Who Started Chhath Puja? The Story of Goddess Devsena

Many people associate Chhath Puja with Mata Sita, but an ancient story from the Brahma Purana tells a different tale about the festival's origins. It takes us to King Priyavrat, a ruler whose happiness turned into deep sorrow when his newborn son was born lifeless. Just when he had lost all hope, a divine goddess appeared before him with an extraordinary message. Who was this goddess, and how did her arrival become connected with Chhath Puja? The answer lies in the story of Goddess Devsena, also known as Shashthi.





According to the legend, King Priyavrat, the son of Svayambhuva Manu, had everything a ruler could wish for except one thing: a child. He and his wife deeply wished to become parents, so they performed a yajna seeking the blessing of a son. Their prayers seemed to be answered when the queen became pregnant. However, their happiness soon turned into a long wait, followed by an unimaginable tragedy.





The legend describes an unusual pregnancy that lasted 12 years. When the queen finally gave birth, the child was lifeless. The king and queen were devastated. Unable to bear the loss, King Priyavrat took his newborn son's body to the cremation ground. Overwhelmed by grief, he even considered giving up his own life. Just when he believed there was no hope left, something extraordinary happened.

At the cremation ground, a divine woman appeared before the king, seated in a beautiful chariot decorated with precious gems and wearing magnificent ornaments. She took the lifeless child in her hands and brought him back to life through her divine blessings. The king was astonished and asked her identity. The goddess introduced herself as Devsena, the daughter of Lord Brahma and the sixth part of Goddess Prakriti. She was also associated with Goddess Shashthi, who is worshipped for the well-being and protection of children.

After receiving the goddess's blessing, King Priyavrat returned to his kingdom and arranged for her worship. According to this legend, he encouraged people to worship the goddess so that families could seek blessings for children and their well-being. This tradition became associated with the worship of Goddess Shashthi, who is also known as Chhathi Maiya. The story offers a traditional explanation of the goddess's connection with Chhath, although the festival has several regional traditions and origin stories.

Chhath Puja is a four-day Hindu festival dedicated mainly to the worship of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observe strict fasting, maintain ritual purity and offer Arghya to the setting and rising Sun. The festival is especially celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. While the story of King Priyavrat explains the association with Goddess Shashthi, the Sun worship rituals remain at the heart of Chhath traditions. For devotees, the festival is a time to pray for family well-being, good health and prosperity.

The story of King Priyavrat and Goddess Devsena offers a different perspective on Chhath Puja beyond the popular belief connecting it with Mata Sita. It reminds devotees of the traditional association between Goddess Shashthi, motherhood and the protection of children. Chhath Puja also carries a deep message of gratitude towards the Sun, nature and life itself. The next time you celebrate Chhath, remember the ancient legend of the goddess whose blessing brought hope to a grieving king.


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