Devotee:
Gurudev, on this channel, we have made many videos about various gods—both of our religion and others. We've discussed so many things here. However, amidst all this, we might have missed one goddess, or perhaps we've mentioned her briefly in other contexts, but we haven't dedicated a separate episode to her.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
No, no, I've actually wanted to talk about her for a long time. I once did a detailed episode on Manasa, mentioning Jaratkaru. But I couldn't find a proper "lead" on Shitala. I tried hard to find out where she was born, who she married, or the names of her parents, but I couldn't find those details. Without being precise, I don't feel satisfied speaking about it. After a lot of effort, I've managed to find a little bit of information.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Actually, Ma Shitala is considered an aspect of Ma Durga, specifically an aspect of Katyayani. We worship Ma Shitala as Kalaratri, the seventh form of Durga. As the verse goes: "Prathamam Shailaputri cha, Dwitiyam Brahmacharini, Tritiyam Chandraghanteti, Kushmandeti Chaturthakam, Panchamam Skandamateti, Shashtham Katyayaniti cha, Saptamam Kalaratriti..." She is the seventh part of the Nava-Durga.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ma Shitala resided in the ashram of Sage Katyayana. Katyayana had requested her, saying, "Mother, please reside in my ashram forever in the form of a daughter." She replied, "So be it (Tathastu), I will stay as your daughter."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We generally know her as Kalaratri, a very fierce form. She is the deity associated with pox, measles, cholera, and smallpox—all the terrible epidemics of the past.
Devotee:
Like the plagues of old.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. Back then, if anyone caught these diseases, they would make a vow at the shrine of Ma Shitala. Once they recovered, water would be brought from her shrine. They would drink that water, offer a prayer, and only then would they be allowed to eat "Aamish" (non-vegetarian food like fish and rice) at home. Until then, non-veg was forbidden. This was the ritual. I've seen this for a long time. In Arambagh, Hooghly, there is a temple dedicated to her. During the month of Phalguna, around the time of the Dol festival, there is a massive crowd. You can't even find a place to stand.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is also a large Shitala temple here near us. On the day of Dol, food is cooked there and many people are fed.
Devotee:
Yes, Gurudev, I've heard the puja lasts for three days, and water is even brought from Guptipara.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That's right, with great devotion. I call Ma Manasa and Ma Shitala "Kancha-Kheko" deities (fierce/uncompromising). If they are displeased, there is no escape. I am quite afraid of them; they can cause great misfortune at any time. She is the "carrier and protector" of these diseases. People believe that if Ma Shitala is dissatisfied, something terrible might happen.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is why if someone in the house gets pox, a vow is made. Until they are cured, no one in the house can eat non-vegetarian food. Even certain vegetables like poppy seeds (Posto) or anything that "heats" the body are avoided.
Devotee:
Basically, anything that increases body heat is forbidden.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. Now, let's look at the Mahabharata. Dronacharya's wife was named Kripi. From our research, we consider Ma Shitala to be her. The Kurukshetra war happened 5,000 years ago, but its repercussions are still felt today. What you see in North India today, starting from Joshimath—it's all a consequence of that.
Devotee:
We are paying the price for past mistakes.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, these are the consequences. Modern discoveries are confirming this. This is the main point—5,000 years after the war, we are still paying the price. Even they (experts/sages) are saying this, not just us. It is a major decline. Who would have thought the Garhwal mountains or the Himalayas would start sinking into the earth? But it is true. In places like Chamoli, things are ending. The land is cracked and sinking. Temples and mosques are slowly going underground.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
A massive earthquake is predicted, similar to the one in Turkey (magnitude 7 or 8). I'm saying it will be even more than that. The map of Kailash Mansarovar will change completely. Even our holy river Ganga has started to dry up. By the year 2025 or 2026, you will see there is no water in the Ganga, only sand. The Ganga can no longer carry the weight of so much sin. She is slowly vanishing.
Devotee:
It's strange, Gurudev. Usually, at this time of year, the Ganga is full. But this year, since Durga Puja, due to lack of rain, the water level is extremely low even before the peak of summer.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It hasn't even become hot yet! As far as we know, the Ganga and Yamuna are on the path to extinction. Slowly, the source at Gomukh will close. The flow of the Yamuna will also stop.
Devotee:
All the places meant to "wash away sins" will be gone.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They will be gone. The earth is so burdened with sin that it can't take it anymore. Everyone says, "Yes, there is so much sin," yet they are the ones committing it. They speak words of wisdom but continue to sin. This is a huge concern for us.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Coming back to Ma Shitala—even though there are medical cures for pox and smallpox now, people still don't go to the doctor immediately; they rely on the Mother's mercy. Her influence is massive in North India.
Devotee:
And in South India too, she is worshipped under the name Mariamman.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. Her mention is found in Buddhism as well. Since she is mentioned in the Chandi, it's no surprise. Her structure is quite peculiar. She is guarded by the Batuks. There is a history to this. When a demon named Jwarasura (the fever demon) was sent by Kal-keo...
Devotee:
To kill her?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. To stop him, the four Batuks were called: Somaputra, Siddhaputra, Jnanaputra, and Sahajaputra. They protect the Mother. Some represent Ganesha, some Narayana, and some Shiva. The Mother ordered them to go and defeat the demon. A fierce battle ensued, and initially, Mahadev (in the form of a Batuk) was defeated.
Devotee:
Wait, he was defeated?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, let me explain that part...
Narrator:
(Audio ends)