Sheetla Saptami & Ashtami: Significance, Rituals, Story, Songs & Pujan Samagri

_Shokesh _
Mar 21
3 min read

Here is the image of a traditional Indian puja setup for Sheetla Saptami and Ashtami, featuring Maa Sheetla's idol, ritual offerings, and devotees performing worship in a temple setting. Let me know if you need any modifications!

Introduction

Sheetla Saptami and Ashtami are two sacred days dedicated to Maa Sheetla, the goddess of healing and protection from diseases like smallpox, chickenpox, measles, and skin infections. Celebrated mainly in North India, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, these days fall on the seventh (Saptami) and eighth (Ashtami) days of Krishna Paksha in Chaitra month (March-April). Devotees, especially women, observe this festival to seek protection, health, and well-being for their families.

Why is Sheetla Saptami & Ashtami Celebrated?

This festival is based on the belief that Maa Sheetla Devi blesses her devotees with disease-free life. The rituals involve worshipping the goddess and consuming stale food (Basi Bhojan) as fresh cooking is avoided. This symbolizes cooling of the body and maintaining hygiene.

Religious Significance

Maa Sheetla Devi is considered an incarnation of Maa Parvati and is often depicted riding a donkey, holding a broom, neem leaves, and a water pot.

The festival is believed to control the spread of contagious diseases by following hygiene and proper rituals.

In many regions, people avoid cooking on this day and consume food prepared the previous day, emphasizing the cooling effect and health benefits.

Here is another image of a grand celebration of Sheetla Saptami and Ashtami in a beautifully decorated temple, with devotees performing rituals and singing bhajans. Let me know if you need any further refinements!

The Story of Sheetla Saptami & Ashtami

The Legend of Sheetla Mata & King Virat

Once, there was a righteous king named Virat, who ruled a prosperous kingdom. However, a severe outbreak of smallpox spread across his kingdom, affecting thousands of people. The king was desperate and sought a solution from sages and saints.

A divine voice instructed him to worship Maa Sheetla Devi and observe a fast, along with offering stale food, curd, and neem leaves. When the king followed these instructions, the epidemic miraculously disappeared, and people regained their health. Since then, devotees have continued to celebrate Sheetla Saptami & Ashtami to seek the goddess’s blessings.

Rituals of Sheetla Saptami & Ashtami

1. Observing a Fast (Vrat)

Devotees, mostly women, observe a day-long fast and perform puja with full devotion.

The fast is broken after performing rituals and offering prasad to the goddess.

2. Worship of Maa Sheetla

A Kalash (water-filled pot) is placed at the puja altar and decorated with mango leaves and coconut.

Neem leaves, turmeric, and curd are essential offerings to the goddess.

A lamp is lit, and Sheetla Mata Aarti and bhajans are sung.

3. No Fresh Cooking

No food is cooked on this day; instead, devotees consume basi (stale) food prepared a day earlier.

This tradition is believed to have cooling effects on the body and also signifies humility.

Common dishes include Basi Roti, Dahi-Chawal, Boondi, Churma, and Aloo Sabzi.

4. Offering to Cows and Brahmins

Food is offered to cows and Brahmins before consuming it.

Donations are made to the poor, priests, and temples.

5. Sprinkling Holy Water

Devotees sprinkle water from the Sheetla Kund (sacred water bodies) on themselves and their homes to purify the surroundings.

Famous Temples of Sheetla Mata

1. Sheetla Mata Temple, Gurgaon, Haryana

2. Sheetla Mata Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan

3. Sheetla Mata Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

4. Sheetla Mata Temple, Patna, Bihar

Songs & Bhajans of Maa Sheetla

Devotees sing devotional songs in praise of Maa Sheetla to invoke her blessings. Some popular bhajans include:

1. "Jai Jai Sheetla Mata"

2. "Sheetla Mata Teri Jai Ho"

3. "Sheetla Mata Ki Mahima"

These bhajans are played in temples and homes, creating a spiritual ambiance.

Pujan Samagri for Sheetla Saptami & Ashtami (Available at SHOKESH ENTERPRISES)

SHOKESH ENTERPRISES provides premium Pujan essentials for Sheetla Mata Puja, including:

1. Havan Samagri

Pure Havan Samagri for offering prayers.

2. Haldi Kumkum & Ashtagandh Chandan Tilak

Used for applying tilak during puja.

3. Essential Items for Worship

Neem Leaves (symbolizing health benefits)

Curd & Boondi Prasad

Fresh Flowers & Mango Leaves

Incense Sticks & Diyas

All Pujan items are available for bulk and wholesale purchases at SHOKESH ENTERPRISES.

Conclusion

Sheetla Saptami & Ashtami are powerful festivals that emphasize cleanliness, health, and devotion to Maa Sheetla. By performing the rituals, fasting, and consuming Satvik food, devotees seek divine blessings for a disease-free and healthy life.

For all Pujan essentials, Havan Samagri, and festival products, visit SHOKESH ENTERPRISES and make your festival spiritually fulfilling.

Jai Maa Sheetla!