The Stories of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is one of the oldest Hindu festivals, mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. It honors Surya Dev (the Sun God) and his sister Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to be the goddess of energy and prosperity.

The Story Behind Chhath Puja

According to legend, Chhath Puja dates back to the Vedic period. In ancient texts, rituals similar to Chhath were performed by sages who worshipped the Sun to gain energy and heal themselves. The word Chhath means “sixth,” as it falls on the sixth day after Diwali.

One popular myth links it to the Mahabharata. Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath Puja to regain their lost kingdom and seek blessings for health and strength. Another version connects it to Karna, the son of the Sun God, who used to perform Surya Arghya (offering water to the Sun) standing in the river.

Why It’s Celebrated

The Sun is considered the source of life. Worshipping him is believed to bring:

• Prosperity and longevity

The Story of Chhath Puja

Long ago, when the earth was still new and people lived close to nature, there was a belief that the Sun God (Surya Dev) was the source of all life and strength. His light nourished crops, brought warmth, and healed sickness. To honor him, people began observing a sacred ritual of gratitude — the Chhath Puja.

The Origin

In ancient times, King Priyavrat, the son of the first Manu, had no child. Saddened, he sought guidance from the sage Kashyapa, who performed a yajna (ritual). The king’s wife soon gave birth, but the baby was stillborn. Heartbroken, the king prayed to the gods for help. At that moment, Chhathi Maiya, the goddess who protects children and is believed to be the daughter of the Sun God, appeared. She said,

“If you worship me with full devotion, your wish will be fulfilled.”
The king obeyed, and soon his wife bore a healthy child. Since then, people began worshipping Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God together, seeking blessings for life, health, and happiness.

Chhath in the Mahabharata

Another tale says that after the Pandavas lost everything in the game of dice, Draupadi prayed to Surya Dev for strength. Surya blessed her with Akshay Patra—a magical vessel that would always provide food until she had eaten. Later, to thank Surya Dev, Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath rituals. Their devotion helped them regain peace and prosperity.

The Ritual’s Spirit

For four days, devotees purify themselves, fast, and offer arghya (water and fruits) to the Sun at sunrise and sunset. Standing knee-deep in the river, they thank Surya Dev for sustaining life and pray for the well-being of their families.

The rising and setting Sun symbolize renewal and balance — a reminder that light follows darkness, and every hardship eventually passes.

The Story of Chhath Puja and Maa Sta (Chhathi Maiya)

Long ago, there was a king named Priyavrat, son of the first Manu. He and his wife, Malini, were deeply sorrowful because they had no children. After years of longing, they performed a grand yajna (sacred fire ritual) led by the sage Kashyapa to please the gods. Their prayers were answered, and Malini finally gave birth — but the child was stillborn.

Heartbroken, the king went to the forest and wept bitterly. Moved by his grief, a celestial being appeared — Maa Shashthi, the divine goddess who protects children and blesses fertility. She said to the king:

“I am Shashthi Devi, the daughter of Brahma and guardian of all children. Worship me with devotion, and your child will live.”

The king returned, performed rituals in her honor, and prayed all night. By morning, the baby miraculously came back to life. Since then, people have worshipped Maa Shashthi (also called Maa Sta or Chhathi Maiya) on the sixth day after childbirth, and later this worship became linked with Chhath Puja, the festival of the Sun.

Connection to the Sun God

Maa Shashthi is believed to be the Manas Putri (mind-born daughter) of Lord Brahma and the beloved sister of Surya Dev (the Sun God). Together, they bless devotees with vitality, health, and prosperity.

In Chhath Puja, both the Sun and Maa Shashthi are worshipped — the Sun represents life and energy, while Maa Shashthi embodies nourishment, motherhood, and protection.

The Story of Chhath Puja, Maa Shashthi (Maa Sta), and Maa Sita

1. The Divine Origins

In ancient times, King Priyavrat and Queen Malini were childless. Heartbroken, they prayed to the gods. Sage Kashyapa guided them to perform a yajna (fire ritual). Soon, a child was born — but lifeless. The king and queen fell into despair until Maa Shashthi (Maa Sta) appeared before them.

She said:

“I am the guardian of children and fertility. Worship me with purity, and your wish shall live.”

The king followed her command, and their child miraculously began to breathe.
From that day, people began worshipping Maa Shashthi (Chhathi Maiya) — the goddess who blesses children, fertility, and health.

2. The Connection with Surya Dev

Maa Shashthi is said to be the daughter of Lord Brahma and the sister of Surya Dev (the Sun God). Together, they represent creation and sustenance — the balance of light and life.

During Chhath Puja, devotees worship both:

• Surya Dev, the giver of energy and life.

3. The Role of Maa Sita

After Lord Rama and Maa Sita returned to Ayodhya from their exile and the victory over Ravana, they began a life of peace and devotion. During this time, Maa Sita observed a fast and offered prayers to Surya Dev and Maa Shashthi on the sixth day of the lunar month (Shukla Paksha of Kartik).

She stood knee-deep in the river, offering arghya (water) to the setting Sun, praying for the well-being and prosperity of her family and her kingdom. This act of gratitude and purity came to be known as Chhath Puja.

Since then, it’s believed that Maa Sita re-established the practice of Chhath as a festival of purity, faith, and thankfulness — symbolizing the eternal bond between the earth, the Sun, and humanity.