Astrological Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is also called Surya Shashthi, Chhathi Puja, Dala Chhath and Chhathi Maiya Puja. This ancient Sanatan Hindu puja is mainly observed to express our gratitude towards the Sun (Surya Dev) for blessing us with everything needed for a happy, prosperous and successful life. Chhath is one of the most popular Sanatan festivals of the ancient Bharat, mainly celebrated in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. However, in recent times, we have seen that the popularity of the festival has gone beyond the borders of India. But, even today, the festival is observed in its purest form only in the remote places of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Chhath is a four-day festival in which devotees worship and offer Arghya to both the rising and the setting Sun. It is mostly observed by the women of the family, and they keep 36 hours fast during this four-day pooja.
What is the Astrological Significance of Chhath Puja
The most significant factor of this festival is the worship of Sun, his sister Shasthi, and his two wives, Usha and Pratyusha. The Sun is the most powerful planet of all the nine planets, is considered the father of the stars, and represents the father in the horoscope in astrology. It also represents the soul, ego, self-esteem, father, leadership, power, government, authority and vitality. It also signifies the profession of king and ruler in an individual’s horoscope.
Additionally, the Sun also has cosmic as well as environmental significance in our lives, as we can see and feel it. We also know the benefits and problems that can be caused by the presence or absence of the Sun. We also know that, astronomically or astrologically, the Sun is the head of the Solar System, which consists of nine planets (including the Sun) and 27 Nakshatras. Essentially, the Sun is the key factor in astrology to evaluate our overall selves and personalities. Therefore, the Sun plays an important role in our entire lives.
Ancient Rishi and Maharishi of Sanatan Hindu civilisation knew the importance of the Sun for this universe and in the lives of mankind since time immemorial, hence festivals like Chhath came into existence.
The festival of Chhath Puja is celebrated on Shashthi Tithi during Shukla Paksha in Kartik month. This festival is celebrated six days after Deepavali (Diwali). This puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, his sister Shashthi Maiya (popularly called Chhathi Maiya), and his two wives, Usha and Pratyusha, the Vedic goddesses of Dawn and Dusk, as all of them are the source of all power and energy and also the binding force of the universe.
Sandhya Arghya is offered to Surya Dev, and Usha Arghya on a subsequent day, is offered to Chhathi Maiya, who is also the sister of Surya Dev. The sun represents the father, forefathers and paternal side therefore, for any paternal problem the Vedic astrology advises worshipping the Surya Dev. Shashthi Maiya is the benefactor and protector of children. Hence, on the sixth day after a child is born, Sanatan Hindus have a tradition of celebrating or observing the Chhathi Samskara for their children. It is a ritual (samskaras) to seek blessings from Maa Shashthi for good health, happiness, and a bright future for the newly born child.
As per scriptures and traditions, the worship of the setting Sun by Hindus during Chhath Puja is a way to express their gratitude towards their forefathers for all they have received from them, and the worship of the Rising Sun is to seek blessings for the well-being of the children. Hence, Sandhya Arghya is offered to Surya Dev (as it is for those who have left us), and Usha Arghya on a subsequent day is offered to Chhathi Maiya (as it is for children who signify new beginnings and new hopes).
Chhath Puja is not just a time for devotion and spiritual connections but also an opportunity to accomplish astrological remedies for the positive influence of the Sun and other planets in our lives. The festival has both spiritual and astrological connections. This Vedic tradition is deeply rooted in Vedic astrology and is a powerful tradition to connect with the divine, attain a deeper understanding of self, connect spiritually, and create a more harmonious environment for all.
What to Do on Chhath For a Prosperous Life?
People who are suffering from the malefic effects of the sun and who want to increase the power of the sun in life can benefit from Chhath puja. This puja is very powerful and miraculous, too. This puja is done to remove hurdles, attract prosperity in life, and improve the overall well-being of loved ones.
Here are some very easy and simple ways to get the blessings of Surya Dev on this day, which will benefit you in many ways.
- Offer Arghya to the Rising Sun
- Recite Aditya Hriday Stotram for a successful life.
- Chant the Gayatri Mantra.
- Offer puja to the Chhathi Maiya.
- Perform tarpan for your ancestors.
- If the Sun is malefic in your chart, offer molasses or copper to a needy person on the day of Chhath
- Do the fast without salt on this day.
- Feed wheat to a red cow for prosperity.
- Distribute kheer of jaggery, molasses, or gud to beggars.
- Offer chana daal in the river.
These are some remedies you can practice for benefits. You can talk to our astrologers for a personalised analysis of your chart and remedies too.
Religious Significance of Chhath Puja
In the realms of Vedic astrology, the Sun is considered to be a benefactor of mind and soul. On one side, it is the significator of respect; it can overcome all kinds of diseases as well. Apart from this, it is also the significator of father, soul, respect, higher government post, etc. In this regard, the worship of Chhath, which is dedicated to the Sun God, blesses a person with children and fulfils their desires. Also, they are gifted with natural energy.
The Social Significance of Chhath Puja
The speciality of Chhath Puja lies in its simplicity, love for nature, purity, spirituality, and unity in diversity. In this festival, people from all classes and categories go to the same ghat and offer Arghya from the same ghat without any discrimination, irrespective of who is who.
Astronomical and Astrological Significance
Chhath Puja has both astronomical and astrological significance. On the day of Chhath Puja, there is an interesting celestial moment. It is Shashthi Tithi (sixth day) of Shukla Paksha (bright moon phase) in the month of Kartik (October–November) when the Sun resides in the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth. During this time, the ultraviolet rays of the Sun come directly to Earth, which is harmful and directly affects life on Earth, especially the skin, eyes, abdomen, etc. The significance of Chhath Puja increases as people worship Surya Dev so that ultraviolet rays from the Sun may not harm any life on Earth.
Health and Medical Significance
Moreover, Chhath Puja’s prasad contains large amounts of calcium. Also, the Sun rays that reflect through the water are dispersed into seven colours. The energy released from those colours can maintain balance in the body and fight against any disease. It also helps prevent doshas, as the sun’s rays act as water therapy. It also helps improve eyesight and mental strength. Furthermore, Chhath Puja plays an important role in killing bacteria and harmful viruses in the body and preparing us for the winter season.
For more insights on Chhath Puja, you can talk to our learned pandits and astrologers here.
