????? (seet-laa)
Meaning: noun: Smallpox.
Quote:
????? ?? ???? ??????? ???????? ???? ????? ?????
seetlaa te rakhiaa bihaaree. paarbraham prabh kirpaa dhaaree.
The Giver of joy, the Supreme Lord, has bestowed His grace and saved (the child Hargobind) from smallpox. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 200
Message: In several parts of North India, smallpox is usually identified with an ancient folk deity Sheetala. The onset of smallpox is considered to be the manifestation of the goddess. The disease is seen to be her play and hence has to be given due reverence. The patient is fed cooling foods, and prayers and offerings are made to the goddess.
Sikh scholars believe that Guru Arjan uttered these verses on the occasion of the recovery of his son Hargobind, from smallpox and having warded off the danger of going blind due to the disease.
He expresses that it is the Divine who is the giver of joy and no other, and it is His grace that saved the child. As Hargobind was regarded as a gift from the Divine, there was no doubt who the Guru would have turned to at this trying time.
Following the example of the Guru, we need to always have faith in the Divine and His grace. When faced with adversities or ill health, we should turn to Him and not to anyone less. Our devotion is truly tested at these times. The temptation is always there to look for more than one solution, and to turn to established rituals.
Click here to listen to full hymn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUHk1AEUWxw
Etymology: From Sanskrit sheetalaa (literally, one who cools, the goddess of smallpox).
