Sheetala Mata | Goddess Sheetala Mata Puja | Benefits of Worshiping Sheetala Mata | Significance of Sheetala Mata

Goddess Sheetala Mata, also known as Mata Sheetala or Shitala Devi revered as the Goddess of Health and Wellness. She is believed to possess the power to protect individuals from various diseases and ailments. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating realm of Goddess Sheetala Mata, exploring her origins, attributes, and the significance of her worship in Hindu culture. The worship of Goddess Sheetala Mata involves the lighting of incense sticks, offering flowers, reciting mantra etc.

Origins and Mythological Significance of Sheetala Mata

The origins of Goddess Sheetala Mata can be traced back to ancient Indian mythology. She is often depicted as a fair-skinned goddess, with a serene and benevolent countenance. The name "Sheetala" itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "sheetal," which translates to "coolness" or "coldness." This etymology is a reflection of the goddess's association with fevers and illnesses that cause heat and discomfort.

Attributes and Symbolism of Sheetala Mata

Goddess Sheetala Mata is depicted with various attributes that symbolize her divine qualities and powers. She is often portrayed seated on a donkey or a white owl, both of which carry symbolic significance. The donkey represents steadfastness, patience, and the ability to endure hardship, while the owl signifies wisdom, keen perception, and the ability to navigate through darkness.

The goddess is adorned with radiant attire and is depicted holding a broom (jhadu) in one hand and a winnowing fan (chaurang) in the other. The broom symbolizes cleanliness and the removal of impurities, both physical and spiritual. It signifies the goddess's role in purifying and protecting devotees from diseases and afflictions. The winnowing fan represents the process of separating the grain from the chaff, metaphorically representing the goddess's ability to discern between good and evil and promote spiritual well-being.

Significance of Worshiping Sheetala Mata

The worship of Goddess Sheetala Mata holds immense significance, particularly in regions of North India where she is revered as a prominent deity. Her devotees believe that by invoking her blessings and offering prayers, they can safeguard themselves and their loved ones from various diseases, especially those associated with fevers and infections.

One of the most significant festivals dedicated to Goddess Sheetala Mata is the Sheetala Ashtami, also known as Basoda. It is observed on the eighth day (ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals, seeking the goddess's blessings for good health and protection from illnesses. During the festival, a unique ritual called "Sheetala Saptami" is observed, where devotees prepare and distribute a special dish known as "bhog" or "Sheera." This dish is traditionally made with wheat flour, sugar, and ghee, and is believed to possess medicinal properties that can ward off diseases and promote well-being.

Sheetala Mata Worship & Mantra

Sheetala Mata Mantra: Vande Han Shitalam Devi Rasabhasthan Digambaram. Marjanikalshopetam shurpalakritamastakam
शीतला माता मंत्र: वन्दे हं शीतलां देवी रासभस्थां दिगम्बराम्। मार्जनीकलशोपेतां शूर्पालङ्कृतमस्तकाम्।।

Goddess Sheetala Mata is referred to the eighth incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is the goddess who rules diseases of smallpox, sores, fever and all heat-related ailments. People conduct Sheetala Mata Puja in order to get relief from all miseries and sorrows and blesses with abundance. She is worshipped with much gusto on Sheetala Asthami (which is celebrated on the eighth day after Holi). In the starting of summer, people worship Sheetala Mata for protection against season ailments.

People believed that Goddess Katyayani took manifestation of Sheetala Mata to gives relief to the world from all fevers and diseases. The glory and stories of Goddess Sheetala Mata are mentioned in many Vedic scriptures including the Skanda Purana. The name Sheetala means the cooling one. Generally, she appeared on Her Vahana a donkey, She has four arms carrying a broom, bowl, fan and a pot of water. Actually, she sweeps diseases and ailments using Her broom, uses the fan to collect the diseases causing germs and dumps them in the bowl and uses Gangajal from the pot to purify the household.

Significance of Sheetala Mata Puja

Sheetala Mata Puja helps to achieve the desires of the person and attain happiness and success in every front of life. This ritual is associated with knowledge, wisdom, confidence and learning. Jupiter has generally been associated with optimism and growth which includes mental and spiritual growth. People with strong Jupiter tend to be well-educated and well-to-do individuals. Guru is known as Devguru. People who are high on knowledge and spirituality like temple priests, teachers, scientists, and judges have a strongly placed Jupiter in their zodiac chart. Jupiter is a planet of a broader view, reach, and possibility. Performing this puja ritual cultivates wisdom and unique qualities within us. It also gives purity, self-confidence, faith & support.

Associated Chakra Planet & Products

If goddess Sheetala Mata is worshiped along with the following items, the power of Puja increases manifolds times more. If you buy any of these items, we shall energize that item during your puja so that these will give you very good results. We will energize and also do Abhimantra of that item.

Chakra - Sahashara Chakra is balanced by performing goddess Sheetala Mata puja. Chakra is seven centers of religious energy in the human body. Chakras are the circular vortexes of power that are situated in seven different points on the spinal column, and all the seven chakras are related to the different organs and glands within the body. These chakras are responsible for disturbing life energy.

Planet - Rahu is associated with goddess Sheetala Mata. According to the Vedic astrology, all the nine planets in your horoscope (Kundali) affect the course of life i.e. marriage, career, health, finances etc. The movement of these planets in the horoscope forms yogas or doshas (negative influences). Due to these Navagraha doshas, people face various obstacles & hindrances in their life. In order to minimize and negate the malefic doshas or malefic influence of these planets, we perform various Pujas & Yagnas.

Shaligram - Dus Mahavidya Shaligram can be worshipped along with goddess Sheetala Mata Puja & Yagna and it gives very good results. The Shaligram is a natural stone that is Lord Vishnu itself. Shaligram is a Blackstone brought from Gandaki river-beds in the Muktinath area of Nepal. Shalagram Shila is also known as Salagram/ Shalagram/ Saligram Sila. Shaligram worshipped in the temple as well as in the houses. Shaligram is a fossilized shell used in South Asia as an iconic symbol and form of Lord Vishnu. They are typically in the form of spherical, black-colored and smooth in nature. We offer a pure array of Shri Shalagram. Its origination place is also likewise of Sankha, Moti or Gomati Chakra which are Aquatic States. Shalagram is a Blackstone brought from Gandaki river, there is a big place called Shalagram and these Shalagram are hundreds of years old.

Rudraksha - 9 Mukhi is also worshipped along with goddess Sheetala Mata Puja & Yagna. By doing so the power of Puja & Yagna increases manifolds times more. Shaligram Shala offers certified Rudraksh sourced from Nepal & Java (Indonesia). These Rudraksh Beads are genuine & real and can work as a cure for a wide variety of diseases including chronic headaches, allergies & skin problems, backaches & digestive problems, depression & insomnia and also several kinds of emotional problems. You can purchase online Rudraksha, Shaligram, gemstones, Vastu products, Puja & Yagnas, meditation accessories, bracelets, Malas and spiritual books & CDs.

Gemstone - Wearing Gomed (Hessonite) gemstone along with goddess Sheetala Mata Puja & Yagna gives results quickly. Gemstones also known as gems, precious stones, semi-precious stones, Vedic gemstones, Jyotish gemstones are one of the most beautiful & exotic minerals with elegant appearance & color. Gems or Gemstones Jewelleries are extensively used for healing and self-empowerment. There are different types of gems with different prices. The price of gemstones depends on the quality of minerals & availability.

Murtis & Idols - You should also worship Durga Idols along with goddess Sheetala Mata Puja & Yagna. shaligram.com is one of the leading websites which deals in very high quality and rare Murtis & Idols made of makrana marbles & brass. The Pranpratisthit Murtis are actual live Murties and bestow the devotee with longevity, protection against sudden accidents and thefts.

Yantra - Worshipping Durga And Devi Yantra along with goddess Sheetala Mata puja gives accurate results. Yantra established the vibration of large resonance or amplitude with the benefic energy of cosmos. These vibrations generate contact with highly elevated energies and help to enhance the spirituality within and attain spiritual course of conduct in our daily lives. It also increases the intensity of prayer & makes our thoughts more influential & strong.