Chhath Katha – Story Associated with Chhath Puja

Story of Chhath Puja is mainly associated with Mahabharata and Ramayana. Here are some of the popular Chhath Kathas:

Chhath Story Associated with Bhagavan Sri Ram and Mata Sita

There is a belief that Bhagavan Sri Ram and Mata Sita observed Chhath puja on returning to Ayodhya after their exile period in the Ramayana.

This is the reason why it is observed on the sixth day after Diwali. The popular legend is that Bhagavan Sri Ram returned to Ayodhya from Lanka on the Diwali day.

Bhagavan Sri Ram belongs to the Suryavanshi dynasty (Sun dynasty). Therefore, it is natural for him to have invoked Surya (the sun god).

Observed by Karna

There is a popular belief that Chhath worship was started by the great warrior Karna of the Mahabharata. Karna is the son of Lord Surya and Kunti.

Draupadi Observed Chhath to Get Back the Lost Kingdom

Chhath Vrat and Puja find mention in the Mahabharata.

It is believed that Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, had performed the Chhath Puja. She performed it during the exile period.

As result of it, the Pandavas got back their kingdom and with it peace and prosperity.

Her vrat also resulted in the total destruction of the Kauravas.

The Story of King Priyabrata:
According to a popular story, King Priyabrata, the son of Manu Svayambhu, was childless. After performing a yajna (ritual) under the guidance of sage Kashyapa, his wife Malini gave birth to a dead son. Grief-stricken, King Priyabrata attempted suicide, but Goddess Shashti appeared from the heavens. Introducing herself as the daughter of Brahma, she touched the dead child, and miraculously, he came to life. It is believed that from this incident, the king instituted the worship of Goddess Shashti, which is now part of the Chhath ritual.

Essentially Sun Worship

The focal point of this festival is the Sun God. According to Hinduism, the Sun is the only visible deity who can be seen every day. It is believed that the rays of the Sun eliminate diseases and germs, providing long life, good health, and confidence. The Vedas refer to the Sun as the "soul of the universe." Therefore, Sun worship holds special significance during this puja.

Who is Chhathi Maiya?
In addition to the Sun God, Chhathi Maiya (or Goddess Shashti) is also worshiped during Chhath. According to various traditions, Chhathi Maiya is the sixth aspect of the Nature Goddess. She is worshiped as "Devsena" or "Ma Shashti," the protector of children and families. Many believe her to be the sister of the Sun God. Childless couples perform this ritual to seek children, and those with children perform it to pray for the longevity of their offspring.

Related

A complete guide to Chhath Puja