Chhathi Maiya is worshiped as the goddess of fertility, child safeguard, and household prosperity closely associated with the ancient Indian festival of Chhath Puja. Chhathi Maiya, or Shashthi Devi/Devasena, is a well-known Hindu goddess who is particularly related to child protection and granting offspring to couples who are childless. She is considered to be the daughter of Aditi and Maharishi Kashyap, and is also called the sister of Bhagwan Surya ji, the Sun God. Her blessings are sought for good health, success, and long life, particularly for children.
Who is Chhathi Maiya?
Manorama, a UP-based spiritual scholar and educator, describes that Chhath is a religious festival that mirrors a way of thanking the Sun, the only visible deity, and the nourishing river and water bodies. Photosynthesis, which is dependent on water and sunlight, allows plants to produce carbohydrates and releases oxygen, which is crucial to all living organisms.
Mythological Origins and Legends
As per ancient myths, Chhathi Maiya is said to have manifested before King Priyavrat and Queen Malini when they lamented over a stillborn child. Heeding the call for devotion by Chhathi Maiya, they were blessed with offspring and happiness came back into their lives. This belief, written across different Puranic scriptures, has instilled the ritual adoration of Chhathi Maiya during Chhath Puja, cementing her status as a protector of children and keeper of lineage.
Chhath Festival: Rituals and Environmental Wisdom
Therefore, Chhath is not just a religious practice, but a celebration that praises nature and reminds us of environmental sustainability. At this time, the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) is realised as individuals of all ages- older people, youngsters, and children, pay homage to the rising and setting sun by offering fruits, cereals, and vegetation along riverbanks or ponds. The daybreak fast is broken traditionally with cow’s milk, and seniors impart blessings to the young generation for offspring and a long life. Manorama calls for taking such festivals like Chhath global so that the world may learn about environmental conservation and sustainable living.
Significance and Global Impact
Chhath Puja is devoted to both Surya and Chhathi Maiya as the embodiment of energy and sustainability. The festival entails strict purity, fasting, and group devotion, symbolizing eternal gratitude for nature’s blessings and ecological balance. Worshipers congregate at riverbanks and send prayers, prasad, and arghya to the Sun, asking for boons for health and life. The colorful festival that originated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand has found its way throughout India and the world, creating spiritual communities far greater than where it began.
Worship Traditions
Chhath rituals include ceremonial bathing, offering fresh seasonal fruits, and breaking the fast with natural and pure food. The harmony of the gathering during Chhath promotes unity and nature consciousness, reminding everyone to care for and protect the earth for future generations.
Chhathi Maiya thereby symbolises the ideals of faith, fertility, and the universal good, making Chhath Puja a rich synthesis of spirituality, social harmony, and nature protection.
