The illuminating spiritual festival of Mahaparv Chhath is deeply rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Holy Rig Veda, as well as in the sacred texts of the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana, embodying the spiritual teachings and practices of the Sanatan Dharma , Hindu tradition. This festival serves as a profound spiritual practice aimed at spiritual awakening and enhancing inner energy, while also expanding the innermost realm of consciousness (chetna).
Chhath Mahaparva, a sacred Hindu festival, honors Chhathi Maiya, the sixth manifestation of Prakriti, Shiva shakti.
Celebrated six days after Deepavali, on the sixth day of Kartika in the Hindu calendar, this festival is known as Surya Shashti Vrata. The essence of spiritual energy and universal science has always been central to the austerity and deep contemplation practiced by the Hindu sages of Bharat Varsha, guided by the Eternal Wisdom of the Sacred Vedas. As a result, the rituals, celebrations, and spiritual practices associated with Sanatan Dharma are consistently enlightening, fostering spiritual realisation.
In the profound teachings of Sanatan Dharma, the enlightened sages have delved into the essence of consciousness that resides within what may appear to be inanimate forms, such as majestic mountains, flowing rivers, and tranquil ponds. Through dedicated sadhana and heartfelt prayers, they have not only acknowledged this subtle consciousness but have woven it into the very fabric of spiritual practices. The act of offering fruits i.e ‘Arghya’ or ‘Arpan’ , a sacred gesture, is performed in unison, with devotees standing in the waters of rivers or ponds for significant durations. These rituals in Chhath pooja, which include fasting, standing in water, offering prasad and lighting earthen lamps, harmonizes our innermost being with the sacred elements of earth (Prithvi), water (jal), fire (pavak), space (gagan), and air (samira). These practices, carried out by the Chhath pooja devotees known as Vraatis, nurtures a deep connection to the divine essence that permeates all of creation.
The human body serves as a microcosm, reflecting the vastness of the universe within. The daily ascent and descent of Lord Bhaskar Prabhu, the Sun, in the external world parallels the movement of the Life Energy, the Eternal Jyoti of the Sun.
The devotee of Chhath Pooja, known as a Vraati, connects with deep devotion and aligns with the vibrant energy of the Supreme Life Force of Lord Sun—considered the sixth manifestation of Parashakti (Shiva-Shakti, the Ultimate), the divine Matri Shakti (the Divine Energy of Creation). Through this sacred connection, the Vraati integrates and harmonizes with this vital Life Force Energy. This life force, representing the sixth dimension of supreme consciousness, is also referred to as Chhathi Maiya, a colloquial term for the mother of Sashti, celebrated on the sixth day of Deepawali.
Over the course of three nights and four days, devotees engage in a transformative experience marked by sacred bathing, fasting, and offerings to both the rising and setting sun. This holy celebration encapsulates the spiritual essence of our traditions, highlighting a deep sense of equality and unity among participants. It is remarkable to witness how the rituals of the Chhath festival are embraced by individuals from all walks of life, regardless of wealth or status. Each person approaches the festivities with heartfelt passion, self-motivation, and unwavering devotion, creating a harmonious atmosphere as thousands gather by rivers and ponds to perform their rituals. This serene environment is filled with profound love and surrender to the Divinity.
As we explore our history, we uncover the humanitarian principles that have shaped our society, all aimed at uplifting humanity. Celebrated since the ancient times of the Rig Veda, this festival embodies the highest ideals of equality and spiritual knowledge, accessible to all and embraced by the entire community.
Devotees, at the pinnacle of their devotion, stand in flowing water for hours, offering prayers along with fruits to the last ray of setting sun. They invoke the divine energies of nature and their deities—Lord Sun (Prabhu Suryanarayan), Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Shakti, and the Lord Narayan, all representing the supreme consciousness, the Paramatma. The following morning, they continue their devotion by standing in the flowing water or at the pond’s edge, offering prayers and fruits to greet the first rays of dawn. This unique festival is unparalleled in the world, as it honors both the last rays of the setting sun and the first rays of dawn through a rigorous 36-hour fast, observed without a single drop of water. During this time, devotees connect deeply with the natural vibrations and light of the cosmos, engaging their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms in a profound communion with the universe.
The link between Vraati and Earth through rivers or ponds, especially rivers, creates a powerful connection of earth and water element. When this connection merges with the fiery energy of the Sun during deep contemplation or sadhana, it triggers a remarkable transformation. This connection resonates with the Prana Tattva of the universe, creating a profound vibrational experience. This interplay leads to remarkable spiritual realizations, awakenings, and a journey of development and evolution. Such extraordinary aspects are hallmarks of Sanatan Dharma.
This process not only enhances the subtle and causal bodies of Vraati but also ignites a profound awakening in inner consciousness. It fortifies inner strength, amplifies mental power, conquers fears, and rejuvenates individuals with a renewed willpower. This phenomenon is evident in Vraati devotees who engage in worship without food or water for 36 hours; their faces radiate vitality, showing no signs of weakness. Instead, a joyful smile of devotion lights up their expressions, regardless of age or health challenges. This transformative experience inspires them to navigate their worldly lives with a deeper spiritual integration.
In Sanatan Dharma, Vedic sages have revealed various modes of worship and sadhana, unlocking human potential and spiritual growth. Chhath Mahaparva exemplifies this ancient wisdom, integrating cosmic energy, personal inner strength, and the natural world. Since Vedic times, this festival has remained unchanged, cherished by every household transcending social boundaries.
The spiritual significance of the ritual involving standing in flowing water, honoring the last rays of the setting sun, and embracing the first light of dawn is a profound and enlightening practice. I bow to the sages who have shared their timeless wisdom through these festivals, making such sacred knowledge accessible to all.
In this sacred festival, we find a profound blend of spiritual and scientific ritual, unparalleled in its beauty and transformative power. As we honor Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev, we acknowledge our interconnectedness with the natural world and the universe, cultivating gratitude, reverence, and devotion.
Please refer to this link to listen to for more information on Chhath pooja by revered Spiritual Scientist Dr M.K.Bimal : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b15XYELwb04
ॐ हरी ,ॐ शिवा, ॐ शक्ति , ॐ शिवा