Chhathi Maiya and Kartikeya: The Connection You May Not Know

Every year, during Chhath Puja, devotees gather near rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun. Along with Surya Dev, they worship Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for their families, children's well-being and prosperity.However, her identity has more than one interpretation.

In several regional traditions, Chhathi Maiya is associated with Goddess Shashthi, a divine figure believed to protect children and bless couples with offspring. Some communities also regard her as the sister of the Sun God.An interesting connection appears in Hindu religious texts: Shashthi Devi is also identified with Devasena, the wife of Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.This connection makes Chhathi Maiya's story even more fascinating.

According to the Brahmavaivarta Purana, Goddess Shashthi is associated with Devasena, who is described as the wife of Kartikeya.Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, Murugan and Subrahmanya, is worshipped as the commander of the divine army. He represents courage, discipline and the power to overcome evil.Devasena is associated with divine strength and protection. In traditions that identify her with Shashthi, she is also regarded as a goddess who protects children and supports families.

This is an important detail because Chhathi Maiya is widely worshipped for similar blessings during Chhath Puja.However, not every regional tradition describes Chhathi Maiya, Shashthi and Devasena in exactly the same way. Their identities overlap in certain religious and devotional traditions, while other communities follow different beliefs.

One of the most touching stories associated with Goddess Shashthi appears in the Devi Bhagavata Purana.

According to this traditional account, King Priyavrat and his wife, Queen Malini, were unable to have a child for many years. They deeply wished to become parents and eventually performed a sacred yajna with the guidance of Sage Kashyapa.After completing the ritual, Queen Malini became pregnant. However, their happiness turned into grief when she gave birth to a lifeless child.The king and queen were devastated. Unable to accept what had happened, King Priyavrat carried the child's body towards the cremation ground.It was then that a divine goddess appeared before him.

She introduced herself as Shashthi Devi, also known as Devasena. She explained her divine identity and her role as the protector of children.Moved by the king's sorrow, the goddess blessed the child and restored his life, according to the story.She also instructed the king to worship her so that other families could receive her blessings.This story explains why Goddess Shashthi became associated with childbirth, children's protection and family well-being.

The connection between Shashthi Devi and Chhath Puja becomes clearer when we understand the purpose of the festival.Chhath is dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observe strict rituals and offer Arghya to the setting and rising Sun.

While prayers to Surya Dev express gratitude for sunlight, energy and life, devotees also seek Chhathi Maiya's blessings for the health and happiness of their families.Her association with child protection is one reason she holds such a special place in the festival.The story of King Priyavrat and Queen Malini also reflects this belief. It connects the goddess with the hopes and prayers of parents who wish for their children to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

The connection between Chhathi Maiya and Kartikeya brings together two important aspects of Hindu mythology.Kartikeya is known as a warrior deity who leads the divine forces against evil. Devasena, his wife, is associated with divine power and protection. When Devasena is identified with Shashthi, the goddess also becomes connected with the protection and well-being of children.

This gives her worship a wider meaning beyond the four-day Chhath festival.It also explains why the goddess is remembered in different ways across communities: as a protector of children, a divine mother and, in some traditions, the wife of Kartikeya.

Chhathi Maiya is much more than a name associated with a popular festival. Her connection with Shashthi Devi and Devasena links Chhath Puja to a larger body of Hindu mythology.The story of King Priyavrat reminds devotees of her protective role, while her association with Kartikeya introduces another fascinating side of her identity.

Although beliefs and interpretations differ across regions, one message remains central to her worship: faith, protection, family well-being and the hope for a healthy life.The next time devotees sing Chhath songs or offer Arghya to Surya Dev, they may also remember the lesser-known goddess whose blessings are traditionally sought for the well-being of children.

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