Sheetala Mata Katha – Chapter 2: Indra's Pride and Wrath

Indra's Pride and Wrath

In the previous chapter, we learned about the miraculous manifestation of Sheetala Mata. Her birth itself was for the purpose of freeing the world from diseases. But fate had something else in store. Indra, the foremost among the gods, intoxicated by his authority and power, and unaware of this truth, was about to make a terrible mistake, which would result in a great crisis on Earth.

Indra's Arrogance

In heaven, the gods were engrossed in their respective tasks. Indra, seated on his throne, was listening to the praises of his power. The expression of arrogance was clearly visible on his face. He considered himself the most powerful and important, and his pride was further amplified by being the god of rain. He began to feel that life on Earth was sustained solely by his grace. He would constantly display his power with the roar of thunder and the flash of lightning, as if to show everyone that his command was supreme. The thought began to enter his mind that the people of the earthly realm did not worship him properly.

"I am not being honored as much as I should be. These earthlings grow their crops and forget the gods. They do not understand my importance," Indra thought to himself. "I will show them what happens to them without rain. I will stop the rain. Then they will understand how essential Indra's grace is."

Epidemic in the Village

Due to Indra's anger, rain stopped on Earth. Rivers began to dry up, fields withered, and cracks appeared in the earth. Scarcity of food began, and people became distressed by hunger. Then another crisis arose – diseases began to spread. Smallpox, measles, and other illnesses took hold in the village. Children, the elderly, and the young all fell prey to this epidemic. A atmosphere of screams and lamentations filled the village. Even physicians and healers were helpless, as they had no cure for these diseases. People were terrified, and the shadow of death loomed everywhere.

Sheetala Mata, in her divine form, was witnessing all this. Her heart was filled with compassion. She felt the suffering of her devotees and decided to save them. Sheetala Mata tried to pacify the diseases with her influence, but Indra's wrath was so strong that it was not possible for the Mother to fix everything immediately. Nevertheless, with her power, she bestowed upon people the strength to fight diseases and inspired them to be patient.

Mother's Wrath

One night in the village, afflicted by the epidemic, Sheetala Mata appeared in the form of an ordinary woman. Compassion was on her face and radiance in her eyes. She gathered the villagers and said, "This calamity has come due to Indra's pride. He has stopped the rain, and you are all suffering from diseases. The only solution is to worship Indra and ask for his forgiveness. Also, worship me, and I will protect you." There was divine power in her voice, which instilled hope in the people.

Sheetala Mata further said, "Whoever believes in me and worships me with a true heart, I will protect them. Do not be afraid, be patient. This time too shall pass." Hearing the Mother's words, the people felt a little comforted. They began to prepare to appease Indra and seek his forgiveness as the Mother had instructed. Now, it remains to be seen whether Indra's heart changes or not, and how Sheetala Mata protects her devotees.