Sheetala Saptami

Sheetala Saptami is considered an important festival in Hinduism. On the day of Sheetala Saptami, women fast for the whole day. As the name suggests, this day is dedicated to Sheetla Mata. Sheetala Saptami is celebrated almost all over India. Sheetla Saptami is considered with special significance and enthusiasm in rural areas. On this day, women worship Goddess Sheetala to protect their children from infectious diseases like chickenpox and smallpox.
Goddess Sheetala is known by various names in India. For example, in the southern states of India, she is worshiped as ‘Goddess Poleramma’ or ‘Goddess Mariamman’.
In the Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, a similar festival like Sheetala Saptami is celebrated, which is known as ‘Polala Amavasya’.
Sheetala Saptami is celebrated twice a year. Earlier, this festival is celebrated on the seventh day of Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month. Sheetla Saptami has special significance in the month of Chaitra. For the second time, this festival is also celebrated on the Saptami of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month. According to the Gregorian calendar, these dates fall for the months of March-April and July-August respectively.
On this day this festival is celebrated with special importance and reverence in all the temples of India. The temple of Goddess Sheetla is situated in Gurugram near Delhi. On this day, a long line of devotees starts in the Sheetla Devi temple since morning and waits for the darshan and worship of the goddess.
Importance of Sheetala Saptami
Goddess Sheetla is believed to be an incarnation of Mother Parvati. The importance of Sheela Saptami has been described in the Skanda Purana. Shakti is worshiped in two forms in Hinduism. Out of which Goddess Sheetala liberates people suffering from infectious diseases like ‘Chickenpox’ or ‘smallpox’ and also represents the healing power by nature.
Goddess Sheetla has been described in Skanda Purana. Sheetlashtak sings the glory of Sheetla Devi, as well as inspires the devotees to worship her.
According to the belief, by observing this fast, Sheetla Devi is pleased and in the family of the fast, Dahjwar, yellow fever, explosive, foul-smelling boils, all diseases of the eyes, signs of Sheetla’s pimples and the defects caused by Sheetla are removed.
Legend
A legend says Goddess Durga has incarnated as Katyayani, the daughter of sage Katyayan to destroy evil demonic forces of the world. She killed many demons. Jwarasur, the demon of fever, started spreading incurable diseases. Katyayani cured the diseases. To relieve the world from all fevers and diseases, Katyayani took the form of Sheetala Devi. She held a broom, winnowing fan, a pot of water and a cup. She cured all the diseases of children. Katyayani requested her friend Batuk to confront the demon Jwarasur. A battle ensued between the young Batuk and demon Jwarasur. Batuk was defeated by Jwarasur. Batuk magically disappeared into dust. Jwarasur was shocked and wondered where he went. Batuk has assumed the form of an awful male figure with three eyes and four arms. He held an axe, sword, trident and demon head. He was black in color with flowing hairs, and his eyes were blazing with fury. He wore a tiger-skin and skull garland. Batuk took the form of Lord Shiva’s ferocious form, the Bhairav. A battle broke out between them. Jwarasur created many demons, but Bhairav managed to destroy all of them. Finally, Bhairav wrestled with Jwarasur and killed him with his trident.
Celebration and Rituals
Goddess Sheetala Devi is worshiped by her devotees. Devotees get up early in the morning and bath in cold water. They visit the temple to offer their prayers to Goddess. Rituals are performed on this day for a peaceful and happy life. On Sheetala Saptami some of the devotees shave their heads in honor of Goddess Sheetala.
Devotees do not cook food on Sheetla Saptami. They consume the food, which is prepared on the previous day. Eating hot food is strictly prohibited. Several devotees even keep a fast on this day. Women keep the fast for the well-being of her children.
Sheetala Saptami Vrat Katha
There are many legends and stories related to Sheetala Saptami fast. According to one of the most important legends associated with the festival, there was a king named Indradyumna. He was a generous and virtuous king who had a wife named Pramila and a daughter named Shubhakari. The daughter was married to Rajkumar Gunaban. In the kingdom of Indradyumna, everyone used to observe Sheetala Saptami fast every year with eagerness. Once during this festival, Shubhakari was also present in his father`s kingdom. Thus, he also observed the fast of Sheetala Saptami, which is celebrated as a ritual of the royal household.
To perform the ritual, Shubhakari left for the lake with his friends. Meanwhile, on their way to the lake, they wandered their way and asked for help. At that time, an old woman helped him and guided the way to the lake. He helped them in performing rituals and observing the vow. Everything became so good that even Sheetala Devi was pleased and gave a boon to Shubhakari. But, Shubhakari told the goddess that she will use the boon when she needs it or she wants something.
As they were returning to the state, Shubhakari saw a poor Brahmin family mourning the death of one of their family members due to a snake bite. For this, Shubhakari remembered the boon that Sheetala Devi had bestowed on her and Shubhakari prayed to Goddess Sheetala to give life to the dead Brahmin. The Brahmin regained his life. Seeing and hearing this, everyone understood the importance and auspiciousness of observing the Sheetala Saptami Vrat and worshiping. Thus, from that time everyone started observing the fast every year with perseverance and dedication.