Every culture holds its own beliefs about disease, often passing them down through generations until they become ingrained in the people’s system. India, with its rich traditions and deep-rooted folklore, is no exception. Among these beliefs, the association of chickenpox with Sheetla Mata stands out as both fascinating and deeply revered.
I had heard about this connection since childhood, but it truly struck me when I experienced it firsthand. I was in seventh grade when, for some reason, my mother could not perform the customary worship of Sheetla Mata on Sheetla Ashtami that year. Just a week later, I was diagnosed with chickenpox. To our astonishment, my younger sister fell ill with chickenpox too. This event made me a firm believer in the tale that had been passed down for centuries.
The Curious Naming of ‘Mata’
Chickenpox is often called ‘Mata’ in smaller pockets of India. Interestingly, the word ‘Mata’ translates to ‘mother’ in english, an odd choice for a disease known for its painful, itchy rashes. But the reasoning behind this name lies in the connection between Shitala Mata and the disease itself.
Chickenpox and the Legend of Shitala Mata
Chickenpox, though medically explained as an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, has long been entwined with the divine in Indian tradition. This virus spreads rapidly, primarily among children and young adults, leading to red rashes, high fever, and discomfort. However, in Indian folklore, this illness is linked to Shitala Mata, a revered form of Goddess Durga.
Depicted as a calm and benevolent deity, Shitala Mata carries a pot of holy water and a silver broom. The belief is that she uses the holy water to cure diseases, while her broom represents punishment for those who do not show her due reverence. When chickenpox or smallpox afflicts someone, it is seen as an expression of her displeasure, but ultimately, she is believed to heal from within.
The Mythological Origins
According to ancient texts, there was once a fearsome demon named Javarasura, who tormented children by inflicting high fevers upon them. Seeing their suffering, Mata Katyayani took the form of Shitala Mata to rescue them. It is believed that she entered the bodies of children, manifesting in the form of chickenpox rashes. This was akin to her using her broom to cleanse the impurities. However, in her mercy, she also cured the disease, ensuring the children survived the ordeal.
The Rituals and Worship of Sheetla Mata
In many parts of rural India, those suffering from chickenpox are considered divine as they are believed to be in the presence of Shitala Mata. Instead of seeking medical treatment alone, families perform rituals dedicated to the goddess.
One of the most observed customs is the worship of Sheetla Mata on Sheetla Ashtami, which falls a few days after Holi. On this day, devotees offer ‘bassa khana’ (stale or cold food prepared a day earlier). When someone is diagnosed with chickenpox, the same pooja is performed as it is believed that consuming fresh, hot food could aggravate the infection. The worship typically takes place on a Monday or Wednesday, considered sacred to the goddess. The infected person’s mother do this pooja and offer mata all the cold food.
When I was diagnosed with chickenpox, my mother performed these rituals, preparing cold meals and offering prayers to Sheetla Mata, just as her ancestors had done for generations. For believers, this act is not merely a superstition but a time-honored tradition with deep cultural significance.
Faith, Science, and Cultural Identity
To outsiders, the idea of worshiping a deity to cure an illness may seem unusual, but for many in India, it is a testament to faith and cultural identity. While modern medicine has provided vaccines and treatments for chickenpox, the traditional reverence for Sheetla Mata continues to thrive, blending the old with the new.
The story of Sheetla Mata and chickenpox offers a unique perspective on how mythology intertwines with everyday life. It serves as a reminder that even in times of illness, faith has the power to provide comfort and healing. Whether one believes in the goddess or not, the practice of honoring traditions passed down through generations holds a significance that goes beyond mere superstition—it embodies the essence of culture, belief, and resilience.