The Skanda Purana
by G. V. Tagare | 1950 | 2,545,880 words
This page describes Greatness of Shitalagauri (Shitala-gauri) which is chapter 135 of the English translation of the Skanda Purana, the largest of the eighteen Mahapuranas, preserving the ancient Indian society and Hindu traditions in an encyclopedic format, detailling on topics such as dharma (virtous lifestyle), cosmogony (creation of the universe), mythology (itihasa), genealogy (vamsha) etc. This is the one hundred thirty-fifth chapter of the Prabhasa-kshetra-mahatmya of the Prabhasa Khanda of the Skanda Purana.
Chapter 135 - Greatness of Śītalāgaurī (Śītalā-gaurī)
[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]
Īśvara said:
1-3. A pilgrim should visit the misery-quelling goddess stationed there itself. Earlier she was well-known as Śītalā in Dvāpara Yuga. But in Kali Age she is famous as Kali-duḥkhāntakāriṇī (she who quells miseries of Kali Age).
If adored with ardent devotion, she will make the bodies of children cool (Śītala) and free from ailments. Hence she is remembered as Śītalā.
In order to dispel swellings (boils) in the case of children, Masūras should be properly measured and pounded.
4. The same is placed before Śītalā uttering, “May the children be free from ailments”. Thereby there shall be suppression of Visphoṭa (swelling, boils), Carcikā (small boils) etc. as well as Vāta (rheumatic complaints) etc.
5. Śrāddha should be performed there and Brāhmaṇas should be fed.
6. Camphor, flowers, musk, excellent sandal-paste, saffron and sweet scents should be offered. The food offering shall be pudding made with ghee. After dedicating it to the goddess, everything should be given to a couple.
7. On the ninth day in the bright half a splendid garland of Bilva should be offered to the goddess. Thereby the devotee shall attain all Siddhis.