Difference between revisions of "Śītalā"
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| − | + | <small>By Swami Harshananda</small> | |
| − | Almost every village | + | |
| − | One such is Śītalā | + | ==Origin of Śītalā Goddess== |
| − | basket on her head and holds | + | Almost every village has a folk-goddess, generally at the entrance to it. This goddess will be a protectress if appeased and a scourge if displeased. One such goddess commonly worshiped in the country is Śītalā.<ref>Sitalā is a minor form of [[Devī]].</ref> who is common in North India, especially in Bengal. She is the deity of smallpox. She is generally worshiped in a crude stone with a painted human face. She can cure smallpox if pleased or bring it on if displeased. |
| − | A variant form of hers is described as red-complexioned, three-eyed and | + | |
| − | In South India, she is | + | [[File:sitala.jpg|thumb|Sitalā]] |
| + | |||
| + | ==Iconographic Representation== | ||
| + | Tāntrik works describe her as black-complexioned, two-armed and riding on a donkey naked. She wears a winnowing basket on her head and holds a broom and a pot of water in her two hands. A variant form of hers is described as red-complexioned, three-eyed and four armed. In these four arms, she carries a skull-cup, hand-drum, spear and sword. Her hair resembles a blazing fire and she is seated on a lotus. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Vivid Manifestations== | ||
| + | In South India, she is worshiped as Māriyamma. Other forms are Ā-i of Assam and Thākurānī in Orissa. | ||
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| + | ==References== | ||
| + | {{reflist}} | ||
| + | * The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram [[Krishna]] Math, Bangalore | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:45, 19 December 2016
By Swami Harshananda
Sometimes transliterated as: Sitala, ZItalA, shitalaa
Contents
Origin of Śītalā Goddess
Almost every village has a folk-goddess, generally at the entrance to it. This goddess will be a protectress if appeased and a scourge if displeased. One such goddess commonly worshiped in the country is Śītalā.[1] who is common in North India, especially in Bengal. She is the deity of smallpox. She is generally worshiped in a crude stone with a painted human face. She can cure smallpox if pleased or bring it on if displeased.
Iconographic Representation
Tāntrik works describe her as black-complexioned, two-armed and riding on a donkey naked. She wears a winnowing basket on her head and holds a broom and a pot of water in her two hands. A variant form of hers is described as red-complexioned, three-eyed and four armed. In these four arms, she carries a skull-cup, hand-drum, spear and sword. Her hair resembles a blazing fire and she is seated on a lotus.
Vivid Manifestations
In South India, she is worshiped as Māriyamma. Other forms are Ā-i of Assam and Thākurānī in Orissa.
References
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore
