Shitala Satam Vrat-Shitala Satam (Saptami) શીતળા સાતમ
Compiled by Shree Veeranandaji Maharaj.

(Deity presiding over the disease of smallpox. On this day, food cooked on the previous day (unheated) is eaten by the Vratdhari)

This vrat is observed in the month of Sravana on the seventh day of the dark fortnight. On this day Shitalamata’s puja is performed after taking bath with cold water. One cold meal is eaten during the day.

It is written in the Skand Purana that donkey is the vehicle of Shitalamata. Shitalamata holds a broom in her one hand and a kalash (container with water) in her other hand. The one who observes the Shitala vrat bathes in a river or in a lake. There Shitaladevi’s image (murti) is placed on the banks of river or lake. Shitaladevi is offered cooked food and ghee. On this day cold food is eaten; the food that was cooked the previous day (cooked on chhatthi or sixth day). For the vratdhari (one who observes this vrat), it is forbidden to eat warmed or hot food on this day.

Those who can afford it, can make golden image of Shitaladevi and together with the image of the vehicle (donkey) place the devi’s image on eight petalled lotus flower. Offer obeisance with joined palms saying ‘My pranam to Shitaladevi’ and make puja. In some places people offer raw flour and gor (molasses) as naivedya to the devi. It is customary to eat only one meal on Shitala Saptami day.

Katha (from Bhavishyottar Purana)

In the olden days, Hastinapur was ruled by king Indralumna. His wife’s name was Pramila who was full of faith and devotion and was keen on performing religious ceremonies and rituals. They had a son, Mahadharma by name and their daughter’s name was Shubhakaari. She was given in marriage to prince Gunvaan, son of king Sumati who ruled Kaundinyanagar.

Prince Gunvaan lived up to his name. He was a virtuous prince. A year after the wedding, Gunvaan went to his in-laws to fetch his wife. The king (his wife’s father) asked his son-in-law to stay over because the next day was the day of Shitala Saptami vrat. The king invited a Brahmin and his wife for the ceremony of Shitala Saptami vrat. The king’s daughter Shubhakari mounted a chariot and with her female friends set out for the puja ceremony of Shitaladevi. The puja was to take place by some lake.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is the festival of rakhi. This is the festival of brother and sister. This festival is celebrated on Shravan Pournima.

1.1 The science underlying Raksha Bandhan

The science underlying Raksha Bandhan can be understood with the help of the Divine Knowledge received by Mrs. Anjali Gadgil, Sanatan’s seeker receiving Divine Knowledge.

On the day of Shravan Pournima high speed frequencies of Yama principle are activated in the universe. Particles of the Absolute Fire Element (Tej) are generated due to the friction between these high speed frequencies. These particles of Tej are emitted into the atmosphere. They become inert because of their union with the ground particles and they create a covering on the ground. This is called raksha.

Bali, the king of Hell region uses the raja-tama frequencies emitted by this raksha to nurture the negative energies. Hence, a woman ties rakhi to a man as a symbol of invoking Earth and taking Earth’s help in restraining this action of King Bali.

On the day of Shravan Pournima, Deity Laxmi tied rakhi to King Bali and freed Narayana.

1.2 Prayer to be made while tying rakhi

येन बद्घो बली राजा दानवेन्‍द्रो महाबल: ।
तेन त्‍वामपि बध्‍नामि रक्षे मा चल मा चल ।।

This means, I tie you with the same raksha, by which the powerful demon king, King Bali was tied. O rakhi, you remain steadfast.

As per the teachings of Bhavishyapuran, Rakshabandhan was primarily meant for kings. Nowadays this festival is celebrated by everyone. The sister ties her brother a rakhi on the day of Rakshabandhan.

Jatatavigalajjala pravahapavitasthale
Galeavalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam
Damad damad damaddama ninadavadamarvayam
Chakara chandtandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam II1II

Jata kata hasambhrama bhramanilimpanirjhari
Vilolavichivalarai virajamanamurdhani
Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake
Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama II2II

Dharadharendrana ndinivilasabandhubandhura
Sphuradigantasantati pramodamanamanase
Krupakatakshadhorani nirudhadurdharapadi
Kvachidigambare manovinodametuvastuni II3II

Jata bhujan gapingala sphuratphanamaniprabha
Kadambakunkuma dravapralipta digvadhumukhe
Madandha sindhu rasphuratvagutariyamedure
Mano vinodamadbhutam bibhartu bhutabhartari II4II

Sahasra lochana prabhritya sheshalekhashekhara
Prasuna dhulidhorani vidhusaranghripithabhuh
Bhujangaraja malaya nibaddhajatajutaka
Shriyai chiraya jayatam chakora bandhushekharah II5II