Shitala (or Sitala or Sheetala) Mata, is a Hindu godess of pox diseases. Her devotees believed that she had the power to inflict smallpox and to cure it. In this icon, Shitala is pictured with a short broom to sweep (or spread) dust and a pot of water (for healing) or pulses (sicknesses). She is still actively worshipped today; her temples are scattered throughout northern India.
This painting is done in the Kalighat style, watercolour on paper, by an unknown artist.
