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Mother Goddess Puja: Chhath festival has started and the atmosphere all around has become Chhath-like. Along with worshiping Sun during Chhath, there is also a tradition of worshiping Chhathi Maiya. But do you know who Chhathi Maiya is and what is the reason behind worshiping her during Chhath.
Who is Chhathi Maiya?
Goddess Shashthi is called Chhathi Maiya in folk language. She is known as the mental daughter of sage Kashyap and Aditi. Besides, she is also the sister of Sun God. One of their names is also Devsena. It is believed that Goddess Shashthi protects the children. A difficult fast of Chhath is observed to get the blessings of Surya Dev and to please this mother.
In mythology, Goddess Shashthi is also depicted as the mental daughter of Brahmadev. According to mythological belief, when Brahmadev created nature along with the earth, Goddess Nature divided itself into six forms. The sixth part of the six divided forms of the earth is called Chhathi Maiya. It is said that by worshiping her during Chhath Puja, the mother becomes happy and blesses the seeker with happiness and health for her children.
Story of Chhathi Maiya (Chhathi Maiya Katha in Hindi)
According to mythology, a king named Priyamvad was rich in everything, but he remained sad due to not having children. Maharishi Kashyap performed Putreshti Yagya for the wish of having a child. Maharishi gave the king and his wife the kheer prepared for the yagya to eat, after which Queen Malini became pregnant and gave birth to a son.
But the newborn was born dead, after which the king became even more sad. When King Priyamvad reached the crematorium with the body of his newborn son and started sacrificing his life along with the son, suddenly a goddess appeared there.
The goddess said, I am Devasena, the mental daughter of Brahmadev. Because I have emerged from the sixth part of nature, I am called Devi Shasthi. The goddess said to the king – O king! You worship me and inspire others to worship me too. With this you will get a healthy son.
After this, the king kept a fast and worshiped Goddess Shashthi and the king was blessed with a beautiful and healthy son. It is said that the practice of Chhath Puja started from this time onwards.
Also read: Chhath Puja 2024: Evening Arghya tomorrow, know what to do on the third day of Chhath Puja
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