Chhath Surya Arghya Significance – The splendour of the great festival Chhath is being seen across the country. This holy festival, lasting four days, is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Chhath Puja has special significance in many parts of the country, including Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. During this time, devotees observe a strict fast with full devotion and devotion and pray for the happiness and prosperity of the family, long life of their children and a happy life.
The most special and unique tradition of Chhath Puja is to offer Arghya to both the setting and rising sun. While the rising sun is worshipped in many other religious rituals, the setting sun is also worshipped with equal reverence during the festival of Chhath. But have you ever wondered why there is a tradition of offering Arghya to the setting sun during Chhath Puja? Behind this, along with religious beliefs, there is also a feeling of gratitude towards nature. Let us know its importance.
Why is Arghya offered to the setting and rising sun in Chhath Puja?
In Hinduism, the Sun God is considered a direct deity. Life on Earth is possible only with the light and energy of the Sun. From trees and plants to humans and other animals, everyone’s life depends on the Sun. This is the reason why the tradition of sun worship has been going on since ancient times.
Offering Arghya to the setting sun during Chhath Puja is considered a symbol of expressing gratitude towards nature and the Sun God. Through this, the message is given that in life, not only the rising time but also the setting time should be respected. Every stage of the Sun has its own significance, and with this feeling, the devotees offer Arghya to the Sun God in the evening.
What is the religious significance of Sandhya Arghya?
During Chhath Puja, on the evening of Kartik Shukla Shashthi, Vrati stands in a river, pond or any other reservoir and offers Arghya to the setting sun. This is called Sandhya Arghya. During this time, fruits, thekua, coconut and other worship materials are kept in bamboo soup and daura and offered to the Sun God. According to religious beliefs, at the time of Evening Arghya, Goddess Pratyusha, the presiding deity of the evening, is also worshipped along with the Sun God. It is believed that this puja brings happiness, peace and prosperity to the family.
What is the belief behind offering Arghya to the rising sun?
In Chhath Puja, Arghya is offered to the rising Sun in the morning the next day after the evening Arghya. This is called Usha Arghya. During this time, devotees offer water to the rising sun and pray for the well-being of the family, good health and long life of their children.
There is a religious belief that offering Arghya to the rising sun brings blessings of new energy, positivity, happiness and prosperity in life. With this, the devotees complete their 36-hour Nirjala fast and perform Parana. In this way, worshipping the setting and rising sun in the festival of Chhath is not only a religious tradition but also gives the message of respect, gratitude towards nature and acceptance of every stage of life.