Shitala Mata (शीतला माता)

Shitala Mata is a goddess historically associated with protection from epidemic disease, heat-related illness and community well-being, with traditions that emphasise health, cooling, protection from disease and village guardianship. Images of Shitala Mata are commonly recognised through broom, water pot, neem, donkey and cooling symbolism. The name is also encountered as Sheetala, Sitala. Some details change across sectarian, regional and temple traditions, which is important when writing an accurate overview. A useful treatment should separate mythology, theology and living practice: first outline the deity’s identity and principal narratives, then explain iconography and devotional significance, and finally note contemporary worship, festivals, temples and household customs where they are genuinely relevant.