Sheetala Mata Aarti (जय शीतला माता)
Sheetala Ashtami (Chaitra Krishna Ashtami), Basoda (day after Holi), Sunday mornings in Sheetala temples
About this Aarti
Sheetala Mata Aarti venerates the goddess of health and healing, particularly from pox and fever, worshipped on Sheetala Ashtami and Basoda across North India.
Sheetala Ashtami (Chaitra Krishna Ashtami), Basoda (day after Holi), Sunday mornings in Sheetala temples
Significance & Importance
Sheetala Mata — the 'Cooling Mother' — is venerated across North India and Rajasthan as a guardian of well-being, and 'Jai Sheetala Mata' is the devotional voice of her ancient worship. Her name śītalā (cool, soothing) captures the care she traditionally represents.
Her iconography speaks a rich language: she rides a donkey and carries a broom, winnowing fan, pot of cool water, and neem leaves — symbols of cleanliness and the medicinal wisdom of traditional community care. Devotees pray to her for protection and well-being, especially for young children, expressing a mother's deepest wish to see her family safe.
The central festival is Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda), observed on the eighth dark day of Chaitra. On this day, cooking fires are kept cold: food prepared the previous day is offered as 'cold prasad,' honouring her cooling nature and symbolizing restraint and care. Sunday mornings at Sheetala temples carry a traditional aarti gathering.
The goddess is understood as the presiding power over fevers and eruptive conditions — a cultural expression of the community's collective prayer for healing. Her aarti is both a spiritual act and a celebration of the conviction that the earth's cooling gifts — water, neem, fresh air — are themselves divine.
English Transliteration
Jai Sheetala Mata, Maiya Jai Sheetala Mata.
Rog Dosh Se Raksha Kar, Swasth Sukhad Daata.
Jai Sheetala Mata.
Gadhe Par Aasan Maa Ka, Kalash Haath Mein Jhadu.
Sheetal Jal Se Seechan, Rog Karo Mujhe Radu.
Jai Sheetala Mata.
Basode Ke Din Tumhari, Vishesh Puja Hoti.
Thanda Bhog Chadhaakar, Bhakt Rogmukt Hoti.
Jai Sheetala Mata.
Mata Ki Mahima Nyari, Chechak-Khasra Door.
Tumhare Darshan Se Hi, Jata Sab Dard Door.
Jai Sheetala Mata.
Uttar Bharat Mein Pujit, Rajasthan Gujarat.
Sheetala Ashtami Ke Din, Hota Vishesh Jazbaat.
Jai Sheetala Mata.Meaning / Bhavarth (Complete)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Sheetala Mata Aarti be recited?
Sheetala Ashtami (Chaitra Krishna Ashtami), Basoda (day after Holi), Sunday mornings in Sheetala temples
What are the benefits of reciting the Sheetala Mata Aarti?
Reciting the Sheetala Mata Aarti with devotion is traditionally believed to invoke the grace of Sheetala Mata, steady the mind, dispel negativity, and create an auspicious, sattvic atmosphere at home. It is offered as an act of bhakti (loving devotion) rather than for any guaranteed material result.
Where can I read the complete Sheetala Mata Aarti lyrics?
VedKosh provides the complete Sheetala Mata Aarti lyrics dedicated to Sheetala Mata (शीतला माता) in both Hindi and English (with transliteration for regional readers), along with its meaning and a printable/downloadable version.
