At the temple was an interesting decoration � Sri Seethala Devi on her vehicle, the donkey! Seethala Devi is considered a form of the goddess Mariamman, who is said to have a cooling effect and hence is the patron deity for fevers and the pox. I remember accompanying my mom to the local temple where there was an image of Seethala Devi, where we used to offer prayers and naivedhayam of Curd rice to the goddess, asking for protection from fevers, chicken pox, measles and such other diseases, but I don�t remember noticing the Devi�s vehicle. It is fascinating to think that an animal which is considered stupid and the butt of jokes should be revered in this way!
Another interesting thing to note is that the Devi holds in her hands, a broom and a dustpan � a clear indication, isn�t it, that all that�s needed for good health is hygiene???
