Once when the devas performed a yajna for Ma Parvati, from the havan Kund emerged a goddess riding on a donkey, known as Mata Shitala. Holding a pot in one hand and a broom in the other, this manifestation of the great goddess is worshipped across the subcontinent for her healing abilities- believed to remove fever and illness-induced by chickenpox- a disease commonly referred to as Mata (goddess) hinting at its connections with the goddess Shitala.
As seen in this small brass statue, goddess Shitala like other forms of Devi is a youthful woman, adorned in fine jewellery and sari. A curing goddess, Mata Shitala is also associated with sanitation, and unclean spaces are said to enrage her.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist