Sheetla Mata, also known as Shitala Devi, is a Hindu goddess widely revered in North India. Her name “Sheetla” means “the cool one” in Sanskrit, reflecting her association with coolness and relief from fever. Sheetla Mata is considered an incarnation of goddess Parvati and is worshipped as a protector against diseases, especially smallpox, fever, and other ailment.
Jai Sheetla Mata Aarti Lyrics
जय शीतला माता, मैया जय शीतला माता।
आदि ज्योति महारानीसब फल की दाता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
रतन सिंहासन शोभित, श्वेत छत्र भाता।
ऋद्धि-सिद्धि चँवर डोलावें,जगमग छवि छाता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
विष्णु सेवत ठाढ़े, सेवें शिव धाता।
वेद पुराण वरणतपार नहीं पाता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
इन्द्र मृदङ्ग बजावतचन्द्र वीणा हाथा।
सूरज ताल बजावैनारद मुनि गाता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
घण्टा शङ्ख शहनाईबाजै मन भाता।
करै भक्त जन आरतीलखि लखि हर्षाता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
ब्रह्म रूप वरदानीतुही तीन काल ज्ञाता।
भक्तन को सुख देतीमातु पिता भ्राता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
जो जन ध्यान लगावेप्रेम शक्ति पाता।
सकल मनोरथ पावेभवनिधि तर जाता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
रोगों से जो पीड़ित कोईशरण तेरी आता।
कोढ़ी पावे निर्मल कायाअन्ध नेत्र पाता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
बांझ पुत्र को पावेदारिद्र कट जाता।
ताको भजै जो नाहींसिर धुनि पछताता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
शीतल करती जन कीतू ही है जग त्राता।
उत्पत्ति बाला बिनाशनतू सब की माता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
दास नारायणकर जोरी माता।
भक्ति आपनी दीजैऔर न कुछ माता॥
ॐ जय शीतला माता…।
Jai Shitala Mata,Maiya Jai Shitala Mata।
Adi Jyoti MaharaniSaba Phala Ki Data॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Ratana Simhasana Shobhita,Shweta Chhatra Bhata।
Riddhi-Siddhi Chanwara Dolaven,Jagamaga Chhavi Chhata॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Vishnu Sevata Thadhen,Seven Shiva Dhata।
Veda Purana VaranataPara Nahin Pata॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Indra Mridanga BajawataChandra Vina Hatha।
Suraja Tala BajavaiNarada Muni Gata॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Ghanta Shankha ShahanaiBajai Mana Bhata।
Karai Bhakta Jana AartiLakhi Lakhi Harshata॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Brahma Rupa VaradaniTuhi Tina Kala Gyata।
Bkaktana Ko Sukha DetiMatu Pita Bhrata॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Jo Jana Dhyana LagavePrema Shakti Pata।
Sakala Manoratha PaveBhavanidhi Tara Jata॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Rogon Se Jo Pidita KoiSharana Teri Ata।
Kodhi Pave Nirmala KayaAndha Netra Pata॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Banjha Putra Ko PaveDaridra Kata Jata।
Tako Bhajai Jo NahinSira Dhuni Pachhatata॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Shitala Karati Jana KiTu Hi Hai Jaga Trata।
Utpatti Bala BinashanaTu Saba Ki Mata॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Dasa NarayanaKara Jori Mata।
Bhakti Apani DijaiAura Na Kuchha Mata॥
Om Jai Shitala Mata…।
Significance of Sheetla Mata’s Aarti
Performing Sheetla Mata’s aarti holds great cultural and religious importance for devotees. It is believed to invoke the goddess’s blessings for good health, protection from diseases, and overall well-being. The aarti is particularly significant during Sheetala Ashtami, which falls on the eighth day after Holi in the month of Chaitra.
How to Perform Sheetla Mata’s Aarti
- Set up an altar with Sheetla Mata’s image or idol
- Light a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks
- Offer flowers, fruits, and cold water
- Begin the aarti by lighting the aarti lamp
- Sing the aarti while gently moving the lamp in a clockwise direction
- After completing the aarti, offer pranam (respectful salutation)
Meaning Behind the Aarti Lyrics
The aarti praises Sheetla Mata as the primordial light and the great queen who bestows all blessings. It describes her divine form seated on a jeweled throne, emphasizing her power and benevolence. The lyrics also highlight that even great gods like Vishnu and Shiva serve her, underscoring her supreme status.
Sheetla Mata Worship and Disease Prevention
Traditionally, Sheetla Mata has been worshipped for protection against smallpox and other fevers. In modern times, her worship has evolved to encompass general health and well-being. Devotees believe that offering cold food and water to the goddess can help prevent and cure various ailments.
Festivals and Occasions for Sheetla Mata Worship
The main festival dedicated to Sheetla Mata is Sheetala Ashtami, celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April). On this day, devotees observe a fast and offer cold food to the goddess. In some regions, Sheetla Mata is also worshipped during the summer months to ward off heat-related illnesses.