Shitala Chalisa In English
The Shitala Chalisa is a devotional hymn dedicated to Goddess Shitala, a revered deity in Hinduism known for her powers to heal diseases, particularly smallpox, and to bestow peace and prosperity upon her devotees. Comprising 40 verses (chaupais), this sacred text is recited by millions of devotees, especially during festivals like Sheetala Saptami and Sheetala Ashtami, to seek her divine blessings. Written in a poetic and rhythmic style, the Shitala Chalisa reflects the rich spiritual heritage of India and offers a profound connection to the divine feminine energy. This article provides a detailed overview of the Shitala Chalisa, its significance, structure, lyrics, and the benefits of its recitation.
Who is Goddess Shitala?
Goddess Shitala, also spelled as Sheetala or Shitala Mata, is a folk deity worshipped predominantly in North India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Her name, derived from the Sanskrit word “Sheetala,” means “coolness” or “one who cools,” symbolizing her ability to alleviate the burning fevers and diseases that afflict humanity. She is often depicted riding a donkey, holding a broom, a pot (kalash), neem leaves, and a winnowing fan (sup), which are symbolic of her role in cleansing and healing.
Shitala is considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga or Parvati, embodying the nurturing and protective aspects of the divine mother. Historically, her worship gained prominence during the times when smallpox was a widespread and deadly disease, and devotees turned to her for protection and cure. Even today, she is invoked to ward off epidemics and to bring relief from various ailments.
Structure and Composition
The Shitala Chalisa follows the traditional format of a Chalisa, a devotional hymn consisting of 40 verses, typically written in a lyrical style with a combination of couplets (dohas) and quatrains (chaupais). The text is traditionally composed in Hindi or Awadhi, languages accessible to the common people, making it a popular prayer across different regions. The Chalisa begins with an invocation, followed by praises of the goddess’s attributes, her divine acts, and a plea for her blessings, concluding with a Doha that encapsulates the essence of the prayer.
The verses are rich with metaphors and imagery, describing Shitala’s divine form, her benevolence, and her power to remove suffering. The rhythmic recitation of the Chalisa, often accompanied by music or chants, enhances its spiritual impact and makes it a meditative practice for devotees.
Shitala Chalisa Lyrics in English
॥ Doha ॥
Jai-Jai Mata Shitala,
Tumahin Dharai Jo Dhyana।
Hoya Vimal Shital Hridaya,
Vikasai Buddhi Balagyana॥
॥ Chaupai ॥
Jai-Jai-Jai Shitala Bhawani।
Jai Jaga Janani Sakala Gunakhani॥
Griha-Griha Shakti Tumhari Rajita।
Purana Sharadachandra Samasajita॥
Visphotaka Se Jalata Sharira।
Shital Karata Harata Saba Pira॥
Matu Shitala Tava Shubhanama।
Sabake Gadhen Avahin Kama॥
Shokahari Shankari Bhawani।
Bala-Pranarakshi Sukha Dani॥
Shuchi Marjani Kalasha Kararajai।
Mastaka Teja Surya Samarajai॥
Chausatha Yogina Sanga Me Gavain।
Vina Tala Mridanga Bajavai॥
Nritya Natha Bhairo Dikharavain।
Sahaja Shesha Shiva Para Na Pavain॥
Dhanya-Dhanya Dhatri Maharani।
Suranara Muni Taba Suyasha Bakhani॥
Jwala Rupa Maha Balakari।
Daitya Eka Visphotaka Bhari॥
Ghar-Ghar Pravishata Koi Na Rakshata।
Roga Rupa Dhari Balaka Bhakshata॥
Hahakara Machyo Jagabhari।
Sakyo Na Jaba Sankata Tari॥
Taba Maiya Dhari Adbhuta Rupa।
Karamen Liye Marjani Supa॥
Visphotakahin Pakadin Kar Linhyo।
Musala Prahara Bahuvidhi Kinhyo॥
Bahuta Prakara Vaha Vinati Kinha
Maiya Nahin Bhala Main Kachhu Chinha॥
Abanahin Matu, Kahugriha Jaihaun।
Jahan Apavitra Sakala Dukha Harihaun॥
Bhabhakata Tana, Shital Hvai Jaihain।
Visphotaka Bhayaghora Nasaihain॥
Shri Shitalahin Bhaje Kalyana।
Vachana Satya Bhashe Bhagawana॥
Visphotaka Bhaya Jihi Griha Bhai।
Bhajai Devi Kahan Yahi Upai॥
Kalasha Shitala Ka Sajavavai।
Dwija Se Vidhiwata Patha Karavai॥
Tumhin Shitala, Jaga Ki Mata।
Tumhin Pita Jaga Ki Sukhadata॥
Tumhin Jagaddhatri Sukhasevi।
Namo Namami Shitale Devi॥
Namo Sukkhakarani Dukhaharani।
Namo-Namo Jagatarani Tarani॥
Namo-Namo Trailokya Vandini।
Dukhadaridradika Kandini॥
Shri Shitala, Shedhala, Mahala।
Runalihyunani Matu Mandala॥
Ho Tuma Digambara Tanudhari।
Shobhita Panchanama Asawari॥
Rasabha, Khara Baishakha Sunandana।
Gardabha Durvakanda Nikandana॥
Sumirata Sanga Shitala Mai।
Jahi Sakala Dukha Dura Parai॥
Galaka, Galagandadi Juhoi।
Takara Mantra Na Aushadhi Koi॥
Eka Matu Ji Ka Aradhana।
Aura Nahin Koi Hai Sadhana॥
Nishchaya Matu Sharana Jo Avai।
Nirbhaya Man Ichchhita Phala Pavai॥
Kodhi, Nirmala Kaya Dharai।
Andha, Driga-Nija Drishti Niharai॥
Vandhya Nari Putra Ko Pavai।
Janma Daridra Dhani Hoi Javai॥
Matu Shitala Ke Guna Gavata।
Lakha Muka Ko Chhanda Banawata॥
Yame Koi Karai Jani Shanka।
Jaga Me Maiya Ka Hi Danka॥
Bhanata Ramasundara Prabhudasa।
Tat Prayaga Se Puraba Pasa॥
Puri Tiwari Mora Nivasa।
Kakara Ganga Tat Durvasa॥
Aba Vilamba Main Tohi Pukarata।
Matu Kripa Kau Bata Niharata॥
Pada Kshara Tava Asa Lagai।
Raksha Karahu Shitala Mai॥
॥ Doha ॥
Ghat-Ghat Vasi Shitala,
Shital Prabha Tumhara।
Shital Chhaiyan Me Jhulai,
Maiya Palana Dara॥
Significance and Benefits
The Shitala Chalisa holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. It is believed that reciting the Chalisa with faith and devotion can:
- Heal Diseases: Historically associated with smallpox, Shitala is invoked to cure fevers, skin ailments, and other health issues. The neem leaves and cooling imagery in the hymn symbolize her therapeutic powers.
- Protect Children: As a motherly figure, she is especially revered for safeguarding the health and lives of children.
- Remove Obstacles: The prayer is said to alleviate suffering, poverty, and emotional distress, bringing peace and prosperity.
- Spiritual Growth: Regular recitation is thought to purify the mind and heart, fostering wisdom, strength, and a deeper connection with the divine.
Devotees often perform the recitation on Tuesdays, Fridays, or during the festivals of Sheetala Saptami (celebrated a week after Holi) and Sheetala Ashtami (observed eight days after Holi). These days are considered auspicious for worshipping Shitala Mata, and the ritual may include lighting lamps, offering flowers, and preparing cold foods.
Rituals and Practices
To recite the Shitala Chalisa effectively, devotees follow certain rituals:
- Preparation: Begin with a bath and wear clean clothes, preferably in light colors. Set up a small altar with an image or idol of Goddess Shitala.
- Offerings: Offer neem leaves, flowers, fruits, and a lit lamp or incense. Cold items like curd or water are also presented, aligning with her cooling attribute.
- Recitation: Chant the Chalisa 11, 21, or 108 times, depending on personal devotion, while focusing on the goddess’s form and virtues.
- Meditation: Conclude with meditation and a prayer for health, happiness, and protection.
The use of a rosary (mala) or rhythmic chanting enhances concentration and devotion, making the practice a meditative experience.
