Sheetla Shashti is observed on the day of Shashti. Mata Shashthi is worshiped for the well being and longevity of children. This fast has a lot of importance throughout India. Worshiping Mother Sheetla brings happiness and peace to the family. Devi Sheetal destroys the negative energy of all forms and ensures peace and happiness.
Fast Relieves Diseases
It is believed observing this fast frees one from diseases. According to mythological beliefs, this fast is supposed to relieve the suffering of the body. This fast ensures the happiness of children. It eliminates heat in a negative form. It is also believed when one observes this fast he/she is bestowed with sons and luck. It is said that this fast is said to be good for women who desire to have a son. Further, many observe this fast to get relief from smallpox. Some also believe this fast can keep the devotee cool and calm.
Sheetla Shashti Fasting Rituals
It is advisable to follow Sheetla Mata fast rituals. During this fast, one should ensure Satvik behaviour and purity of soul. Longevity is attained by the effect of this fast. Progeny improves. The lineage of the family improves. Married women and women with children especially observe this fast. Sheetla Shashthi Mata is cool and calm just like her name.
On the day of Sheetla Shashti, no hot object is used be it food, bathing or anything else. The stove is not lit and is worshiped on this day. Everything that is needed for the Puja is prepared a day in advance. On this day, the one who observes this fast should not use hot water for bathing. Hot food of any kind should also be avoided. As per rituals, only cold food should be consumed on this day.
Food should be prepared a day in advance. The same food should be consumed on the day of fasting as the stove cannot be lit on this day. Traditionally this fast is very popular in northern India. In some places, this fast is also known by the names Basoda, Basioura, etc. People of all classes in the country celebrate this festival with great pomp and show. Whether one fasts or otherwise everyone celebrates this with great reverence.
Sheetla Shashti Fast Story
Sheetla is Shashthi, the festival of Magh month is celebrated with great enthusiasm on the Shashthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha. On the sixth day, women observe fast and Sheetla Mata is worshiped. To perform this fast, the image of Goddess Sheetla and her picture are also inscribed on the wall. Mothers worship Sheetla Mata on this day by following all the rituals and seek the blessings of happiness and prosperity for their children.
On this day, along with the fast, the Katha and Aarti of Mata Sheetla ji is also done. It is believed when one either listens or reads Mata Sheetla ji Katha all his/her sins are eliminated. Mental peace is attained. Several mythological tales and folk tales are prevalent on Mata Sheetla ji. This festival is associated with folk life. To date it is celebrated with the same enthusiasm and belief with which it was celebrated earlier.
Sheetla Shashti Story – A long time ago there used to be a Brahmin who had seven sons. The Brahmin married his seven sons with great pomp and show. Years went by but the married sons did not have offspring. One day someone informed the Brahmin couple about the importance of the Sheetla Shashti fast for progeny. The parents requested their sons and daughters-in-law to observe this fast. As a result, all the seven couples were blessed with children after a year.
After this, they vow to observe the fast every year. However, on one such occasion, the Brahmin lady forgets to take a bath with cold water on the day of Sheetla Shashti and uses hot water. The same night she dreams of her family undergoing a lot of suffering. She also dreams of the death of all the children.
The nightmare wakes up the Brahmani. She immediately rushes to take stock of her family member. To her total dismay, she finds all the family members dead. She becomes inconsolable and cries away seeing the end of her family in this form. The surrounding neighbours hear her cries and come rushing to her. They conclude that all the deaths have taken place because something has annoyed Mata Sheetla. The Brahmini is reminded of her folly of taking a bath with warm water. The neighbours advise her to apologize to Mata Sheetla and ask for forgiveness. Weeping she starts walking towards the forest. Along the way, she spots an old woman scorched with fire.
The Brahmani goes up to the old woman and inquires about her scorched state. To this, the old woman replies that she got scorched with fire because of Brahmani’s mistake of taking a bath in hot water and also consuming a hot meal. On hearing this, the Brahmini apologizes for her actions. She also prays for her family. Then the old woman requests the Brahmini to apply curd on her body to pacify the burning sensation.
Then the Brahmani applies curd paste on the body of the old woman. The old lady changes her Avatar and appears in her original form as Mata Sheetla. Mata Sheetla forgives the Brahmani. Her family is once again blessed with life. To conclude those who observe this fast with full devotion and commitment are blessed with children and life long happiness.