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Sheetala Ashtami, observed on the Ashtami Tithi of Chaitra month, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Sheetala Mata. Devotees perform rituals and puja during the auspicious time to seek the goddess's blessings. This festival is widely celebrated in regions like Malwa, Nimar, Rajasthan, and Haryana. It is also known as Basoda, Budha Basoda, or Basiaura. In 2025, Sheetala Ashtami falls on March 22. Below are the details of the puja muhurta, significance, and offerings made to the goddess.
Sheetala Ashtami 2025 Puja Muhurat
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Chaitra month will start on:
- March 22 at 4:23 AM
- Ends on March 23 at 5:23 AM
The auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) for worshiping Sheetala Mata is:
- From 6:41 AM to 6:50 AM
Performing puja during this period is believed to bring prosperity and protection from diseases.
Significance of Sheetala Ashtami
- On Sheetala Ashtami, devotees offer stale food prepared a day before (on Saptami Tithi) as a special offering to Sheetala Mata.
- This tradition is followed because Sheetala Mata is believed to prefer cold food, symbolizing coolness and healing.
- Consuming stale food on this day is believed to protect from various diseases and infections.
- Worshiping Sheetala Mata is said to safeguard devotees from illnesses like smallpox and measles.
- It is widely believed that seeking the blessings of Sheetala Mata brings health, prosperity, and protection from ailments.
Offerings Made to Sheetala Mata
Devotees prepare and offer the following food items to the goddess on Sheetala Ashtami:
- Sweet Rice
- Puri and Halwa
- Various Sweets
- Stale Pua (a traditional sweet dish)
- Doll-shaped food items
- Chickpeas
These offerings are prepared a day before and consumed as prasad on Sheetala Ashtami.
