Every year, millions of devotees gather beside rivers, ponds, and other water bodies to offer prayers to the rising and setting Sun during Chhath Puja. Women and men observe demanding fasts, prepare traditional offerings, and express deep devotion to Chhathi Maiya.
But who is Chhathi Maiya, and why is she worshipped alongside Surya Dev?
Chhathi Maiya is a revered mother goddess associated with Chhath Puja, particularly in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal's Terai region. She is widely identified with Shashthi Devi, a goddess traditionally associated with the protection and well-being of children, motherhood, and family prosperity.
Chhathi Maiya is also closely connected with Surya Dev, the Sun God. However, the exact nature of this relationship varies across regional traditions.
Understanding the Chhathi Maiya story, history, and significance helps us appreciate why this festival inspires such extraordinary faith.
Beyond its religious traditions, Chhath Puja carries meaningful lessons about gratitude, discipline, simplicity, and our relationship with nature.
Science Divine Foundation, guided by Sadguru Sakshi Shree, encourages seekers to explore spirituality through self-awareness and conscious living. These principles offer a valuable perspective on the deeper meaning of Chhathi Maiya worship.
Who Is Chhathi Maiya in Hinduism?
Chhathi Maiya is a mother goddess worshipped during Chhath Puja and commonly identified with Shashthi Devi.
The word Chhathi is associated with the sixth lunar day, or Shashthi Tithi, which holds special importance in the festival.
In Hindu religious traditions, Shashthi Devi is associated with childbirth, the protection of children, fertility, and family welfare.
Devotees affectionately call her Chhathi Maiya, expressing a personal relationship with the goddess as a compassionate mother.
Her worship is especially prominent in the folk religious traditions of Bihar and neighbouring regions.
Unlike some Hindu deities whose worship centres on elaborate temple ceremonies, Chhathi Maiya is often honoured through community rituals performed near natural water bodies.
This makes Chhath Puja a distinctive celebration of devotion, nature, and family tradition.
Who Is Shashthi Devi?
The question “Who is Shashthi Devi?” is important for understanding Chhathi Maiya.
Shashthi Devi is a goddess traditionally associated with the welfare and protection of children.
She appears in different Hindu religious and regional traditions, sometimes with varying theological identities.
In certain Puranic narratives, Shashthi is described as a manifestation or aspect of the Divine Mother, associated with the protection of children.
Some traditions connect her with Devasena, while others understand her through local mother-goddess worship.
During Chhath Puja, devotees commonly identify Chhathi Maiya with this protective maternal divinity.
However, it is important to recognise that Hindu traditions are diverse, and not every community explains her identity in exactly the same way.
Chhathi Maiya Story: The Legend of King Priyavrata
One traditional story associated with Shashthi Devi concerns King Priyavrata and his wife.
The narrative appears in religious storytelling traditions connected with the goddess.
The King's Desire for a Child
According to the story, King Priyavrata and his wife longed for a child.
Despite their efforts, they remained childless for many years.
Seeking divine blessings, the king performed religious observances.
Eventually, the queen conceived a child.
However, the child was reportedly born without life, leaving the royal family devastated.
The Appearance of Shashthi Devi
As the king grieved, a radiant goddess appeared before him.
She identified herself as Shashthi Devi, associated with the protection and welfare of children.
According to the sacred narrative, the goddess restored life to the child.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, the king offered prayers and honoured the goddess.
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The story describes the king being encouraged to worship Shashthi Devi and spread awareness of her blessings.
This legend is commonly used to explain her association with childbirth, motherhood, and the well-being of children.
It is a religious narrative expressing faith in maternal protection, rather than a historical or medical account.
Its deeper message concerns hope, gratitude, compassion, and the emotional importance of family.
Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev: What Is Their Relationship?
The relationship between Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev is central to Chhath Puja.
Surya Dev represents the Sun, whose light and warmth sustain life on Earth.
Chhathi Maiya is worshipped as a compassionate mother goddess associated with protection and blessings.
In popular regional traditions, Chhathi Maiya is sometimes described as the sister of Surya Dev.
Other traditions explain her relationship with the Sun differently.
There is no single interpretation universally accepted across all Hindu communities.
Why Are Both Worshipped During Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja combines reverence for the Sun with devotion to Chhathi Maiya.
Devotees offer Arghya, a traditional water offering, to the setting and rising Sun.
They also pray to Chhathi Maiya for family well-being and blessings.
The worship reflects gratitude for the natural forces that sustain life.
The Sun provides energy for plants, influences seasonal cycles, and supports life on Earth.
Through Chhath Puja, devotees symbolically acknowledge this dependence on nature.
Chhathi Maiya History: Origins of the Worship
The history of Chhathi Maiya is closely connected with the broader development of Sun worship and Shashthi Devi traditions.
Sun worship has ancient roots in Indian religious culture.
The Rigveda contains hymns dedicated to solar deities, including Surya and Savitr.
Shashthi Devi worship also has longstanding connections with fertility, childbirth, and the protection of children.
Over time, regional customs brought these religious traditions together in the form of Chhath Puja.
Today, the festival is particularly associated with Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal's Terai.
However, its popularity has expanded through migration and community celebrations across India and internationally.
Is Chhath Puja Mentioned in the Mahabharata?
Popular traditions associate Chhath-like Sun worship with figures from the Mahabharata.
Karna, who is described as the son of Surya, is often connected with worship of the Sun.
Some regional narratives also associate Draupadi and the Pandavas with Sun-related observances.
These connections belong to religious tradition and later interpretations. They should not be presented as conclusive historical evidence for the origin of the modern four-day Chhath festival.
Why Is Chhathi Maiya Worshipped?
The Chhathi Maiya worship significance can be understood through several traditional beliefs.
1. Blessings for Children and Family
Devotees pray to Chhathi Maiya for the protection and well-being of children.
Her maternal identity creates a strong emotional connection with worshippers.
2. Gratitude for Life
Chhath Puja honours the Sun as a source of energy and sustenance.
The festival encourages appreciation for the natural world.
3. Devotion and Discipline
Traditional Chhath observances require careful preparation, self-restraint, and dedication.
For many devotees, this discipline becomes an expression of faith.
4. Simplicity and Equality
Chhath Puja is often celebrated through simple offerings, traditional songs, and collective participation.
Families from different backgrounds gather at common water bodies to worship.
5. Respect for Nature
The festival highlights the importance of rivers, sunlight, seasonal foods, and the natural environment.
This can inspire greater responsibility towards environmental protection.
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How Is Chhathi Maiya Worshipped During Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is traditionally observed over four days.
Specific customs vary by region and family.
Day 1: Nahay Khay
Devotees begin with bathing, cleanliness, and the preparation of traditional food.
The day represents preparation and dedication.
Day 2: Kharna
Devotees observe fasting and prepare traditional offerings.
In many families, the fast is broken after evening worship with prasad such as kheer and roti.
A more demanding fasting period may follow.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
Devotees gather near rivers, ponds, or designated water bodies.
They offer Arghya to the setting Sun while praying to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
Traditional songs and offerings create a deeply devotional atmosphere.
Day 4: Usha Arghya
The final day includes prayers to the rising Sun.
Devotees offer Arghya and conclude their observance according to family customs.
The festival ends with the sharing of prasad and expressions of gratitude.
Traditional Offerings to Chhathi Maiya
Offerings during Chhath Puja are commonly prepared with considerable care.
Popular items include:
Thekua, a traditional sweet preparation
Bananas and seasonal fruits
Sugarcane
Coconut
Rice-based offerings
Traditional sweets
Water and milk for Arghya
Bamboo baskets and soop for carrying offerings
Offerings vary according to local traditions.
Many devotees prefer simple, freshly prepared food.
The emphasis is traditionally on cleanliness, devotion, and sincerity rather than extravagance.
What Is the Spiritual Significance of Chhathi Maiya?
The Chhathi Maiya significance extends beyond prayers for family blessings.
The festival can also be understood as a reminder of our relationship with life itself.
Gratitude Instead of Entitlement
We often take sunlight, water, food, and family support for granted.
Chhath Puja encourages us to acknowledge these gifts.
Gratitude helps shift attention from what we lack towards what sustains us.
Discipline Without Ego
Fasting and religious observances require determination.
However, spiritual discipline should not become a source of pride or competition.
The deeper purpose is to cultivate sincerity and self-understanding.
Devotion Through Simplicity
Chhath Puja demonstrates how simple offerings can carry profound emotional and religious meaning.
Spiritual value is not necessarily determined by material expense.
Connection with Nature
Worshipping the Sun beside water reminds us that human life depends on natural systems.
Respecting nature is therefore not separate from responsible living.
Chhathi Maiya and the Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita offers spiritual principles that connect meaningfully with Chhath Puja.
In Chapter 9, Verse 26, Lord Krishna explains that even a simple offering made with devotion is accepted.
This teaching highlights the importance of sincerity.
During Chhath Puja, devotees offer fruits, water, and traditional food.
The spiritual value of these offerings can be understood through the devotion and gratitude behind them.
In Chapter 3, Verse 12, the Gita also discusses reciprocity between human beings and the divine powers that sustain life.
This provides a philosophical perspective on gratitude, responsibility, and living in harmony with the larger world.
Science Divine Foundation: From Devotion to Self-Awareness
Science Divine Foundation works towards the vision of “Sound Body, Sound Mind and Self-Realisation.”
Guided by Sadguru Sakshi Shree, the Foundation encourages individuals to explore meditation, self-awareness, and conscious living.
Chhath Puja offers an opportunity to reflect on these principles.
Devotees may stand in water, offer prayers, and seek blessings from Chhathi Maiya.
But spiritual reflection can also begin with personal questions.
Am I grateful for the life I have?
Do I recognise the emotions influencing my actions?
Am I becoming more compassionate?
Can I observe my desires without being controlled by them?
These questions connect traditional devotion with the journey of self-discovery.
Sakshi Bhav: Becoming a Witness
An important spiritual concept associated with Science Divine Foundation is Sakshi Bhav, or the attitude of witnessing.
Our minds continuously produce thoughts, worries, expectations, and emotional reactions.
During prayer, attention may wander.
Instead of judging ourselves, we can simply notice:
“My mind has wandered.”
Then we gently return our attention to the present.
This practice can make worship more conscious.
The same awareness can be applied to anger, fear, jealousy, and attachment in everyday life.
Sakshi Bhav encourages us to observe these experiences before reacting automatically.
How to Celebrate Chhath Puja with Greater Awareness
Alongside traditional worship, consider introducing a few simple practices.
Practise gratitude: Reflect on the people and natural resources that support your life.
Spend time in silence: Observe your breathing and thoughts for a few minutes.
Help someone: Offer food, support, or assistance without expecting recognition.
Respect the environment: Avoid leaving plastic, food waste, or other materials in rivers and ponds.
Understand your emotions: Notice expectations and reactions without immediately acting on them.
These practices help carry the festival's spiritual message into everyday life.
Fasting should also be approached responsibly. Extended fasting without water can carry health risks, especially for people with medical conditions, pregnant individuals, and older adults.
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Conclusion: Who Is Chhathi Maiya and Why Is She Important?
Chhathi Maiya is a revered mother goddess associated with Shashthi Devi and worshipped during Chhath Puja.
She is traditionally connected with the protection of children, family well-being, and maternal blessings.
Her worship is closely associated with Surya Dev and the sacred practice of offering Arghya to the setting and rising Sun.
The festival celebrates devotion, gratitude, discipline, simplicity, and respect for nature.
However, its deeper spiritual message can extend beyond the rituals.
The Bhagavad Gita emphasises sincere devotion and responsible action, while Science Divine Foundation encourages self-awareness through spiritual practices such as Sakshi Bhav.
True devotion becomes meaningful when gratitude, compassion, and awareness begin influencing how we live.
This Chhath Puja, honour Chhathi Maiya with faith while also taking a conscious step towards inner growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Who is Chhathi Maiya?
Chhathi Maiya is a revered mother goddess worshipped during Chhath Puja. She is commonly identified with Shashthi Devi, traditionally associated with the protection and well-being of children. Her worship is closely connected with Surya Dev and is especially popular in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal's Terai region.Q.Is Chhathi Maiya the sister of Surya Dev?
In some popular regional traditions, Chhathi Maiya is described as the sister of Surya Dev. Other traditions explain their relationship differently, so this identity is not universally interpreted in the same way.Q.Who is Shashthi Devi in Hinduism?
Shashthi Devi is a mother goddess traditionally associated with childbirth, fertility, and the protection of children. She is commonly identified with Chhathi Maiya in Chhath Puja traditions.Q.What is the story of Chhathi Maiya?
One traditional story describes King Priyavrata and his wife, whose child was restored to life through the blessings of Shashthi Devi. The narrative explains her association with children's welfare and maternal protection.Q.Why is Chhathi Maiya worshipped during Chhath Puja?
Devotees worship Chhathi Maiya seeking blessings for their families and children. The festival also expresses gratitude to Surya Dev and celebrates devotion, discipline, and respect for nature.Q.What is the connection between Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev?
Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev are worshipped together during Chhath Puja. Devotees offer Arghya to the Sun while praying to Chhathi Maiya for blessings and family well-being.Q.Is Chhathi Maiya a form of Goddess Parvati?
Some traditions connect Shashthi Devi with the Divine Mother or other goddesses, but interpretations differ. Chhathi Maiya should not be universally identified with Parvati without acknowledging these variations.
