Mata on this day, there is also a law to observe a fast.

Auspicious time of Sheetla Ashtami.

The auspicious time of Sheetla Ashtami will start on Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi on 24th March , Thursday at 12:09 pm. Ashtami date will remain till 10.04 pm on March 25.

Significance of Sheetla Ashtami.

Sheetla Ashtami has a special significance in Hinduism.

It is believed that by worshiping Mata Sheetla on this day, all the sufferings of the devotees are removed and their wishes are fulfilled.

Along with this, it is believed to get freedom from diseases.

Sheetla Mata is considered to be the giver of coolness.

Stale food is offered to Sheetla Mata on the day of Ashtami.

After that it is taken as Prasad.

It is believed that eating stale food on this day brings blessings of Sheetla Mata.

Families do not light fires for cooking according to Basoda customs.

As a result, most families cook a day ahead of time and eat stale food on Sheetala Ashtami day.

Goddess Sheetala is said to control smallpox, chickenpox, measles, and other diseases, and people worship her to prevent outbreaks.

Worship method of Sheetala Ashtami.

First of all, on the day of Sheetla Ashtami, wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
Keep curd, pua, roti, millet, sweet rice made on Saptami, salt pare and mathri in the plate of worship.
In the second plate, keep lamp made of flour, roli, clothes, akshat, turmeric, moli, holi garland, coins and mehndi.
Keep a bowl of cold water with both the plates.
Now worship Sheetla Mata.
After offering all the things to the mother, apply turmeric vaccine to yourself and all the members of the house.
In the temple, first offer water to the mother and vaccinate Roli and turmeric.
Offer Mehndi, Moli and clothes to the mother.
Offer the flour lamp to the mother without lighting it.
At the end, offer water back and after saving some water, give it to all the members of the house to apply it on the eyes. Sprinkle the remaining water in every part of the house.
After this, go to the place of Holika Dahan and worship it. Offer some water and worship material there.
After coming home, worship at the place where water is kept.
If the worship material is left, then give it to a cow or a Brahmin.

Sheetla Ashtami

Shitla Mata Poster, Moth Ki Dal, Bajra, Akshat, Kumkum, Chandan, Kalawa, Diya Mitti Ka, Ghi Batti, Honey, Haldi (P), Lal Kapda, Kajal, Mehndi, Kacha Soot, Gangajal, Mitti Ke 9 Sakore, Supari ,Shringar, Kalash Mitti Ka .

Sheetala Ashtami Is Celebrated On The Eighth Day Of Krishna Paksha Shitala Is Worshipped To Ward Off Heat-Borne Diseases, Such As Smallpox, And Also To Bring Prosperity.

The Festival, Which Is Also Known As ‘Basoda’, Is Celebrated With A Lot Of Zeal And Enthusiasm Across India.

Devotees Believe That Worshipping Goddess Sheetala Will Cure Them From Several Disease And Help Them Stay Healthy And Fit.

Some Devotees Also Observe A Fast On This Day To Seek Goddess Sheetala’s Blessings.

The Importance of Sheetala Ashtami:–

If you carefully observe the spiritual frame of Goddess Sheetal, you will see her riding a donkey.

Donkey is also the Vahan of Sheetala Mata.

You will also observe she has a broomstick, some neem leaves, dustpan, and a Kalash of holy water in her four hands.

As per folklore, people believe that she gets rid of the germs with the broom.

The dustpan collects them.

The main importance of this festival is that she cures diseases and brings good health and peace in the lives of her devotees.

The Vidhi of Sheetala Ashtami:–

Basoda festival or Sheetala Ashtami carries great significance for human health.

Devotees are extremely cautious about the rituals of this puja.

A simple mistake in getting pooja items online in India correctly can be of huge loss.

Let us now learn about the rituals of this festival.

On the day of Sheetala Ashtami, the devotees cannot light a fire or cook anything. Hence, they prepare meals on the previous day and consume it on the day of the festival.
You need to wake up before sunrise and take a bath.
The ones who are worshipping on this day should observe a vrat.
After that, you need to visit the temple and perform the rituals.
They donate Prashad among the people.
Then you need to read the “Sheetalashtak” to gain blessings.

Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetala Ashtami, also known as Basoda in some places, is an important Hindu festival celebrated to keep children away from diseases and for their well-being.

This year Sheetala Ashtami is falling on Friday, March 25.

The tradition of celebrating this festival has been going on for years and is considered very important.

On this day devotees offer stale food to Mata Sheetla and they themselves eat stale food as prasad.

Sheetala Ashtami Date & Time

Sheetala Ashtami will be celebrated on Friday, March 25 this year.

Ashtami Tithi will start from 12:09 AM on 25 March and will continue till 10:04 PM on March 25.

The auspicious time for Sheetala Mata’s Puja will be from 06:20 AM to 06:35 AM, March 25.

This brought peace to both the sisters.

Those sisters blessed the daughters-in-law that your lap may turn green.

This brought peace to both the sisters.

Those sisters blessed the daughters-in-law with procreation.

Significance

The way to worship Bhagwati Sheetala is unique.

On the day before Ashtami, different dishes are prepared to offer them as food.

People usually don’t light the stove on the day of Ashtami, and they enjoy stale food as a form of prasad.

This is because from now on, it is getting closer to summer and we should avoid eating stale food.

After worshipping Sheetala Mata, people wash their eyes with the water.

This tradition is a sign to take care of their eyes in summer.

After worshiping Mata Sheetala, people apply turmeric tilak.

They also make swastikas with turmeric near the main gates of their houses for happiness, peace, and good wishes.

Turmeric’s yellow color can help to make people feel positive.

Vastu defects in a building can be fixed with the help of this spice.

Puja Vidhi

Get up in the morning and take bath after mixing Gangajal in the water.
Wear orange clothes.
Decorate two plates for worship.
Place curd, roti, pua, millet, salt pare, mathri and sweet rice made on the day of Satami in a plate.
Make a lamp of flour in another plate.
Keep roli, clothes intact, coin and mehndi and keep a lotus filled with cold water.
After worshiping Sheetla Mata in the temple of the house, keep the lamp without lighting it and offer the bhog kept in the plate.
Offer water to the Neem tree.