Shitala Satam is a festival that is dedicated to Goddess Shitala who is another incarnation of Shakti and is considered to be another form of Goddess Parvati. She is a Hindu goddess who is believed to relieve her devotees of diseases like chickenpox, measles, and even heart-related diseases. This festival is predominantly celebrated in Western India, in areas such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. It is celebrated in the month of August, just a week before Janmashtami.
On this day, devotees observe a fast and pray to Goddess Shitala. An idol of Goddess Shitala is installed and is worshipped throughout the day. In her hands, the Goddess holds a ‘Kalash’ and a ‘broom.’ It is believed that the broom is used to dust off the germs while the Kalash may hold cold water, an essential healing tool. According to legend, the Kalash of Mata Shitala is home to around 33 crore Gods and Goddesses. They eat cold food that was prepared a day before on Randhan Chhath. No food is prepared on this day. Devotees worship her for good health and protection against diseases. Goddess Shitala is known to be a healer and the word ‘Shitala’ means one who cools. She provides coolness to patients with fevers. In South India, she is worshipped as Goddess Mariamman.
Devotees get up in the morning, take a bath in cold water and then begin the rituals. Some devotees also visit the riverbank after installing the idol. They take a plunge into the holy water. After that, they paint the idol and place it on a red cloth. They also recite the Shitala Ashtakam. Incense sticks and diyas are also lit. After the puja, they start their fast. They eat the food cooked on the previous day without reheating the food. Devotees also distribute food to poor people on this day.
Shitala Satam is associated with the legend of King Indrayumma and his daughter Shubhakari. Once Shubhakari was visiting her father’s kingdom and observing the fast of Shitala Satam. She went to a lake to perform her rituals, but unfortunately, they lost their way. An old lady came to help them and showed them the correct path. The old lady was Goddess Shitala itself. She also helped Shubhakari carry out the rituals for the puja. Goddess Shitala was impressed by Shubhakari’s puja and granted her a boon. Shubhakari told the goddess that she would use the boon in a time of need. However, on her way back to the palace, she across a poor Brahmin family. The family members were grief-stricken because one of the family members had died because of a snake bite. Shubhakari asked Goddess Shitala to bring back the dead Brahmin to life as her boon. The Goddess kept her word and brought him back to life.
Observing a fast on Shitala Satam is said to cure your diseases and grant you a healthy life. Many mothers keep this fast for the good health of their children. With the Goddess’ blessings, children are protected from contagious diseases like chicken pox. It also helps you overcome your life’s problems. Families observe this fast to gain the blessings of this goddess. Goddess Shitala is also associated with fertility and is said to help women conceive healthy babies. She also brings rainfall during famines and droughts.
The post Shitala Satam – The Festival Of Goddess Shitala appeared first on Mytho World.
