Goddess Shitala, also spelled Sheetala or Seetla or Sitla, is a revered avatar of Goddess Parvati, like Goddess Durga. Her name, derived from Sanskrit, means coolness, symbolising her role in soothing ailments and protecting her flock from diseases, particularly smallpox, chickenpox and other infections. Today and tomorrow she will be honoured across north India on her special days that come after Holi.
This temple is closely linked to the folk traditions of Bengal, where people believe that Sheetla Devi resides in cool waters and ponds, and that offering prayers here can cure skin diseases. That's the reason why she is sometimes referred to as the Goddess of Chicken Pox.
Situated at Shitala Ghat, with a panoramic view, in the holy city of Varanasi, the temple is especially crowded during the Sheetala Ashtami festival, when devotees offer special prayers to conquer their ailments. One Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami folks all over eat cold food in honour of Shitalaji.
A central place of worship in the eastern town of Lumding, the Saptami and Ashtami festival are big days around here. She is worshipped with offerings of neem leaves, curd (yoghurt), and cold food, symbolising her ability to cool fevers and cure diseases.
The shrine dedicated to the powerful devi in Mau, brings in thousands of devotees, especially during Sheetala Ashtami, when they come to pray and present offerings. An ancient structure, representative of more typical north Indian temple architecture, the murti of Sheetla Mata is particularly radiant.
Located in the picturesque town of Sunder Nagar, Mandi's mandir to the Mata is near the Beas-Sutlej Link Canal, offering scenic views and a tranquil environment for devotees.
The gorgeous Mata temple at Amritsar, according to its website durgianamandir.in, is 700 years old. Worshippers here believe that on Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami the goddess grants health, prosperity, and protection, especially to children. She receives many, many litres of cold lassi as an offering from her followers at festival times.
The ancient temple to the benevolent goddess, in the heart bustling Mumbai at Mahim, may date from many centuries ago, but is looked after today by the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Temple Trust. Open from all sides, with a pavilion-like structure, there is a stone lamp at the entryway.
Located in Butapaldi village, Mehsana district, this temple is an ancient 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shitalaji. Here she is also known to ward off all kinds of skin ailments, and hand out divine blessings.
Patna's Sheetlaji temple is also regarded as a Shakti Peeth or a place of devotion for Maa Durga's followers. The Hindu month of Chaitra sees a huge influx of devotees.
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