The Maa Shitala Devi Temple, located in the sacred Kada Dham in the Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh, is considered one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. A unique tradition has been prevalent at this temple for centuries. During Chaitra Navratri, devotees from across the country, not just the state, come to Kada Dham to have darshan of Maa Shitala. People from the Purvanchal region, especially, visit the temple in large numbers. On the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri, the goddess is offered Basiyoda (stale food).

According to priests, Mata Shitala Devi loves cold and stale food. This is why devotees offer cold and stale food to her on Ashtami. This offering includes puris, halwa, puri dhamalu, curry, rice, yogurt, kheer, and other stale dishes.

Distributed as Prasad
The Basiyoda meal is prepared in the evening of Saptami at the goddess's court. The food is then stored in the temple courtyard. When it becomes stale, the Basiyoda offering is offered as per the rituals on the day of Ashtami. After the offering, the food is distributed as Prasad to all the devotees and pilgrims present. It is said that consuming this Prasad prevents diseases like smallpox. Therefore, devotees line up in the temple courtyard to receive it.

Happiness and Peace Remain in the Home
Offering this offering to Mata Shitala Devi protects against smallpox, fever, and skin diseases, and maintains peace and happiness in the family. On the morning of Ashtami, thousands of devotees visit the Mata Shitala Devi temple, perform the rituals, and offer the Basiyoda offering to Mata. This offering is then distributed among the devotees as Prasad, and all the devotees consume it.

Mother Shitala, the greatest of the Adi Shaktis
Temple committee president Atma Prakash Pandey explained that Mother Shitala Devi is the greatest of the Adi Shaktis. Therefore, she is also known as Badi Mata and Budhiya Mata. Basiyoda food, which is cold or stale food, is offered to Mother Shitala Devi. This food is very dear to her. To offer Basiyoda, a meal is prepared on the night of Saptami (Saptami), consisting of various dishes. It is then offered to Mother on Ashtami. After the offering, it is distributed to all devotees as prasad.

Praying to Mother for Good Wishes
President Atma Prakash Pandey explained that if anyone suffers from a serious illness, such as smallpox, people pray and perform pujas and fast in her name. During the fast, they spend the entire day consuming the offerings. Therefore, this year, Basiyoda will be offered on Ashtami, the 11th, and all devotees will partake of the prasad.

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