Sheetala mata :
Sheetala mata  means cold and denotes the goddess Sheetala-mata who is deity riding on an ass and is responsible for the dreaded small pox disease . She moves around searching for victims and thus has to be propitiated . She is appeased by offerings of cold food, which is then partaken by her devotees . Her presence arises from the rustic belief that sickness and disease are not the result of natural causes but the work of mother demons and devils . Goddess Sheetala is represented as a yellow woman, sitting on a water lily, dressed in red and suckling an infant . She is worshipped more often by women and children . In times of epidemics of unusual severity, even human sacrifices have offered to stay the ravages of the disease . Sheetala is also a synonym for the moon . Chandra or Moon, the original Indian God of the moon is a lovable God as well as a loving god . Pleasing to children as well as elders, universally appealing to everyone whatever may be the religion of the onlooker . Sages and devotees invoke the Goddess Mother in Chandra and meditate for hours . He causes nightfall, strengthens the mind, purifies the blood and is considered as the mother figure that radiates nectar (Amrita ). His worship is beneficial for relief from all sorrows, helps in curing mental afflictions etc . His cool rays radiate happiness around . He adores the head of Lord Shiva . Worshipping him on Mondays is said to be very effective in getting one’ s prayers answered .