The Secret of Chhath Puja: In the early stages of creation, only energy and elements existed. This world was created when God created the five elements. Despite the presence of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and sky—life did not emerge. Then, nature took the form of the sixth element, the creative power. This sixth element of nature is known as Skanda Mata, Shakti Devi, and Mata Chhathi.
This was the time when life first entered the world, sprouts sprouted in lifeless soil, waves arose in water, air gained movement, the Earth came to life, and the Sun gained consciousness. Thus, Mata Chhathi is considered the goddess of the sixth element of nature, Prana or consciousness.
Mata Chhathi is also called the sister of the Sun God. This connection is symbolic. The Sun is the source of energy, and Mata Chhathi directs this energy. The Sun provides light, and Mata Chhathi transforms it into life. That is why the Chhath festival, dedicated to Mata Chhathi, is celebrated. Chhath festival is a celebration of life and consciousness. This festival is dedicated to the power of creation. Therefore, on the day of Chhathi, the Sun is worshipped. Nature is saluted. Mothers fast for their children and pray for the happiness and harmony of their families.
Read More: First Human Commitment to Sun Worship was Made by Mother Sita in the Form of the Chhath Vrat
Chhathi Maiya’s Function in Creation
According to the scriptures and Puranas, Mother Chhathi has a three-faced form.
- Creator: The Goddess of progeny, who gives life its initial strength.
- Nurturer: She protects every newborn, which is why Chhathi is celebrated on the sixth day after a child’s birth.
- Protector: Mother Chhathi nourishes the family, society, and the earth.
The Brahmavaivarta Purana clearly states that when humans prayed to Mother Nature for protection, Brahma manifested Goddess Chhathi and blessed her with the boon of protecting every child and paving their way through life. Therefore, Goddess Chhathi is considered the presiding deity of child happiness, health, prosperity, and mental peace.
Is Chhathi Maiya connected to Lord Shiva’s family?
Chhathi Maiya’s connection to Lord Shiva is indirect, but profound. The Puranas describe that when Parvati expressed her desire to have a child to Shiva, Shakti Devi was incarnated as the balancing force of the universe. Therefore, Chhathi Maiya is also considered a part of the creative power of Shiva and Parvati and is also called the protector of life. In other contexts, Chhathi Maiya is said to be the wife of Lord Kartikeya. Chhathi Maiya is the daughter of Indra, the god of heaven, and is married to Kartikeya, the son of Shiva and Parvati, who is known as the creator of Shakti. According to mythology, Shashthi Devi is also said to be the protector of Lord Kartikeya.
Chhath Puja: The Great Union of Nature and Consciousness
Chhath Puja is not merely a worship of the Sun, but a union of nature and consciousness. During this puja, one must purify the five elements.
- Bathing and Eating: Purifying the Body
- Kharna: Purifying the Mind
- Sandhya Arghya: Purifying the Emotions
- Usha Arghya: Purifying the Soul
Finally, when the devotee offers water to the Sun and Chhathi Maiya, they salute the six elements of nature. They learn to balance the five elements within, after which the sixth element manifests, and this is the realization of Chhathi Maiya.
Worshipping Chhathi Maiya from a Scientific Perspective
Chhath Puja also has a scientific perspective. Each element used in Chhath Puja is connected to nature and science. Arghya is offered during sunset and sunrise, which is beneficial for the body. The Sun is the center of energy, and worshipping the Sun brings about many beneficial changes in the human body. During this puja, fasting, abstinence, and cleanliness are observed, which help eliminate toxins from the body.
This energy satisfies the devotee not only physically but also spiritually. During this puja, natural foods like fruits, sugarcane, and thekua are consumed and offered as prasad. This signifies that whatever is received from nature must be dedicated to nature, and that life is sustained by its balance. This is the spirit behind this festival.
Chhathi Maiya is not merely a goddess, but she is the sixth voice of life. After the five elements are combined, the sixth element is created, which imparts consciousness and life. Chhathi Maiya is also Skandamata, the presiding deity of creation. It is through her vibrations that life springs forth and consciousness is transmitted. Chhathi Maiya is the embodiment of Sri Mahamaya, and this Chhath festival is dedicated to her.
FAQ – The Secret of Chhath Puja
What is the relationship between Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God?
Mata Chhathi is also known as the sister of the Sun God. This relationship is symbolic. The Sun is the source of energy, and Chhathi Mata directs this energy. The Sun gives light, and Chhathi Mata transforms it into life. That is why the Chhath festival, dedicated to Goddess Chhathi, is celebrated.
How is Chhathi Maiya related to Lord Shiva?
Chhathi Maiya is said to be the wife of Lord Kartikeya. She is the daughter of Indra, the god of heaven, and is married to Kartikeya, the son of Shiva and Parvati, who is known as the creator of Shakti.
