Priyanka Tiwari
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Below are the important date and timings for Sheetala Ashtami 2025:
- Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: March 22, 2025, at 04:23 AM
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: March 23, 2025, at 05:23 AM
- Puja Muhurat: 06:42 AM to 06:51 PM
Significance of Sheetala Ashtami 2025
Sheetala Ashtami is observed in honor of Goddess Sheetala, who is believed to protect people from diseases like smallpox and chickenpox. The festival is primarily celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
Key Beliefs:
- Devotees worship Sheetala Mata to seek protection from infections and heat-related illnesses.
- Food is prepared a day before (on Saptami) and offered to the Goddess as prasad.
- Observing this fast is believed to bring good health, prosperity, and relief from suffering.
Sheetala Ashtami 2025: Rituals and Puja Vidhi
Preparation of Food
- Food for the festival is prepared on Sheetala Saptami (March 21, 2025).
- Cooking or lighting a fire on Sheetala Ashtami is avoided.
- Stale food (cooked a day before) is offered to Goddess Sheetala.
Morning Rituals
- Wake up early and take a bath before sunrise.
- Visit a temple or perform puja at home.
- Offer curd, rice, haldi, kumkum, flowers, and coconut to Goddess Sheetala.
Offerings to Goddess Sheetala
- Bhog: Haldi, Bajra, Curd, Rabri, and traditional sweets.
- Diyas: Light a lamp made of wheat dough with ghee or mustard oil.
Vrat Observance
- Maintain celibacy while observing the fast.
- Refrain from consuming freshly cooked food; eat the prasad prepared on Saptami.
Listening to Vrat Katha
- Recite or listen to Sheetala Ashtami Vrat Katha for blessings.
Community and Charity
- Distribute prasad among family members.
- Offer food to the poor and needy as an act of devotion.
Additional Rituals
- Sprinkle Kalash water for purification.
- Chant Sheetalashtak Stotra for divine blessings.
History of Sheetala Ashtami
Mythological Significance
- Goddess Sheetala is considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga, known for protecting people from diseases.
- According to legend, Jwarasura, a demon who spread plagues, was defeated by Sheetala Mata.
- Worshipping Sheetala Mata ensures health, peace, and protection from infections.
Sheetala Ashtami 2025: Mantras for Worship
Chanting these powerful mantras is believed to bring health and prosperity:
- “Om Hrim Sheetalayai Namah”
- “Om Sheetalaya Vidmahe, Jwaraharinyai Dhimahi, Tanno Devi Prachodayat”
- “Shantam Sheetalam Devi, Jwararoganivarinim, Poojayishyami Satatam, Sheetalancha Namo Namah”
- “Om Sheetalasya Namah”
- “Om Devi Sheetalayai Swaha”
- “Om Sarva Roga Nivaranaya Namah”
- “Om Hrim Shreem Kleem Sheetalayai Swaha”
Things to Avoid During Sheetala Ashtami 2025
To maintain the sanctity of the festival, devotees should avoid the following:
No Fire in Kitchen: Cooking is prohibited; food should be prepared a day before.
Avoid Freshly Cooked Food: Consume food made on Saptami (previous day).
Maintain Celibacy: Those fasting should observe celibacy.
No Non-Veg or Alcohol: Avoid eating meat or consuming alcohol.
Perform Rituals Properly: Follow puja and fasting traditions sincerely.
Do Not Waste Food: The Basoda prasad is sacred and should be consumed entirely.
Avoid Heated Water: Do not use hot water for bathing or cleaning.
Sheetala Ashtami 2025: Puja Samagri (Essential Items)
For a complete and proper Sheetala Ashtami Puja, the following items are required:
Food Offerings
- Sweet rice
- Roti & Pua
- Mathri & Namak Pare
- Millet-based dishes
- Rabri & Curd
- Raw lassi (buttermilk)
Puja Essentials
- Flour lamp (wheat dough diya)
- Kumkum, Haldi, Akshat (turmeric rice)
- Mehndi, Coins
Decorative Items
- Clean orange or new cloth for the deity
- Badkule garland (traditional garland)
Other Ritual Items
- Gangajal (holy water)
- Neem leaves (symbol of healing & purification)
- Broom (symbolic for Goddess Sheetala)
- Pot filled with cold water
Aarti Materials
- Camphor or ghee for diya
- Incense sticks or dhoop
Offerings to Nature
- Water for the neem tree
Sheetala Ashtami Katha 2025
A long time ago, an old woman and her daughters-in-law decided to observe the Sheetala Ashtami fast. They cooked food a day before, as per tradition. However, the daughters-in-law secretly cooked fresh food for themselves, fearing that stale food would harm their children.
Unaware of their dishonesty, the old woman continued the puja with devotion. But after the puja, the daughters-in-law discovered that their children had fallen lifeless. Realizing their mistake, they repented and prayed sincerely to Goddess Sheetala. Moved by their devotion, the Goddess forgave them and revived their children.
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