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Chhath Puja, a great four-day festival of folk faith, purity and unwavering devotion, has a unique religious and spiritual significance in Indian culture and especially in Bihar, Jharkhand and Purvanchal. During the festival of Chhath, devotees observe waterless fast for 36 hours and offer Arghya to the setting (sinking) and rising (rising) Sun God. But often this question arises in the minds of many people and new devotees that what is the main difference between the evening and morning puja on the third and fourth day of Chhath Puja? Along with this, it is also very interesting and spiritually important to know why Lord Bhaskar i.e. Sun God is worshiped during the worship of Chhathi Maiya. It is very important for every devotee to understand the esoteric religious and scientific reasons behind these two sacred rituals.
On the third day of Chhath Mahaparva, ‘Sandhya Arghya’ is offered on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, while on the fourth day i.e. on Kartik Shukla Saptami, ‘Usha Arghya’ is offered. The main difference between these two evening and morning pujas is their symbolism and spiritual message. In the evening puja (Astachalgami Surya Arghya), fasting people and devotees stand in the water of holy rivers, ponds and Chhath Ghat and pay obeisance to the setting sun. In Sanatan Dharma, this worship is a symbol of the fact that whatever rises or sets in life should also be respected and expressed gratitude. Evening puja is a means of gratitude for the past and thanks for happiness and prosperity in life. On the other hand, morning worship (Rising Surya Arghya) symbolizes new life, new hope, consciousness, health and new beginnings. By offering Arghya to the rising sun, new energy and positivity is invoked in life.
In Chhath Puja, both Shashthi Devi i.e. ‘Chhathi Maiya’ and the direct deity ‘Surya Dev’ are worshiped together. According to mythological beliefs, Chhathi Maiya is known as the mental daughter of Lord Brahma and Devasena, who is considered to be the goddess who protects children and provides the happiness of children to childless couples. At the same time, Sun God is the direct God who provides life, light and energy to the entire creation with his rays. According to beliefs, Chhathi Maiya is considered to be the sister of Sun God. Therefore, whenever Chhathi Maiya is worshipped, it is mandatory to please her beloved brother Surya Dev. It is impossible to imagine life without the energy of Sun God and Chhathi Maiya provides life-giving power to that energy. This is the reason why worshiping these two together brings health, longevity and happiness and peace in the house.
Along with religious faith, Chhath festival also has a deep scientific and natural basis. From a scientific point of view, sun rays are the biggest and natural source of Vitamin D for the human body. During Chhath festival, when the devotees offer Arghya to the Sun while standing in the cool water of a river or pond, the Sun’s rays (spectrum) filtering through the water streams have a positive effect on the body. The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun are less intense in the evening and morning, which are considered extremely beneficial for the health of eyes and skin. Apart from this, this festival of conservation of rivers, connection with nature and pure Satvik food establishes a wonderful balance between environment and health.