Chhath Mahaparva, an auspicious Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Mata, began on November 5, 2024, and today, November 7, marks its third day. Chhath Puja holds immense significance as devotees offer prayers to the setting sun, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for their families.
On this third day, known as Sandhya Arghya, worshippers offer prayers to the setting Sun. Women observing this festival undertake a challenging 36-hour Nirjala (waterless) fast, hoping for the prosperity and well-being of their families. Despite its difficulty, this fast is believed to be extraordinarily rewarding and brings immense spiritual merit.
Sandhya Arghya Timing Today
The Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) will take place on November 7, 2024, with the sunset scheduled at 5:32 pm in Delhi. While the exact time of Sandhya Arghya may vary slightly based on the sunset timing in each city, it generally aligns closely with sunset. Therefore, devotees are encouraged to check their local sunset times for the precise moment.
Significance of Offering Arghya to the Setting Sun
During the evening Arghya, it is believed that the Sun God resides with his consort, Pratyusha. As such, devotees offer their evening prayers to both, the Sun’s last ray, embodying Pratyusha, is considered powerful for removing hardships. Worshipping the setting Sun is also said to bring relief from various health concerns and foster harmony in family life.
How to Offer Arghya to the Sun God
To perform the Arghya ritual, devotees should follow these steps:
1. Begin your day early by taking a bath in a holy river or, if unavailable, at home by adding Ganga water to your bathing water. This ritual purifies the devotees before they proceed with worship.
2. Dress in clean attire and prepare the offerings. The traditional prasad includes fruits, flowers, sugarcane, and Thekua, a popular offering made during Chhath Puja.
3. In the evening, as the sun sets, stand in water, holding a basket of prasad. With deep reverence, offer Arghya to the setting sun, focusing your prayers on gratitude and blessings.
4. Chanting mantras such as ‘Om Suryay Namah’ and ‘Om Shri Suryay Namah’ during the offering strengthens the connection with the Sun God.
Chhath Puja is a time for deep devotion and a celebration of gratitude, patience, and resilience. The ritual of offering Arghya to the setting Sun underscores the sacred bond between nature, spirituality, and family well-being.
