Mahalakshmi Ashtakam Lyrics With Meanings

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam was composed and sung by Indra, the Lord of Heaven, to invoke Goddess Lakshmi and seek her blessings. According to The Art of Living website and other scriptures, when Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of it by the devas and asuras, she became the consort of Vishnu. 

Indra, who had lost his kingdom, prestige, and wealth to the asuras during their previous battles, invoked Goddess Lakshmi through this Mahalakshmi Ashtakam and prayed for the restoration of his lost fame and wealth. That is how this Ashtakam came into being.

Whoever recites these lyrics with true devotion and faith will beget the blessings of the Goddess. 

 

namastEstu mahAmAyE, shri-piithE, surapoojitE,

shankh-chakr gadAhastE, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (1)

Meaning:-

My salutations to you, O Goddess of Mystical Powers. O Dweller of the Transcendental Abode, worshiped by celestial beings, who carries in her hands the wheel, conch, and mace; my salutations to you, O MahAlakshmi. 

namastE garudAroodhE, kOlaasura bhayankarii,

sarvapaapa harE dEvi mahAlakshmi namOstute || (2)

Meaning:-

Salutations to you who ride on the mighty Garuda (the celestial Eagle); who terrified and killed the Kola demon; you are the destroyer of all evils; please accept my salutations, O MahAlakshmi.

sarvajnyE sarva-varadE, sarvadushta bhayankarii,

sarvadukha harE dEvi, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (3)

Meaning:-

You are All-Knowing; you are the bestower of all boons; you are a terror to all evil beings; please evaporate all our troubles; I salute you, O MahAlakshmi. 

siddhi-buddhi pradE dEvi, bhakti-mukti pradAyinii,

mantra-moortE sadaa dEvi, mahAlakshmi namOstute || (4)

Meaning:- 

O Bestower of Accomplishments (there are eight types of divine powers) and Intelligence; you are the provider of Devotion and Liberation; you are one divinified form of all Mantras; my salutations to you, O MahAlakshmi.

aadyantara-hitE dEvi, aadyashakti mahEshvarii,

yOgajE, yOgasambhootE, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (5)

Meaning:-

You are without any Beginning or End; the Primeordeal Force; O Great Goddess (MahEshvari) representing the Primeordeal Force! Born out of Yoga and united with Yoga, please accept my salutations, O MahAlakshmi. 

Yoga can be defined as a State of Great Consciousness. It is the union of all celestial powers.

sthoola-sookshma mahAroudrE, mahAshakti mahOdarE,

mahApApa harE dEvi, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (6)

Meaning:-

Your form is both subtle and massive, and truly terrific as well. You are the greatest power, Great-Wombed. Please destroy the greatest sins committed by me, O Goddess MahAlakshmi, I salute You.

padmAsana-stithE dEvi, parabrahma svaroopiNii,

paramEshi jaganmAta, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (7)

Meaning:-

O Goddess, who is seated in a padmAsana posture, you are the form of the eternal and transcendental Parabrahma; O Supreme Mother of the entire World/Universe; please accept my salutations.

ShvEtAmbar-dharE dEvi, nAnAlankaar bhooshitE,

jagadsthitE jaganmAta, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (8)

Meaning:-

O Goddess, who is adorned in purest white clothes and decorated with multiple jewelry, you abide within this universe as the Mother of the Universe. Please accept my salutations. 

White clothes denote inner purity, whereas the jewels denote the inner beauty of the Goddess.

mahAlakshmyashtakam stOtram yah-pathEt bhaktimAnnaraha,

sarvasiddhimavApnOti, rAjyam prApnOti sarvadA || (9)

Meaning:-

Whoever recites this Mahalakshmi Ashtakam with utmost devotion will obtain all accomplishments. They will possess kingdoms. Here, the kingdom may refer to power and authority over circumstances, both adverse and favorable.

EkakAlE pathEnnityam mahApApa vinAshanam

dvikAlah yah pathEnnityam dhanadhAnya samanvitaha || (10)

Meaning:-

If recited once in a day, his sins will evaporate. If the same is recited twice in a day, he will obtain wealth and prosperity.

trikAlam yah pathEnnityam mahAshatru vinAshanam

mahAlakshmir-bhavEnnityam prasannA, varadaa, subhA || (11)

Meaning:-

If recited thrice in a day, the greatest of enemies will be destroyed. He will be gifted with the everpresence of Mahalakshmi within him, in her boon-gifting, smiling, auspicious form.

Saraswati Ashtottara Shatanamavali - 108 Names of Saraswati With Meanings

Ashtottara ShatanamavaLi translates to the Garland or a Row of 108 names recited during worship of any God. In this particular post, this refers to the worship of the Goddess of Knowledge.

It is a practice of worshiping Saraswati at the time of the initiation of the first alphabet to a child. This occasion is known as the Aksharabhyasam ceremony. 

The child gets introduced to education after the Saraswati worship. 

This worship can be performed by chanting stotrams of the Goddess and through the recitation of the 108 names of Saraswati. While reciting the names, you can offer flowers and kumkuma/haldi to Saraswati at each name. The same procedure can be followed for celebrating Basant Panchami Day.

Now, I am providing the 108 names along with their meanings (shown in brackets)

Om saraswatyai namaha            (My salutations to Goddess Saraswati)

Om mahAbhadrAyai namaha      (Mahabhadra, the Protector)

Om mahAmAyAyai namaha        (the great mystic forcce) 

Om varapradAyai namaha           (Provider of Gifts and Boons)

Om sri pradAyai namaha            (Provider of Fame and Wealth)

Om padmanilayAyai namaha     (Her Abode is Lotus)

Om padmAkshyai namaha         (Lotus-Eyed Mother)

Om padmavaktrAyai namaha     (Lotus-Faced Mother) 

Om shivAnujAyai namaha         (Sister of Shiva)

Om pustakabhrutE namaha || 10 || (Holder of Books)

Om jnAnamudrAyai namaha     (the Symbol of Knowledge)

Om ramAyai namaha                 (Pleasing One) 

Om parAyai namaha                  (Celestial Being)

Om kAmaroopAyai namaha      (Changes Forms at will)

Om mahAvidyAyai namaha       (Goddess of Great Knowledge)

Om mahApaataka nAsinyai namaha (Destroyer of Greatest Sins)

Om mahAshrayAyai namaha      (The Ultimate Refuge)

Om mAlinyai namaha                 (Wears huge Garlands)

Om mahAbhOgAyai namaha      (Experiencable, Pleasing Mother)

Om mahAbhujaayai namaha || 20 || (She has large shoulders)

Om mahAbhAgAyai namaha     (She is the Primeordial or Atom)

Om mahOtsAhAyai namaha       (Extremely Enthusiastic)

Om divyAngAyai namaha          (Possesses Divine Organs)

Om suravanditAyai namaha       (Respected by Angels)

Om mahAkAlyai namaha           (the Eternal Time)

Om mahApAshAyai namaha      (Bears a large Noose of Affection)

Om mahAkArAyai namaha        (Huge Formed)

Om mahAnkushAyai namaha     (Has a large Hook)

Om piitAyai namaha                   (Dressed in Golden Robe)

Om vimalAyai namaha || 30 ||    (Pure Being)

Om vishvAyai namaha               (Universal Being)

Om vidyunmAlAyai namaha      (Bears a Garland of Lighting)

Om vaishnavyai namaha            (She is Vaishnavi Devi)

Om chandrikAyai namaha         (Crescent of Moon)

Om chandravadanAyai namaha  (Moon-Like Face)

Om chandralekhA vibhooshitAyai namaha (Adorned by the rays of Moon)

Om sAvitryai namaha                (She is Savitri, the Glowing Sun)

Om surasAyai namaha               (Pleasant Nectar or Essence of KNowledge)

Om dEvyai namaha                    (The Mother Goddess)

Om divyAlankAra bhooshitAyai namaha || 40 || (Decorated with Divine Ornaments)

Om vAgdEvyai namaha             (Goddess of Speech)

Om vasudhAyai namaha             (Goddess of Earth)

Om tiivrAyai namaha                  (Sharp and Quick)

Om mahAbhadrAyai namaha      (Protector, Saviour)

Om mahAbalAyai namaha          (Strong, Powerful) 

Om bhOgadAyai namaha            (Gifter of Boons)

Om bhAratyai namaha                (Bharati is her Name) 

Om bhAmAyai namaha               (Passionate Lady)

Om gOvindAyai namaha             (Saviour/Protector, Krishna's Wife)

Om gOmatyai namaha || 50 ||       (Having Cows or Feelings of a Cow)

Om shivAyai namaha                  (Auspicious and Gentle)

Om jatilAyai namaha                   (Rough or Difficult Being)

Om vindhyavAsAyai namaha      (Lives in Vindhya Pradesh)

Om vindhyAchala virAjitAyai namaha (Dwells on Vindhya Hill)

Om chandikAyai namaha             (Bearer of Crescent Moon or Glow)

Om vaishnavyai namaha              (She is Vaishnavi or Celestial Being)  

Om brAhmyai namaha                 (The Consort of Brahma) 

Om brahmajnAnaikasAdhanAyai namaha (The lone path for Brahmajnana)

Om soudAminyai namaha            (She is Lightning)

Om sudhAmoortyai namaha || 60 || (She is the Nectar)

Om subhadrAyai namaha              (Protector from Ignorance)

Om surapoojitAyai namaha           (Worshiped by Angels)

Om suvAsinyai namaha                 (A Nice Refuge for Wisdom Seekers)

Om sunAsAyai namaha                  (Having beautiful nose, or Easily Approachable)

Om vinidrAyai namaha                   (Dispels Slumber)

Om padmalOchanAyai namaha       (Lotus-Eyed)

Om vidyAroopAyai namaha            (Wisdom personified)

Om vishAlAkshyai namaha             (Large-Eyed)

Om brahmajAyAyai namaha            (Created from Brahma)

Om mahAphalAyai namaha || 70 ||   (She is the Great Fruit/Boon)

Om trayiimoortyai namaha               (One of the Three Goddesses)

Om trikAlajNAyai namaha                (Knower of Past, Present, Future)

Om triguNAyai namaha                     (Three qualities of Satva, Rajas, and Tamas) 

Om shAstraroopiNyai namaha           (She is the essence of Science, Arts, etc.)

Om shumbhAsura pramathinyai namaha (Destroyer demon Shumbhaasura)

Om shubhadAyai namaha                   (She is Auspicious Protector)

Om svarAtmikAyai namaha                (She is the Soul of Speech & Letters)

Om raktabiija nihantryai namaha         (Slayer of Raktabija, a Demon)

Om chAmundAyai namaha                   (the Slayer of Chanda and Munda demons)

Om ambikAyai namaha || 80 ||               (She is the Supreme Goddess)

Om mundakAya praharaNAyai namaha  (Slayer of Mundaka demon)

Om dhoomralOchana mardanAyai namaha (Slayer of Grey-Eyed Dhoomra)

Om sarvadEvastutAyai namaha                 (Entire Gods sing her glories)

Om soumyAyai namaha                             (Pleasant in nature)

Om surAsura namaskrutAyai namaha        (Revered by Angels and Demons)

Om kAlarAtryai namaha                             (She is the Dark Night or Kali)

Om kaLAdhArAyai namaha                        (The base or abode of Arts)

Om roopasoubhAgya dAyinyai namaha       (Bestower of Form and Prosperity)

Om vAgdEvyai namaha                                (The Speech Goddess)

Om varArOhAyai namaha || 90 ||                   (Bestower of endless boons)

Om vArAhyai namaha                                   (Herself, she is the Boon)

Om vArijAsanAyai namaha                            (Lotus-Seated)  

Om chitrAmbarAyai namaha                           (Amazingly Dressed One)

Om chitragandhAyai namaha                           (Bears astounding scents)

Om chitramAlya vibhooshitAyai namaha        (Adorned with magnificient garlands)

Om kAntAyai namaha                                       (the Essence of Womanhood) 

Om kAmapradAyai namaha                              (Bestower of Desires and Wants)

Om vandyAyai namaha                                      (Reverable Goddess)

Om vidhyAdhara supoojitAyai namaha      (Worshiped by vidyAdharAs, skilled celestials)

Om shvEtAnanAyai namaha || 100 ||           (Her face is Pure-White hued, soft and beautiful) 

Om niilabhujAyai namaha                            (Blue-Hued Shoulders)

Om chaturvarga phalapradAyai namaha   (Granter of 4 Fruits of Dharmaartha, kaama, moksha)

Om chaturAnana sAmrAjNyAyai namaha   (Queen of Four-Faced Brahma)

Om raktamadhyAyai namaha                        (Essence of (Blood) Life, or Red-garlanded)

Om niranjanAyai namaha                              (Indifferent and Blissful) 

Om hansAsanAyai namaha                            (She is Swan-Faced)

Om niilajanghAyai namaha                            (Blue-Hued Thighs)

Om brahmavishNusivAtmikAyai namaha || 108 ||  (Dwells in Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva)

Akshaya Tritiya Meaning, Significance, and Celebration Tips

Akshaya Tritiya is a prominent Hindu festival observed across India and abroad.

"Akshya" means that which has no 'kshaya'. Kshaya means to decrease or decay. So, Akshaya is that which is not prone to decrease or fade out. "Tritiya" means 'the third'. It is celebrated on the third day of a particular month. Hence, it is known as Tritiya.

Thus, Akshaya Tritiya is a celebration of abundance. We worship God and seek His blessings for "Abundance".

The celebration involves worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her blessings for material wellness as well as for the health and prosperity of family members.

Festivities include cleaning and decorating the entrance doors, tidying the worship area, and wearing clean clothes after a full bath.

This festival falls on the third day of the bright half of Shukla Paksha in Vaishakha, the second month of the Hindu calendar.

Health, wealth, and prosperity (involving progress in life) are important aspects of life. Therefore, we worship Goddess Lakshmi, the provider of all these aspects, along with Lord Ganesha and Kubera to seek blessings.

Akshaya Tritiya Significance

Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated by Hindus and Jains as an auspicious day for starting new ventures and purchasing important assets and properties like Gold, Houses, Vehicles, etc. 

It is considered a lucky day for doing anything anew. They worship Ganesha, Lakshmi, and Kubera before going for the purchase. They believe that good luck comes to their home by doing so.

This day is associated with Parashurama's birth anniversary. It is believed that Parashurama was born on this day.

Some devotees believe that Treta Yuga started on this day of Akshaya Tritiya.

There are some other stories related to this festival.

In the Mahabharata, Sri Krishna presented the akshaya patra to Draupadi while the Pandavas were in Vanavaas due to the Kauravas. However, the akshaya patra can provide food only once a day for those who are seated and ready to eat. Therefore, when Duryodhana maliciously sent Sage Durvasa along with his disciples to seek food from the Pandavas at midnight, Krishna saved them from Durvasa's wrath by eating one or two grains stuck to the akshaya patra. Otherwise, the sage could have cursed the Pandavas.

Another story is that of the Jain Tirthankara Rishabhanatha. The Jains believe that Lord Rishabhanatha broke his 400-day fast by consuming sugarcane juice from a king named Shreyans on this Akshaya Tritiya date. So, Jains keep fast and celebrate this day to commemorate that event.

There is another belief that Goddess Ganga came to earth on this auspicious day.

It is believed that Kubera was appointed as Lord of Wealth on this day.

One more story tells that Sri Krishna bestowed wealth upon his childhood friend Sudama on this day. Sudama (also known as Kuchela) was a poor Brahmin. He had 21 children after marriage, and he could not provide even enough food for his family. His wife advised him to visit his childhood friend Krishna and seek help from him. Sudama was hesitant but agreed to do so. His wife tied some grains of flattened rice (known as poha) to his dhoti, as Sudama would not go empty-handed to his friend's house.

Sudama was afraid that Krishna might not recognize him after such a long gap of time. But Krishna already knew through his sixth sense that Sudama was coming to meet him and that he was bringing poha for him. So, he came running toward his old friend, took him inside his palace, and made him sit on his throne. Sudama was overwhelmed with joy and did not seek anything else from Krishna. However, Krishna knew of his poverty and pitiful condition. He secretly took the poha that Sudama had hidden in his clothes and ate it. Then he bade farewell to Sudama without further inquiries regarding the purpose of his visit. Sudama was already satisfied with the welcome and the respect he received from Krishna. While returning, he felt sad for his family as he couldn't ask for help from Krishna.

But when Sudama reached his place, he couldn't find his house there. In its place was a huge bungalow, and his wife was standing on the upper floor, waving at him. Sudama was astonished and realized that it was all part of Sri Krishna's Leela. He bowed his head in acknowledgment of the love and generosity shown by Krishna even without asking for it.

This is the great story of Sudama, who received Akshaya Sampatti (everlasting wealth & prosperity) on Akshaya Tritiya Day. 

Lord Rishabhnatha taking alms

How to Celebrate Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated by offering special prayers to God, observing fasts, purchasing gold and other valuable items, visiting temples, and engaging in charitable work for the poor. People who are considering their children's marriage or starting new ventures can begin this work on this day after prayers.

• Take a full bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes for performing the puja.
• If you are considering fasting, you can do so and break the fast after the evening puja by consuming either some fruit juice or milk, along with the prasad.
• Prayers to Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Kubera are considered important on this day.
• If you wish to purchase gold or other articles on this day, do so after the morning puja. You can place these items in front of God during your evening worship and apply some turmeric and kumkuma to them, treating them as auspicious gifts from God.
• People purchasing new houses or land should install their God in it before entering the home or land. Hold the idol in your hand while stepping in and then place it at some appropriate place, do some worship by chanting hymns and offering flowers and jaggery to the idol.
• Jaggery (gur) is the best naivedyam according to our scriptures. Along with jaggery, you can offer other items such as bananas and cooked foods like kheer, tamarind rice, pongal, etc. as naivedyam to God.
• Distribute the prasadam to elders and other attendees at the puja before taking any for yourself.
• People observing a fast can offer soaked chickpeas as naivedyam and then distribute them among the attending women, along with kumkuma, turmeric, betel leaves, and a fruit. Their blessings will be an asset for you.
• Visiting temples in the evening can be a blessing for you and your family.

Ugadi Festival - Gudi Padwa (Chaitra Navaratri First Day)

Ugadi is a South Indian New Year's Day festival, also known as Yugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Samvatsaraadi.

The name derives from the Sanskrit words "yuga" and "aadi," where "yuga" means either an era or period, and "aadi" signifies the beginning. In Karnataka, the festival is celebrated as Yugadi, while those from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana observe it as Ugadi. The Telugu community also refers to it as Samvatsaraadi, which translates to "beginning of a new year - samvatsara. " A highlight of this festival is the multiple-taste recipe known as Ugadi Pachadi.

 

The date of the festival is determined according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, marking the first day after the new moon that follows the March equinox.

The Telugu calendar is actually a cycle of 60 years, each year having a separate name. After 60 years, the years repeat again. This cycle can also be deemed an era, though the Ugadi festival is the celebration of the first day of each new year (not the cycle or era).

This same day is celebrated as Gudi Padwa by the people of Maharashtra, Goa, and Daman. 

Other names used for this day's festival in other regions are as follows:

• Nyepi: New year celebrated on this day by Hindus living in Bali, Indonesia.
• Sajibu Nongma Panba: Manipuri New Year celebration.
• Cheti Chand: New Year's day celebrated by Sindhi Hindus.
• Jamshedi Navroj: New Year's day for Iranian people.
• Chaitra Navaratri: Navaratri's first-day celebration by all Hindus.

Ugadi Festival

Ugaadi festival celebrates the first day of spring. Nature is filled with the fresh fragrances of flowers and leaves. The mango trees are lush with newly sprouting or half-mature mangoes. The neem trees are beautiful, adorned with white flowers and green leaves. Sugarcane crops are abundant all around.

These sceneries set the mood for the festivities. 

• People get up early on this day, take an oil bath, and wear new clothes.
• Homes are neatly washed/cleaned (or whitewashed and painted, if necessary).
• The entrance gates and doors are cleaned and decorated with toranams (tOraNams), mango leaves, flower garlands, etc.
• Colorful patterns and designs known as muggulu (kolam, rangoli, etc.) are drawn at the entrances using chalks and powders.
• A special recipe known as Ugadi Pachadi is prepared on this day and offered to God as naivedyam along with other offerings like fruits, paayasam, etc.
• Festive recipes include unique dishes like Bobbatlu, Pulihora, etc.
• Sugarcanes are enjoyed by children and people in their prime youth who can bite and chew them comfortably.

Ugadi Pachadi

Ugadi Pachadi (spelled as ugaadi pacchadi) is the most important recipe for celebrating the Ugadi Festival. This recipe is prepared by adding fresh neem flowers, raw mango, new tamarind, new jaggery, green chili, and salt. These items represent the six tastes and moods of life as mentioned below.

1. Neem flowers taste bitter (the related modd is sadness)
2. Mango is tangy (astringent) ( the relative mood is surprise)
3. Tamarind is sour (the related mood is disgust)
4. Jaggery is for sweetness (the related mood is happiness)
5. Green chili is for hotness (piquant) (the mood is anger)
6. Salt is salty (the corresponding mood is fear)

Ingredients for Ugadi Pachadi

• One raw mango of medium size
• Two to Three twigs of fresh neem flowers
• 25 to 30 grams of ripe tamarind (for extracting the pulp)
• 20 to 30 grams of Jaggery (cake or powder)
• Two ripe fruits of banana
• One or two green chilis
• Salt powder (approx. one-fourth spoon) 

Preparation Tips for Ugadi Pacchadi

1. Soak the tamarind in a cupful of water for 10 minutes and extract the pulp.
2. Remove the mango peels and cut it into small pieces. You may grate it if you like it that way.
3. Make small pieces of the bananas.
4. If you are using jaggery cake, it should be peeled into powder.
5. Slice the chili into thin pieces.
6. Collect the neem flowers carefully by detaching them from their twigs.
7. Now, mix all the above-readied ingredients and add salt as per requirements. Make it slightly dilute by adding some water (Similar to a thick soup).
8. The Ugadi Pacchadi is ready now for serve. 

This is how the Ugadi Festival is celebrated.

Now, I am providing some facts regarding Gudi Padwa, the New Year festival for Maharashtra people.

Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa celebrates Lord Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, marking the end of his 14-year exile. People honor this event by hoisting the Gudi, a decorated bamboo pole adorned with vibrant fabrics, neem leaves, and a sugar garland, symbolizing victory and prosperity. Moreover, Gudi Padwa signals the beginning of the harvesting season, representing abundance and prosperity.

Some people link the celebration of Gudi Padwa to the emergence of the Shalivahana Calendar commemorating Emperor Shalivahana after he defeated the Huns, whereas others associate it with the day on which Brahma started creation.

Gudi Padwa Celebration

The major celebrations include the erection of a Gudi (A Flag-like construction), processions on streets towards temples, and worship of Brahma. It is believed that Lord Brahma is the creator of the Universe and the sense of Time. 

The Gudi is set up at homes by tying colorful sarees, dhotis, and other items (preferably green and orange to symbolize prosperity and victory) to a tall bamboo pole. Neem and mango leaves are wrapped around it. Garlands of flowers and sugar crystals adorn it. The Gudi is topped with an upturned silver or copper pot.

The Gudi is hoisted to the right of the house. The Gudi brings luck and drives away all negative effects as per their belief.

Devotees worship Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Sri Rama on this day. Special dishes are cooked and offered to God as Naivedyam. 

A dish of jaggery, neem flowers, and other ingredients is prepared on this day. They start their day with this dish before eating other items. They wear new clothes, go to temples, take processions of the Gudi, and enjoy the celebrations.

Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami Worship

Sheetala Saptami is the worship of Goddess Sheetala Maata to protect against Summer Diseases like heatstroke, smallpox, and chickenpox. She is believed to be the cooling and healing Goddess, especially for children. The word "sheetal" in Sanskrit means coolness. So, she is the bestower of Coolness and Relief from ailments.

This is (especially) a women's observance similar to the observances of Varalakshmi Vratam or Gauri Puja. So, you will find only the women and children around these worship places.

Generally, Sheetala Devi is worshiped by her devotees on any Tuesday that falls on the Saptami tithi or an Ashtami tithi of each month.

But the main worship in the form of a Festival takes place on the Seventh Day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha of each year and continues until the end of the Ashtami tithi. It is mostly observed by the people of northern and Western Indian States.

This year, Sheetala Saptami is celebrated on 21st March 2025. 

Sheetala worship involves purification, austerity, and meditation.

The devotees treat their Goddess as utterly pure and most powerful. So, they observe strict cleanliness.

• People get up early in the morning and clean their entire homes. Traditionally, they cleaned the floors and the entire compound of their residences with water mixed with cow dung.
• Take bath (preferably oil bath) and wear clean clothes.
• Sanctify the house with neem leaves and turmeric branches.
• Food used to be cooked on the previous night itself to avoid heating of the rooms.
• Sour and hot spices should be avoided when cooking. Only Saatvik food should be prepared and offered to the Goddess before eating.
• Sheetala Maa is worshipped observing a complete fast till evening hours.
• The entire day is spent meditating upon the Goddess, worshiping and offering prayers, etc. Some of the prayers include Shitala Ashtakam, Shitala Chalisa, and Aarati lyrics.
• You can break the fast on completion of the puja in the evening hours and eat the offered food after distributing to other family members and participants.
• Small children and older family members can be served food during the daytime, as they cannot remain without it.

The major points to keep in mind while observing this Sheetala worship are that you should keep complete faith in her healing powers, maintain utter cleanliness, abstain from spicy foods, keep your children clean and hygienic, apply tilak on their foreheads with the worshiped kumkuma of the Goddess and do not indulge in any other entertainments during the entire period of the observance of this fast.

People visit temples and fairs organized for this purpose in their localities after completion of the fast.