Sheetla Saptami and Sheetla Ashtami’s festival is related to Goddess Shitla’s worship. Shitla Saptami Fast is done so that one can be blessed with a child and also for the happiness of a child. The Shitla Mata fasts involves eating cold and pre cooked food as per rituals. The same food is served as Bhog to Sitla Mata. Goddess Shitla Mata is cool. She is named so along the lines of the name Sheetal which means cool. Hence, it is believed that when a person observes the Shitla Mata fasts all the disturbances in one’s life gets sorted.

Points to keep in mind while observing the Sheetla Saptami Fast

• Do not consume food which is hot.
• Take a bath with cold water only.
• Ony food which is prepared a day before should be consumed.
• Food should not be reheated.
• Gas should be worshipped and should not be lighted on this day.

Sheetla Saptami fast destroys measles disease

A common disease that occurs in children known as measles (smallpox) or called as ‘Mata Aana’ in common language can be cured by worshipping Sheetla Mata as worshipping her during this time is said to be beneficial. In this way, even today, in rural areas, we can especially see the worship of Mata Sheetla at the time of this disease. In urban areas also, if people see the effect of this disease then they visit the temple and worship Mata Sheetla for making peace with this disease.

Sheetla Saptami Story

The Shitala Saptami fast is observed for the protection of children and for good health. Along with observing fast on this day, one should also either listen to read the Shitala Saptami Katha. This gives auspicious results. In a village, a lady lived with her two daughter in law. They were living happily. On the day of Shitla Saptami, the old lady and her daughter in laws observe the Shitla Satam Vrat. The old lady cooks the food a day before. On the day of Shitla Satam, all three women consume the same food cooked a day before. Later on, both the daughter in laws become pregnant. However, this time they get worried about consuming stale food. They believe this may harm their baby. After performing the Shitla Mata Puja, they do not eat the cooked food and prepare fresh food and to eat. When the old lady questions the two daughters in laws, they lie. They finish their house work and eat the freshly cooked food. The old lady on the other hand believes the daughters in law and eat stale food. The daughters in law do not consume stale food. This behaviour of the daughters in law annoys Goddess Shitla. This leads to the death of the newborns. Seeing the state of their newborns, both the daughters in law grieve a lot and tell the truth to their mother in law. When the mother in law comes to know of the truth, she throws them out of the house. The daughters in law leave the house with the bodies of their newborns. On the way, both of them sit below a Banyan tree. There they meet two women named Ori and Shitla. Both were trying to get rid of lice in their hair. The two daughters in laws decide to help them. When the issue is resolved both the girls feel very happy. They feel very peaceful when their bodily pain ceases and the two sisters bless the daughters in law with children. The daughters in law realise that the two sisters were no one else but the incarnation of Goddess Shitla. When both the women sought forgiveness from Goddess Shitla, the Goddess conceded and forgave them. She blessed them by bringing the dead children to life. Both the daughters in law return to their home with the newborns alive. They share the miracle with everyone in the village. All of them hail Goddess Shitla and start worshipping the Goddess with a lot of devotion.

Procedure for Sheetla Mata Puja

• On the day of Shitla Saptami, first of all prepare Bhog for the Goddess.
• Sweet olia which is made from rice, Khaja which is made from maida or flour, Churma, Shakarpare, Magad Laddu, Chikki, Malpue, Pakori, Rabri, Bajra, Roti, Puri, vegetable etc. should be prepared a day in advance.
• Whatever is to be offered as Bhog to Goddess Shitla should not be eaten at all before worship.
• Nine Sikore (also called Kandwar, it is a small bowl made of clay), an ax and a lamp should be purchased for the worship of Shitla Saptami.
• On the day of Shitla Saptami, one should take a bath first thing in the morning and wear neat and clean clothes.
• For Pujan, take Sikore in a plate, serve some curd, Rabri, rice made of Olia, Pua, Roti, Pakodi, Namakpare, Shakarpare, sprouts, bajra and anything else that is made. Next take another plate and place all items related to Shringar such as rice, Roli, Moli, turmeric, Mehndi, Kajal, clothes and a coin for the Goddess.
• Also place a jar of water,
• Make a Diya from dough and place a Ghee lamp in it. Offer this lamp without lighting to Shitl/86 Mata.
• Apply Tilak on the forehead of all the members of the family.
• The person should fold their hands and pray to Goddess Shitla with the following verse: "O Shitla Mata, forgive our mistake and provide happiness and calmness in our life ensuring we remain composed”
• Mata Sheetla should be worshiped in the temple, if it is not possible to go to the temple then she can be worshiped at home also.
• Bathe Sheetla Mata with cool water then apply Tilak of Roli and turmeric.
• She should be offered items of Shringar such as Sama, Mehendi, Moli, Kajal etc.
• Gullaris, also known as Badbule, Budbul, is a Garland made from cow dung. This Garland is offered to Sheetla Mata.
• Mother Shitla is worshipped by singing folk songs, Aarti etc.
• At the end of the Puja, water should be offered to the mother. Store this water. This water should then be sprinkled on oneself and over other members of the family.
• The place where water is kept at home should also be worshiped. After completion of the Puja of Sheetla Mata, cold food which is also called Basoda should be consumed and the blessings of the elders of the house should be taken.