In Sanskrit language, the word 'Sheetala' stands for its literal meaning: 'the one who cools.' In Hinduism, 'Sheetala' demonstrates 'the divine blessing of bestowing relief from suffering', similarly like how a cool breeze relieves a tired traveler on a sunny day. Sheetla Mata, also known as 'Shitala Maa', 'Seetla Mata', 'Thakurani', 'Karunamayi', 'Dayamayi', 'Bhagavati', 'Jagrani' and 'Mangala', is regarded as an incarnation of both Mata Parvati and Maa Durga, the two form of Shaktis worshiped in Hinduism.
In her honor, Sheetala Saptami & Ashtami are celebrated on the seventh and eighth day respectively of Krishna Paksha in Phalgun month, usually after 7 & 8 days of the festival of Holi. At some places, Sheetala Saptami is of utmost importance whereas in some places Sheetala Ashtami is more relevant.
This year, Sheetala Saptami & Ashtami are on 21st and 22nd March 2025.
As per “Drik panchang”, the “tithi” for “Sheetala Saptami” in 2025 is as follows:
& for “Sheetala Ashtami” is:
Sheetala Ashtami is also known by the name 'Basoda Puja' (meaning previous night). It is called Basoda because devotees prepare food a day in advance and consume only cold meals on this day as part of the tradition. The belief behind this practice is that offering stale food to Sheetala Mata helps prevent seasonal diseases and keeps families healthy. Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and offer prayers to the goddess, seeking her blessings for protection against ailments. Special rituals and bhajans are performed in temples, and devotees read the Sheetalashtak to invoke her divine grace. The day is observed with immense devotion, especially in North India, where it holds great cultural and religious significance.
As per “Drik Panchang”,
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Sheetala Mata is featured as a women's goddess. In Hindu Shastras, she is considered as the Goddess and controller of many diseases like smallpox, measles, chicken pox, and many more. She also serves as a fertility goddess. Sheetala Mata is summoned for ensuring the refreshing timely rainfall, the prevention of natural disasters like floods, droughts etc. and cattle diseases. In Tantric and Puranic literature, her appearance is personified. And the Skanda Purana mentions her sacred role as:
'For the sake of quelling boils and blisters (of smallpox) and for the sake of the children, a devotee takes Masura lentils by measures and grinds them. Due to the power of Sheetala, children become free from the disease.'
There's a hidden legend behind Sheetala Mata being called as the 'Goddess of Diseases':
Whenever the balance of the Earth is disrupted by any negative energy, Durga Mata takes the most suitable form in order to vanish that evil element.
Once Goddess Durga was incarnated as 'Katyayani', the daughter of great Sage Katyayan. She protected the earth against the atrocities of the demons sent by Kaalkeya. One day, one of his demons, Jwarasura, infected the whole earth with diseases like chickenpox, dysentery, cholera and smallpox. In Sanskrit, 'Jwar' means 'fever.' Hence the fever of these deadly diseases spread all around and people started dying. Mata Katyayani tried her best to protect as many children as she could. But as the effect intensified, she took the form of 'Sheetala Devi.' She was holding a short broom, winnowing fan, a jar of cooling water and a drinking cup. She wiped out all the diseases and blessed the people.
When Jwarasura didn't stop even after all these, then Sheetala Mata asked his friend Batuk to kill the demon. Ultimately they had a fight and unfortunately, Batuk lost and died. On seeing the body of Batuk getting turned into dust, Jwarasura got happy. But as the dust became a three-eyed face with four arms holding a sword, trident and the demon heads, Jwarasura started frightening. He got to know that Batuk has transformed into Bhairava, the aggressive form of Shiva. And again they were involved in a fight. As a result, Bhairava beheaded the demon and his ruthless atrocity came to an end.
Because of this, Mata Sheetala is portrayed with Jwarasura and Kaal Bhairava in many temples of India.
The portrait of Sheetala Mata is represented as carrying a winnowing fan (which represents purification), a broom (dust off the negativity, a pot full of healing water (with soothing aura), neem leaves (as a healing remedy for skin problems) and donkey (which represents the humbleness and calmness).
Each of these symbols holds deep spiritual and practical significance. The winnowing fan signifies the removal of impurities, both physical and spiritual, ensuring a purified environment. The broom represents her power to sweep away diseases and negativity, keeping devotees safe from ailments. The pot of healing water symbolizes her ability to cool down fevers and provide relief from heat-related illnesses. Neem leaves, known for their medicinal properties, emphasize her role as the goddess of health and protection. The donkey, often considered a humble and enduring animal, reflects her patience, resilience, and the ability to bear the burdens of her devotees. Together, these elements define her compassionate nature and her divine role as the protector against diseases.
In Gurugram of Haryana, she is considered as Kripi, the wife of Dronacharya. As per Hindu beliefs, cooking is prohibited on Sheetala Saptami & Ashtami. Various aarti sangrahas and stutis are performed. Cold food is served as 'bhog' to Sheetala Mata which is called 'Basoda.' The idea behind this is that as the spring fades and the summer approaches, cold food should be avoided. Reading 'Sheetalashtak' on this holy day also blesses one with the divine blessings of Mata.
In the southern states, she's worshiped as 'Mata Poleramma' & 'Maa Mariamman.' In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Sheetala Saptami is observed as 'Polala Amavasya.' Sheetala Mata assists the women in getting good husbands and the conception of healthy children. She is also believed to be the goddess of protection, good fortune, health and power. She also drives away miseries and helps the devotees to gain strength for overcoming life crises.
Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami hold immense spiritual and cultural significance, symbolizing the divine grace of Sheetala Mata in protecting humanity from ailments and misfortunes. Devotees across India observe these sacred days with deep reverence, performing rituals, offering prayers, and following traditions that have been passed down for generations. The legends surrounding Sheetala Mata emphasize her compassionate nature and her role as a guardian against diseases, ensuring the well-being of her devotees. By worshiping her with devotion and following the customs associated with Basoda Puja, believers seek her blessings for health, prosperity, and protection. These festivals not only strengthen faith but also reinforce the importance of purity, hygiene, and devotion in leading a balanced and harmonious life.
A period of darkness doesn’t prevail throughout. Instead, it is replaced by a bright sunrise the next day. Our lives make a compilation of these dark and brighter days, helping us learn and grow with our experiences. Vedic Astrology, spirituality, numerology and coaching enable you to hone the power of optimism and triumph the darkness with a positive stride.
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