When Is Sheetala Ashtami? Date, Time, History, Significance And Legend Associated With This Day

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Sheetala Ashtami, also known as Basoda, is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Goddess Sheetala Mata, the deity of smallpox and other infectious diseases. It falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar, which typically falls in March or April. This festival is celebrated mostly in the northern states of India such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

The festival is observed with great devotion and is believed to bring protection from diseases such as smallpox, chickenpox, measles, etc., and ill health. Usually, this day is celebrated 8 days after Holi and many also observe it on the first Monday or Friday after Holi.

Through this post, let us know the date, time, history, and significance of Sheetala Ashtami and how it is celebrated.

Sheetala Ashtami 2024 Date And Time
This year, Sheetala Ashtami will be observed on Tuesday, 02 April 2024. The Sheetala Ashtami Puja Muhurat will begin from 06:10 am and continue till 06:40 pm. The duration is 12 Hours 30 Mins. Sheetala Saptami will begin on Monday, 01 April 2024 and the Ashtami Tithi start from 09:09 pm on 01 April 2024 and Ashtami Tithi will end at 08:08 pm on 02 April 2024.

Sheetala Ashtami: History And Significance

1. Worship of Goddess Sheetala: The main significance of Sheetala Ashtami is the worship of Goddess Sheetala Mata. She is believed to protect her devotees from smallpox, chickenpox, and other infectious diseases. Devotees pray to her for good health and seek her blessings for the well-being of their families. Goddess Sheetala holding the Broom also signifies that this Goddess keeps poverty at bay and promotes prosperity and growth in the house.

2. Protection from Diseases: Sheetala Ashtami is considered auspicious for protecting oneself and one's family from diseases. It is believed that by observing the rituals and fasting on this day, one can ward off illnesses and maintain good health.

3. Purification and Cleansing: The festival is also associated with purification and cleansing. It is believed that by worshiping Goddess Sheetala Mata and observing the rituals, one can purify their body, mind, and soul.

4. Harbinger of Spring: Sheetala Ashtami falls around the time of the spring season, which symbolizes new beginnings and rejuvenation. The festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the hope of prosperity and growth.

5. Food Preparation: Fire is not lit to cook food on this day and everyone who plans to consume food must have the stale food from the previous day. This is said to make Maa Sheetala happy and she blesses the devotee and the family members.

Sheetala Ashtami: Puja Rituals

1. To get the blessings of Goddess Sheetala one must perform these puja rituals with dedication. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to complete Basoda Puja.
2. On this day, devotees must wake up in Brahma Muhurta, early in the morning, finish chores, and take a bath mixed with Ganga Jal before the sun rises.
3. Once bathing is done clean the body, then wear clean orange clothes and prepare the utensils necessary for the puja.
4. Decorate and prepare two plates to offer food to Goddess Sheetala and place the auspicious items such as curd, roti, pua, sweet stale rice, millet, mathri, and namak pare.
5. The items must be prepared on the previous day and fire should not be lit on the day of puja.
6. In the second plate place a lamp made of flour, clean clothes, kumkum, coin, mehendi, and a kalash full of cold water.
7. Once the aarti is done, offer the prasad in the plates without lighting the lamp and also offer the water to the neem tree.

Sheetala Ashtami: Legend Associated With This Day
According to the legend, there was once a demon named Jvarasura who was causing havoc by spreading diseases among children. The worried mothers approached Lord Indra, the king of gods, for help. Lord Indra then approached Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, for a solution.

Goddess Parvati, in her divine wisdom, created Goddess Sheetala from her own being to combat the demon Jvarasura. She appeared as a goddess with a white complexion, riding a donkey, and carrying a winnowing fan (a traditional Indian farming tool used to separate grain from chaff) in one hand and a pot of cool water in the other. This appearance symbolizes her role as a protector from diseases and her ability to bring relief to those suffering from fever.

Goddess Sheetala then went to confront the demon Jvarasura. Using her divine powers, she defeated the demon and cured all the children who were suffering from diseases. She then blessed the children with good health and protection from future illnesses.

According to another legend, Shitala was once a beautiful princess named Maa Sitala Devi. She was married to a prince, but due to a curse, she transformed into the goddess of smallpox. Despite her transformation, Shitala remained a benevolent goddess, protecting her devotees from diseases and ensuring their well-being.

In both these legends, Goddess Sheetala is depicted as a compassionate and powerful deity who protects her devotees, especially children, from diseases and epidemics. Her worship is considered important, especially during times of illness and epidemic outbreaks, to seek her blessings for health and well-being.