Chhath Puja holds profound spiritual and cultural importance for Hindus, particularly in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The festival is centered around the worship of Lord Surya (the Sun), reflecting age-old traditions and beliefs. In 2024, Chhath Puja began on November 5 and concludes with the Usha Arghya on November 8.
The festival is a way for devotees to express gratitude to Lord Surya for sustaining life and providing light. It is also a time to seek blessings from Chhathi Maiya for health, prosperity, success, and overall well-being.
Why Lord Surya is Worshipped During Chhath Puja
1. Source of Life and Energy
Lord Surya is regarded as the ultimate source of energy and life on Earth. Worshipping him during Chhath Puja is believed to bring success, abundance, and prosperity. The festival is seen as an auspicious time to thank the Sun for its life-giving energy.
2. Health Benefits
The Sun plays a crucial role in human health, symbolizing vitality, strength, and overall well-being. Offering Arghya (water) to Lord Surya during the festival is believed to enhance physical health and foster good energy.
3. Spiritual Enlightenment
The Sun, considered the soul of the universe, is believed to nourish both the body and the spirit. Worshipping Lord Surya during Chhath Puja is thought to provide divine clarity, inner peace, and spiritual growth, helping devotees achieve enlightenment.
4. Prosperity and Success
Prayers offered to Lord Surya during this time are said to invite prosperity and success into one’s life. The festival emphasizes honoring the Sun to attract blessings and abundance in various aspects of life.
5. Divine Representation
In Hindu scriptures, the Sun is revered as one of the nine planets and is often referred to as Surya Narayan, reflecting divine attributes akin to Lord Vishnu. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna identifies himself with the Sun among all celestial bodies, making Surya worship during Chhath Puja a form of devotion to Vishnu.
Chhath Puja fosters a deeper connection between the devotee and the divine, offering blessings for both physical health and spiritual well-being. It is a festival that embodies gratitude, devotion, and reverence for the Sun’s divine energy.
