Bihari Hindu Festivals: Chhath Puja Explained

Chhath Puja is an ancient, revered Vedic festival originating from the Mithila and Magadh regions of Bharat, dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha, the Dawn Goddess). This arduous four-day Mahaparv is a profound expression of gratitude, seeking blessings for prosperity, well-being, and longevity for family members, embodying deep ecological and spiritual reverence for the life-giving Sun.

Introduction to the Glorious Chhath Mahaparv

Chhath Puja, a powerful and ancient festival, transcends mere ritual to become a profound spiritual journey rooted deeply in Sanatan Dharma. It is a four-day celebration where devotees, known as Vratins, observe rigorous purity and penance, seeking blessings from Surya Dev, the cosmic provider of energy and life, and Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the sister of the Sun God or a manifestation of Usha, the goddess of dawn and creation. This festival is unique in its direct worship of nature, particularly the Sun and a revered water body, symbolizing gratitude for sustenance and a plea for universal well-being. It is a testament to the timeless wisdom embedded in our scriptures, emphasizing a harmonious relationship with the elements, making it one of the most ecologically conscious festivals observed by Hindus across the globe, with deep roots in regions like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.

The observance of Chhath Puja instills discipline, devotion, and an unparalleled sense of purity, both physical and mental. It is a festival of immense spiritual significance, fostering family unity and communal harmony, as millions gather at riverbanks and ponds to offer their prayers. The meticulous preparation of various offerings, known as Prasad, with utmost sanctity, further underscores the profound devotion associated with this Mahaparv. For more insights into such profound cultural practices, explore the rich heritage documented on Hindutva.online.

Puranic History and Vedic Legends of Chhath Puja

The origins of Chhath Puja are steeped in ancient Vedic traditions of Sun worship, predating many Puranic narratives. The Rigveda itself extols Surya as the giver of life, light, and remover of darkness. Hymns dedicated to Savitr, the impeller, and Usha, the goddess of dawn, are central to Vedic thought, directly correlating with the veneration of the rising and setting sun during Chhath. The practice of offering Arghya (water oblation) to Surya dates back to Vedic times, symbolizing cosmic reverence and seeking health and vitality.

While specific mentions of “Chhath Puja” as a standalone festival are not in the primary Vedas, its underlying principles are deeply embedded. The Bhavishya Purana, a text rich in information about vratas and religious observances, elaborates extensively on the benefits of Surya worship and various fasts dedicated to him, detailing rituals that mirror parts of Chhath Puja. It describes how offerings to Surya can bestow health, wealth, and progeny.

In the Brahmavaivarta Purana, Chhathi Maiya is identified with Devasena, the consort of Skanda (Kartikeya), and as a manifestation of Prakriti Devi. She is revered as the protector of children and bestower of blessings. Legendary tales from Itihasa also connect to Sun worship. The great warrior Karna from the Mahabharata, son of Surya Dev, was a devout worshipper of the Sun, performing daily Surya Arghya. His unwavering devotion and physical prowess are often attributed to his rigorous spiritual practice. Similarly, it is believed that Sita Devi, after her return from Lanka, performed Chhath Puja in Munger, Bihar, to express gratitude and seek blessings for the well-being of her family, reinforcing the festival’s ancient and revered status.

The Cosmic Science and Astrological Resonance of Chhath Puja

While not “architectural marvels” in the conventional sense, Chhath Puja is a marvel of cosmic timing and spiritual engineering. The festival is observed during Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik. This period is astronomically significant. During Kartik, the Sun’s rays are believed to be particularly beneficial and therapeutic, having lower intensity harmful UV radiation and higher beneficial radiation. This makes the practice of standing in water, exposed to the sun’s rays, a profound act of spiritual and physical healing.

The practice of offering Arghya during sunrise and sunset aligns with the ancient understanding of the body’s energy centers (chakras) and their interaction with solar energy. Standing in water at these precise junctures, while chanting mantras, facilitates the absorption of vital solar Prana (life force) into the body, purifying the mind and strengthening the immune system. This process is believed to cleanse the aura and recharge the body with positive energy, leading to a state of equilibrium and robust health. The rigorous fasting, especially the Nirjala Vrat (fasting without water), detoxifies the body and purifies the mind, preparing the devotee to receive divine grace. The scientific basis of Chhath Puja lies in its holistic approach to well-being, leveraging natural elements for profound spiritual and physical benefits.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi: A Devotee’s Guide

Chhath Puja is a four-day observance, each day marked by specific rituals of increasing austerity and devotion:

1. Day 1: Nahay Khay (नहाय खाय) – The first day begins with a holy bath, often in a river like the Ganga. Devotees then partake in a single meal, typically boiled rice (arwa chawal), bottle gourd (lauki), and lentils (chana dal), prepared with extreme purity, initiating the spiritual journey.
2. Day 2: Kharna (खरना) – On this day, Vratins observe a fast throughout the day. In the evening, they prepare ‘kheer’ (rice pudding) with jaggery and ‘roti’ (chapatis) made from wheat flour. After offering this Prasad to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev, they consume it, breaking their fast. Following this, a strict 36-hour Nirjala Vrat begins.
3. Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (संध्या अर्घ्य) – This is the main day of Puja. Devotees gather at the banks of a river or pond before sunset. They stand in the water and offer Arghya to the setting Sun. Offerings include fruits, homemade sweets like Thekua and Malpua, coconut, sugarcane, and other items placed in a bamboo basket (soop) or bamboo tray (daura). This offering to the setting Sun is known as Sandhya Arghya.
4. Day 4: Usha Arghya (ऊषा अर्घ्य) – The final day involves returning to the same water body before sunrise. Devotees again stand in the water and offer Arghya to the rising Sun. This offering is called Usha Arghya. After offering prayers and seeking blessings, the Vratins break their 36-hour fast by consuming ginger and water, followed by the shared Prasad. This final ritual marks the conclusion of the auspicious Chhath Mahaparv.

Mantras and Chants for Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya

The chanting of specific mantras during Chhath Puja enhances the spiritual efficacy of the rituals. Devotees primarily chant Vedic mantras dedicated to Surya Dev and invoke Chhathi Maiya.

• For Surya Dev:
  • The universal

    ॐ घृणि सूर्याय नमः (Om Ghrini Suryaya Namah)

    is a potent mantra for invoking the Sun God’s blessings.

  • Another powerful mantra is

    ॐ सूर्याय नमः। ॐ भास्कराय नमः।

    (Om Suryaya Namah. Om Bhaskaraya Namah.), chanted during Arghya.

  • Devotees often recite the

    Gayatri Mantra: ॐ भूर् भुवः स्वः तत् सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥

    (Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat) which is a prayer to Savitr, the solar deity.

  • The

    Adityahridayam Stotram

    from the Ramayana is also recited by many, a hymn praising Surya Dev for strength, victory, and health.

• For Chhathi Maiya:
  • While specific Vedic mantras for “Chhathi Maiya” are less formal, devotees often invoke her with devotional songs and local chants. A common invocation is

    ॐ जय छठी मैया (Om Jai Chhathi Maiya)

    or simply her name, remembering her as the protector and bestower of progeny and well-being.

Dos and Don’ts During Chhath Puja

Observing Chhath Puja requires strict adherence to purity and specific practices to honor the sanctity of the festival.

• Dos:
  • Maintain utmost physical and mental purity throughout the four days.
  • Prepare all Prasad items meticulously, often by female members of the family who are observing the fast.
  • Bathe in a holy river or clean water body before initiating the rituals on each day.
  • Use new clothes or freshly laundered clothes for offering prayers.
  • Show respect to elders and other Vratins.
  • Share the Prasad with everyone after the Usha Arghya.
• Don’ts:
  • Do not consume non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or intoxicants during the festival.
  • Avoid consuming garlic or onions in any food prepared for the Puja.
  • Do not use ordinary salt in the Prasad; only rock salt (sendha namak) is permitted.
  • Do not touch the Prasad or Puja items with unwashed hands or after consuming food.
  • Avoid speaking ill or engaging in any form of negativity during this sacred period.
  • Do not leave food or remnants of offerings strewn around; maintain cleanliness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chhath Puja

What is the spiritual significance of offering Arghya to the setting and rising Sun?

Offering Arghya to the setting Sun (Sandhya Arghya) signifies gratitude for the completion of the day and for the life it sustained, symbolizing the cyclical nature of creation and dissolution. Offering to the rising Sun (Usha Arghya) marks the welcoming of new life, light, and energy, praying for continued prosperity and health. It is a profound act of acknowledging Surya Dev as the constant giver of life, transcending day and night, life and death.

Why is Chhathi Maiya worshipped alongside Surya Dev?

Chhathi Maiya is revered as the sister of Surya Dev and is often identified with Usha, the goddess of dawn, or Devsena from the Brahmavaivarta Purana. She is considered the protector of children and the bestower of progeny and well-being. Her worship symbolizes the feminine creative energy that complements the masculine life-giving energy of the Sun, ensuring the prosperity and continuation of life and family lines. Her presence underscores the festival’s focus on family health and fertility.

Can men observe Chhath Puja, or is it only for women?

While historically and predominantly observed by women, Chhath Puja can be performed by anyone, irrespective of gender. Many men observe the rigorous fast and perform the rituals with equal devotion. The key is unwavering faith, purity, and adherence to the strict discipline of the fast, seeking blessings for their family’s well-being. The spiritual benefits are universal for all sincere devotees.

Why Chhath Puja Preserves Sanatan Dharma

Chhath Puja is not merely a regional festival; it is a potent embodiment of the eternal principles of Sanatan Dharma. It reinforces our intrinsic connection with nature, elevating the Sun, rivers, and even the earth to divine status, urging us to live in harmony with our environment. The rigorous discipline, penance, and purity observed during Chhath exemplify the Yogic ideals of self-control and detachment, fostering spiritual growth. It highlights the importance of gratitude, family values, and community cohesion, as millions come together to perform the same rituals, transcending social divides.

In an age where modern life often disconnects us from our roots, Chhath Puja serves as a powerful reminder of our ancient Vedic heritage and the profound wisdom embedded in our traditions. It is a living testament to the efficacy of Bhakti (devotion) and Karma (action performed with purity). By upholding such festivals, we ensure the continuity of our spiritual lineage, passing on a rich cultural and Dharmic legacy to future generations. Discover more about our timeless traditions at Hindutva.online.