Have you ever wondered why millions of devotees celebrate four days, fast for 36 hours, and gather at river banks during a major festival? The festival is Chhath Pooja, and devotees gather at river banks to offer Arghya to the rising and setting sun.
Chhath Pooja, a festival dedicated to the sun god offers a unique way to connect with its divine energy and seek blessings for a prosperous life. The festival holds a huge grandeur with its core lying in the act of offering Arghya to Surya Dev (Sun God).
In this blog, we will explore the spiritual significance of the sun god, the ritual of offering Arghya, its benefits, and the profound connection it creates between the devotees and the divine.
The Sun God: A Symbol of Divine Power
The Sun God, Surya Dev, holds great significance as he is the celestial deity who illuminates the universe with his radiant presence. He is considered the ultimate source of life and energy. His beautiful and shining rays nourish plants, animals, and humans while ensuring the continuity of life on earth.
Apart from the physical illumination, Surya Dev is also considered the illuminator of consciousness as his radiant energy awakens the spiritual spirit and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.
The Sun God’s significance is also deeply rooted in Hindu scriptures and Puranas. Rig Veda, the oldest secret text of Hinduism, contains multiple hymns dedicated to Surya Dev, praising his brilliance and life-giving qualities.
Surya Dev also plays a crucial role in epic tales, like Ramayana and Mahabharata, where his blessings are sought for victory and success in life. He is also often invoked as a witness to oaths and vows.
The Ritual of Offering Arghya
The heart of Chhath Pooja lies in the sacred act of offering Arghya to the rising and setting sun. This act of devotion involves a series of precise steps and materials rooted in deep spiritual significance.
To perform the Arghya ritual, devotees often use the following materials:
- A brass or copper pot (lota) used to hold water for the offering. Water symbolizes purity, life, and the cleansing of sins.
- Multiple seasonal fruits, which majorly include apples, oranges, and bananas.
- Multiple fragrant flowers such as lotus, marigold, and rose. Offering flowers represents abundance and offering nature’s bounty to the divine.
- Diyas are lit to symbolize a ray of hope, positive energy, and the elimination of the soul.
The ritual of offering Arghya includes multiple steps which are:
- Purification: Devotees start the process by purifying themselves by taking a holy bath.
- Preparing the Offering: The lota is filled with clean water and seasonal fruits and flowers are arranged on a plate.
- Facing the fun: Once devotees are done with preparing the offering, they stand in a river or any other water body facing the rising or setting sun.
- Offering Arghya: Devotees offer water from the lota to the sun, chant mantras, and pray to the Surya dev with folded hands.
- Lighting Diyas: Diyas are lit and floated on the water, representing the spread of light and knowledge.
To perform Arghya, you also need to make sure of the right timing as it is a crucial step in the success of the ritual. During Chhath Pooja, Arghya is offered:
- On the first day (Nahay-Khay) devotees take a holy bath in the morning and start with strict fasting. It is considered a day of spiritual purification.
- On the second day (Kharna) devotees start with the Nirjala fast, which means they can’t have a single drop of water during their fast.
- On the third day (Sandhya Arghya) devotees offer Arghya to the setting sun.
- On the fourth day (Usha Arghya) devotees offer Arghya to the rising sun and break their fast.
Spiritual Benefits of Offering Arghya
Purification of the Soul
One of the major spiritual benefits of offering Arghya during Chhath Pooja is the purification of the soul. The water used in the ritual is believed to wash away all the sins and negative energies from your life. As devotees offer water to the Surya Dev, they symbolize positive energies and pave the way for spiritual growth.
Strengthening the Mind-Body Connection
As devotees focus on the Act of offering Arghya, their minds become calmer and more focused. This helps in strengthening the mind-body connection, leading to a meaningful life, promoting inner peace, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Gaining Divine Blessings
By offering Arghya to the Surya Dev, devotees seek his blessings for better health with prosperity and spiritual enlightenment. The sun god, known as the source of life and energy, is believed to fulfill such desires. Hence, devotees offer prayers to fun with utmost dedication to seek his grace and protection.
Fostering Gratitude and Humility
By acknowledging Surya Dev, as the source of life and energy, devotees foster a sense of gratitude for the blessings we receive and the fulfillment of their wishes. This positive attitude of showing gratitude fosters a sense of humility and cultivates a deeper connection with the ultimate divine.
Conclusion
Chhath Pooja is a folk festival with immense significance and the ritual of offering Arghya the rising is a crucial part of this festival. By understanding the symbolic significance of the festival, how it is connected to the Surya Dev and the rituals performed in it, you can enhance your experience of celebrating the festival and spiritual connection.
Offering Arghya purifies your soul, strengthens the mind-body connection, fosters gratitude and humility, and brings divine blessings into your life. Understanding the significance of this particular ritual can help you experience a deep sense of peace, joy, and the presence of the divine around you.
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