Chhathi Maiya Puja 2024: The grand festival of Chhath has begun, and the atmosphere everywhere is filled with its spirit. In Chhath, along with the worship of the Sun God, there is also a tradition of worshiping Chhathi Maiya. But do you know who Chhathi Maiya is and the reason behind her worship during Chhath?
Who Is Chhathi Maiya?
In local language, Goddess Shashthi is called Chhathi Maiya. She is known as the mind-born daughter of Sage Kashyap and Aditi and is also considered the sister of Sun God. Another name for her is Devsena. It is believed that Goddess Shashthi protects children. The challenging Chhath fast is observed to gain the blessings of Sun God and to please Chhathi Maiya.
According to ancient legends, Goddess Shashthi is also depicted as the mind-born daughter of Brahma. Mythology states that when Brahma created Earth and nature, Goddess Prakriti divided herself into six forms. The sixth form of these divisions is known as Chhathi Maiya. It is said that worshiping her during Chhath Puja brings her blessings, granting children happiness and health to the devotee.
Chhathi Maiya Katha
According to ancient legends, there was a king named Priyavrat who had everything but was saddened by his lack of children. To fulfill his wish for a child, Sage Kashyap conducted a Putreshti Yajna. He gave the king and his wife kheer prepared as an offering from the yajna. After consuming it, Queen Malini became pregnant and gave birth to a son.
However, the newborn was born lifeless, plunging the king into even deeper sorrow. When King Priyavrat took his child’s body to the cremation ground, prepared to sacrifice his own life as well, a goddess suddenly appeared before him.
The goddess introduced herself, saying, "I am Devsena, the mind-born daughter of Brahma. As I emerged from the sixth part of nature, I am called Devi Shashthi." The goddess advised the king to worship her and encourage others to do the same, promising him a healthy son in return.
The king then observed a fast and worshiped Devi Shashthi, after which he was blessed with a beautiful, healthy son. This is said to be the origin of the Chhath Puja tradition.
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