Chhath Puja: Salutation to the sun-2

Chhath Puja: Salutation to the sun-2

Sixth day of the month

The word chhath is derived from number six in Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Hindi and local dialects and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the Kārtika month of the Hindu lunar calendar. The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit word ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.

Mahabharata and Chhath Puja

It is believed that the ritual of Chhath puja may even predate the ancient Vedas texts, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshipping the Sun god and describes similar rituals. The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahabharata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites.

Pandavas and Chhath Puja

In a poem, Draupadi and the Pandavas, rulers of Indraprastha, are described as performing the Chhath ritual on the advice of noble sage Dhaumya. Through her worship of the Sun God, Draupadi was not only able to solve her immediate problems, but also helped the Pandavas to later regain their lost kingdom.

Chhath and Karna

It is also believed that Chhath was started by Karna, the son of Surya (Surya Putra Karna). Surya Putra Karna ruled over Anga Desh (present-day Bhagalpur district of Bihar) during the Mahabharat Age. He was a great warrior and fought against the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War.

The science behind the ritual

Its scientific history dates back to the Vedic times. The rishis of yore used this method to remain without any external intake of food as they were able to obtain energy directly from the sun's rays.

Who is Chhathi Maiyya?

The Goddess who is worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiyya. Chhathi Maiyya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the consort of Surya, the sun god. Some scholars are of the view that she is only the beloved of Surya while others suggest that she is actually Surya’s wife.

Rig Veda and Chhath

Usha is the term used to refer to dawn – the first light of day. But in the Rig Veda, she has more symbolic meaning. Symbolically, Usha is the dawn of divine consciousness in the individual aspirant. It is said that Usha and Pratyusha, wives of the Sun god, are the main source of the Sun.

Usha and Pratyusha

Both Usha and Pratyusha are worshipped along with Sun in Chhath Parva. Usha (literally-the first morning sun-ray) is worshipped on the last day and Pratyusha (the last sun-ray of day) is worshipped in the evening by offering water or milk to the rising and setting sun, respectively.

Moksha and Chhath

During Chhath Puja, Chhathi Maiyya is invoked to bless us with this divine realization which will help us to overcome all the troubles in the world – such a blessing will help us to achieve moksha or liberation. Chhath is a festival of bathing and worshipping, that follows a period of abstinence and segregation of the worshipper from the main household for four days.

Puja to the rising sun

During this period, the worshipper observes purity, and sleeps on the floor on a single blanket. This is the only holy festival which has no involvement of any pandit (priest).The devotees offer prayers to the setting sun and the rising sun in celebrating its glory, as the cycle of birth starts with death. It is seen as the most glorious form of sun worship.

Om Namah Shivay