HAIL CHHATHI MAIYA

HAIL CHHATHI MAIYA

25-MARCH-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------------The Sun God (Surya Dev) is known by many names—such as Divakar, Bhaskar, Aditya, Dinakar, and others. Lord Surya is revered as a divine physician capable of curing ailments such as leprosy and rheumatic disorders; furthermore, in addition to being a healer, He is also regarded as a benevolent deity who bestows welfare upon all. Early morning sunlight is a rich source of Vitamin D, which is highly beneficial for treating skin diseases, rheumatic conditions, and arthritis.

According to the renowned German scholar and writer Max Müller, the very word 'Surya' signifies "the one who brings about welfare."

The worship of the Sun God is primarily observed twice a year: (1) during the Autumn season and (2) during the Summer season. The Sun worship observed during Autumn is known as *Kartik Chhath*, while the worship observed during Summer is known as *Chaiti Chhath*.

Since this worship of the Sun God is performed specifically on the *Shashthi Tithi* (the sixth day of the lunar fortnight), the festival is also popularly referred to as *Chhath* or *Chhathi Maiya*.

During the *Dwapar Yuga*, when the five Pandavas were undergoing their period of exile in disguise (*Agyatvas*), Draupadi vowed to observe the *Chhath Vrat* (fast) to pray for the safe and successful return of the five Pandavas from their exile—a vow she subsequently fulfilled.

Also during the *Dwapar Yuga*, when Lord Krishna's son, Samba, contracted leprosy, Lord Shri Krishna Himself observed the *Chhath Vrat* (Sun worship) to bring about his son's recovery.

Regarding the worship of the Sun God—specifically *Chhath Puja*—it is said that *Chhathi Maiya* fulfills the heartfelt wishes of any devout worshipper who observes this sacred fast with deep concentration and devotion.

Many people also observe a form of *Chhath* every Sunday, abstaining from salt and engaging in the worship of the Sun God.