Objective: To perform worship and seek health and relief from diseases from Mother Sheetala.
Prerequisites/Requirements: Sheetala Devi photo, incense sticks, lamp (ghee/oil or camphor), flowers or petals, previously cooked food (naivedyam) including sweet rice or fruit, cup of Dhaar, banana leaf, and bowls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place a photo of Sheetala Devi at the prayer place.
- Hold palms in Namaste and chant the welcome mantra: “Om swagatam su swagatam – Om Sheetala devi-yai namah”.
- Offer incense sticks by turning them seven times clockwise around the photo while chanting: “Om tato dhoopam aghraa-payaami – Om Sheetala devi-yai namah”.
- Offer the lamp seven times clockwise while chanting: “Om prat-yaksha deepam darshayaami – Om Sheetala devi-yai namah”.
- Offer pushpam (flowers or petals) seven times clockwise while chanting: “Om idam pushpam – Om Sheetala devi-yai namah”.
- Place pre-cooked foods in small bowls on a tray lined with a banana leaf. Turn the tray seven times clockwise, bring it to the Devi’s lips, and leave it in front of the photo.
- Turn a lota of Dhaar seven times clockwise around the photo and bring it to the lips of the Devi.
- Recite the prayer for forgiveness and offer your personal requests.
