Sheetala Ashtami 2025 : Date and Time
Introduction
India boasts varied celebrations, customs, and spiritual energy. Every celebration has great cultural and theological value. Of all them, Sheetala Ashtami is very dear. Today is Maa Sheetala’s, the goddess of hygiene and health. Devotees respect her in search of disease and infection protection.
Thursday, March 22, 2025 will see Sheetala Ashtami observed. Celebrated on this holy day are prayers, fasting, and distinctive rites. Devotees say that honoring Sheetala Mata heals their immunity and general wellness. Let’s investigate the background, meaning, customs, and events of this festival.
What is Sheetala Ashtami?
Celebrated in Hinduism, Sheetala Ashtami honors Maa Sheetala Devi. Sheetala is the cool or calming phrase. It represents her authority to heal diseases and fevers.
Within the Hindu month of Chaitra, the event takes place on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase). In Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal this day is especially observed. Devotees revere the goddess by fasting strictly and completing particular pujas.
Date and Muhurat for Sheetala Ashtami 2025
- Date: Thursday, March 22, 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 03:15 AM (IST) on March 22, 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 12:50 AM (IST) on March 23, 2025
It is best to perform Sheetala Mata puja in the morning hours before noon.
Significance of Sheetala Ashtami
1. Protection from Diseases
Sheetala Mata is supposed to treat and stop diseases including skin infections, smallpox, chickenpox, and measles. People sought supernatural favors to protect their health before contemporary medicine.
2. Festival of Cleanliness and Hygiene
This celebration emphasizes the need of hygienic standards and a clean surroundings. People make sure their houses and surrounds are tidy on this day to stop the spread of diseases.
3. Strengthening Family and Community Bonds
Families gather to worship, cook traditional cuisine, and witness ceremonies. For the welfare of their loved ones, women watch Sheetala Ashtami Vrat—fast.
Rituals and Puja Vidhi of Sheetala Ashtami
1. Early Morning Bath and House Cleaning
- Early waking devotees have a holy wash before sunrise.
- Thorough cleaning of homes is done as a sign of eliminating toxins.
2. Worship of Maa Sheetala
- On a spotless altar, devotees set an idol or image of Sheetala Mata.
- Among the offerings are curd, kumkum, mehendi, haldi (turmeric), and flowers.
- While singing Sheetala Mata Mantras, lamps and incense sticks are ablight.
- Recited are Sheetala Chalisa and Shevelala Mata Aarti.
3. Offering and Eating of Basi Bhojan (Stale Food)
- This is not a day for fresh food cooking.
- A day prior, devotees get bajra roti, curd, rabri, rice, and sweets ready.
- Maa Sheetala is presented this food, then eaten as Prasad.
- Eating stale food is thought to help the body remain cool and ward against diseases.
4. Charity and Helping the Needy
- Devotees provide food, clothing, and cash to the less fortunate.
- It is thought lucky to feed cows, birds, and other animals.
Legends Associated with Sheetala Ashtami
1. The Story of King Virata
A terrible plague rocked King Virata’s domain. He and his folks prayed to Maa Sheetala, and the illness vanished almost without notice. People have worshipped her since then for immunity from diseases.
2. The Role of Goddess Parvati
Goddess Parvati is thought to have manifested as Sheetala Mata to bless individuals with health and guard against fevers.
3. The Power of Faith and Devotion
Many legends show Sheetala Mata’s divine intervention in healing illnesses and protecting her followers against infections.
Celebrations Across India
1. Rajasthan
- Grand events take held in Udaipur and Sheetala Mata temples in Jaipur.
- Devotees fast and provide profound dan (bright bulbs).
2. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
- To engage in rites, thousands of followers pay visits to Sheetala Mata shrines.
- Organized are local festivals and spiritual meetings.
3. Gujarat and West Bengal
- Special meals are cooked and shared with family in Gujarat.
- Devotees of Sheetala Devi in West Bengal feast on rice-based cuisine and sweets.
Things to Avoid on Sheetala Ashtami
- There is no cooking today; just pre-cooked meals should be consumed.
- Steer clear of cooking meals; food should be eaten room temperature.
- Vegetables are seen as inauspicious; no cutting or chopping is advised.
- Steer clear of hot or spicy cuisine; cool foods like curd and desserts are more advised.
Conclusion
Sheetala Ashtami reminds us of the value of health, cleanliness, and faith rather than only marks a celebration. It teaches us to keep cleanliness, eat foods that regulate body heat, and pray for disease protection.
Let us get ready to honor this lucky day with diligence and discipline as March 22, 2025 draws near. May Maa Sheetala bless each with wealth, peace, and health! Jai Maa Sheeletala!
