According to the Hindu calendar, Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha every month. This time, Monthly Sheetala Ashtami will be celebrated on Friday, July 18th. This day is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala Mata. It is believed that worshiping Maa Sheetala on this day eliminates diseases, maintains peace and happiness in the house, and can get rid of all kinds of troubles.
This special day is also known as Basoda or Budha Basoda. On this day, specially stale food i.e., food prepared a day before is eaten, and one bathes with cold water. There are both religious and scientific reasons behind this. This festival is considered to be related to cleanliness and health.
Why is Sheetala Ashtami Celebrated?
The festival of Sheetala Ashtami is dedicated to Maa Sheetala, who is also known as the Goddess of diseases. According to the scriptures, the vehicle of Sheetala Mata is a donkey, and she holds a broom, a pitcher, and a winnowing fan in her hands. These symbols are associated with cleanliness, coolness, and protection. It is believed that worshiping and fasting on this day protects against infectious diseases. Also, mothers observe this fast for the well-being of their children and family.
Broken tasks will be accomplished with these 7 special remedies
Chant mantras for happiness and prosperity
On Friday, after bathing etc., spread a mat in a clean place at home and while meditating on Sheetala Maa, chant the mantra "ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं शीतलायै नमः". By chanting this mantra 1 mala i.e., 108 times, happiness and prosperity remain in the house and the grace of Maa Sheetala is obtained.
Sheetala Vandana for Success
If you want continuous success in life, then offer special prayers to Sheetala Mata and chant this mantra —
"वन्देहं शीतलां देवीं रासभस्थां दिगम्बराम्।
मार्जनी कलशोपेतां सूर्प अलंकृत मस्तकाम्॥"
Maa Sheetala is pleased with this prayer and blesses her devotees with success.
Offer Kheer to get benefit in every work
On the day of Sheetala Ashtami, prepare kheer made of milk and rice and offer it to Maa Sheetala. Then distribute this kheer among the children and also partake a little of the prasad yourself. It is believed that by this remedy, obstacles in work are removed and benefit is obtained in every task.
Recite Stotra for freedom from disease and fear
If someone has health-related problems or remains fearful of some kind, then chant this mantra given in Sheetala Ashtak Stotra —
"वन्देऽहं शीतलां देवीं सर्वरोग भयापहाम्।
यामासाद्य निवर्तन्ते विस्फोटक भयं महत्॥"
By chanting this mantra, one not only gets rid of diseases but also attains mental peace.
Recite Chalisa for relief from job problems
If you are troubled by your job or are not getting stability in work, then recite Sheetala Chalisa. After worship, offer flowers to the Goddess. It is believed that by this remedy, obstacles in career are removed and stability comes.
Light a lamp and perform Aarti for progress
If you want to progress rapidly, then light a pure ghee lamp in front of Sheetala Mata and perform her Aarti. Doing this remedy especially on Friday brings positive energy into the house and opens new avenues for development.
Chant a special mantra for long life and good health
By chanting this special mantra of Maa Sheetala on Sheetala Ashtami, one not only maintains good health but also receives the boon of longevity —
"मृणाल तन्तु सदृशीं नाभि हृन्मध्य संस्थिताम्।
यस्त्वां संचिन्तयेत्त्वां देवि तस्य मृत्युर्न जायते॥"
By chanting this mantra with devotion, the power to fight diseases increases and positive energy is transmitted in the body.
Why is stale food eaten on Sheetala Ashtami?
On this day, there is a tradition of eating food prepared a day before, i.e., stale food in homes. There are both religious and scientific reasons behind this. According to religious belief, Maa Sheetala loves cold food, hence she is offered cold or stale food. From a scientific point of view, this season is prone to infectious diseases, in such a situation, eating well-cooked and covered food from the previous day helps in digestion and protects against infection.
Sheetala Ashtami's connection to folk tradition
This festival has special significance in rural areas. In many places, women gather in groups to listen to the story of Sheetala Mata and observe fast. Waking up early in the morning, the house and kitchen are cleaned, then food cooked earlier is served on a clay stove. This tradition promotes cleanliness and a sense of community.
