Story of Shitala Mata: Goddess of Small Pox

Shitala's name refers to "the cooling one". Shitala Mata is described in various traditions, particularly the Skanda Purana, as the goddess of smallpox. She is the manifestation of Goddess Parvati. She is both the source of the disease and its remedy.

Table of Contents 

1. Story of Shitala Mata
2. About Shitala Mata
3. Religious significance of the Shitala Ashtami
4. Basoda: the ritual on honour of Shitala Mata
5. Puja Vidhi on Sheetala Ashtami
6. Badi Shitala Mandir, Kashi
7. Puja booking on Utsav AppStory of Shitala Mata

Shitala Mata is described in numerous traditions, particularly in the Skanda Purana, as the goddess of smallpox. She is both the source of the disease and the remedy. When Shitala Devi initially emerged from a sacrificial fire, Lord Brahma assured her that humanity would always revere her as long as she carried the seeds of a certain lentil known as urad daal. She travelled to other gods with her companion, Jvarasura, the fever demon produced by deity Shiva's sweat. Her lentils became infected with smallpox germs somewhere along the route, and anybody they visited developed a fever and smallpox. The gods begged Shitala Mata for mercy, requesting that she take her load of viruses to Earth. She accepted and, with Jvarasura, descended to Earth. Their first destination was at the court of King Birat, a devotee of Lord Shiva. King Birat consented to worship Shitala and give her a position in his country, but refused to give her control over Shiva, so she threatened to infect his people. He was not persuaded, and Shitala Devi unleashed 75 various types of pox on his people. The sickness spread far and wide, resulting in many deaths. Finally, King Birat conceded, and Shitala Mata cured him and his people.

About Shitala Mata

Shitala Mata travels on a donkey and has four arms. Her hands hold a silver broom, a fan, a little bowl, and a pot of water. She employs these devices to clear a house of disease by sweeping up germs with her broom, collecting them with the fan, and dumping them into the bowl. She then sprinkles water from the pot (Ganges River water) to purify the dwelling. Shitala's name translates as "the cooling one". With the change of seasons and the arrival of the hot season, it is critical to emphasise the importance of hygiene for human health, and the worship of Shitala Mata serves as an incentive to maintain the surroundings clean and hygienic.

The Religious significance of the Shitala Ashtami

Its celebration is well described in the Skanda Purana. According to this sacred book, Goddess Shitala is an incarnation of Goddess Durga or Maa Parvati. Goddess Shitala represents the divine healing power of nature. On this auspicious day, all members of a family, including youngsters, worship and pray to the deity for safety and protection from heat-borne diseases such as chickenpox and smallpox.

Basoda - the ritual on honour of Shitala Mata

Most foreign students and visitors to Om Ashram learn about the Shitala Ashtami celebration through the special food provided for the occasion. According to local customs, in order to keep Shitala Mata cool on this day, no fires or cooking should be started. That means that one day before the holiday, all of the village kitchens are extremely busy because all of the food has been prepared ahead of time. Our cook, Janaki Bai, explains that the ladies leave the dish to cool overnight. In the morning, the food is first presented to Shitala Devi in a ceremony. Ladies of the house chose a specific stone to represent Shitala Mata. It is placed on a red cloth and worshipped with light, incense, flowers, kum kum, water, yoghurt, wheat, and henna. Ingredients vary depending on their availability and bhaktas' preferences. Specially prepared food is offered to the goddess and then consumed throughout the day as Shitala Devi's prasad.

Puja Vidhi on Shitala Ashtami

Shitala Ashtami is celebrated during the start of the summer season, in the months of March and April. The main festivities take place in northern and western villages, particularly in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. In Southern India, the deity is known by the names 'Goddess Mariamman' or 'Goddess Poleramma'.
1. A devotee must get up early in the morning and take a cold bath before daybreak. Then, visit the Sheetala Mata shrine to perform the ceremonies.
2. Offer a Diya (lamp) made from wheat flour dough, but do not ignite it.
3. Then present sindoor, mehendi, haldi, flowers, paan supari, money coins, coconut with husk, bananas, and sweets.
4. Then prepare the thalis for the puja with Naivedhya (meal prepared the day before because no fire is lit at home on that day), as well as fill a Kalash (pot) with water.
5. Chant mantras and offer petitions to seek her blessings, and ask her to accept your genuine prayers and offerings.
6. Sit in front of the idol and practice dhyana or meditation.
7. To complete the puja, perform the aarti and offer flowers, and then distribute the prasad to each family member.
8. A devotee should not maintain a fast on this day, and only have to eat Prasad of the Puja. 

Badi Shitala Mandir, Kashi

Established in 1860, the Bhagwati Shitala Temple stands near the iconic Dasaswamedh Ganga Ghat in Varanasi. Devoted to Maa Kalratri, it is renowned as the Devi of health. A unique annual ritual sees the temple submerged in the Ganga Ghat for three months, symbolising a cyclical renewal of spiritual energy. Intriguingly, when the temple remains afloat, it is believed that pandemics occur in those years, creating a mystical connection. Pilgrims flock to seek blessings from Bhagwati Shitala for well-being and protection, making this temple a sacred blend of tradition, spirituality, and nature. 

Puja Booking on Utsav App

Utsav app is the most preferred puja app for making puja booking. For good health, you can book puja at Badi Shitala Mata Temple located in Kashi. Worshipping Shitala Mata cures all types of diseases and brings prosperity and good fortune to the devotee. You can book the puja to get rid of your dosha by clicking on the link given below. After booking, Pandit ji will perform puja in the temple on your behalf by pronouncing your name and Gotra. After the puja, the video of your puja will be shared with you through WhatsApp and the prasad will be sent to your home.