Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
Devasena is a goddess in Hindu mythology who is known as the wife of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda or Murugan), the god of war and the commander of the gods' army.
In stories connected with Surya Dev, Devasena is also associated with Shashthi Devi, a goddess linked with the protection of children and blessings for childbirth in some traditions.
- Parents: Often described as the daughter of Indra and Shachi, though traditions differ.
- Husband: Lord Kartikeya.
- Other name: Devayanai or Deivanai.
- Meaning of her name: “Army of the gods.”
The seven horses of Surya, who pull his celestial chariot, are associated with the seven colours of the rainbow and the seven days of the week.
In Hindu scriptures, the horses are sometimes collectively called Sapta Ashva (सप्त अश्व), meaning “seven horses.” However, their individual names are not consistently specified in major Hindu scriptures.
The seven horses are also symbolically associated with:
1. Seven colours of the rainbow 🌈
2. Seven days of the week
3. Seven Vedic metres (Chhandas)
Surya's chariot is driven by Aruna, the charioteer.
The children of Surya Dev are:
1. Vaivasvata Manu
2. Yama
3. Yamuna (Yami)
4. Ashwini Kumaras (Nasatya and Dasra)
5. Shani Dev
6. Tapati
7. Savarni Manu
8. Revanta
9. Sugriva
10. Karna
The 4 days of Chhath Puja are:
1. Nahay-Khay (नहाय-खाय)
2. Kharna (खरना)
3. Sandhya Arghya (संध्या अर्घ्य) — Evening offering to the setting Sun.
4. Usha Arghya (उषा अर्घ्य) — Morning offering to the rising Sun. ☀️
Chhath Puja is primarily celebrated by Hindus. It is also observed by some people from other religious backgrounds, but it is not a major festival of other religions.
- Mithila: Chhathi Mai, Surya Shashthi Devi
- Bhojpuri: Chhathi Maiya, Chhathi Mata
- Bengali: Shashthi Thakurani (ষষ্ঠী ঠাকুরাণী)
Note: Bengali Goddess Shashthi is traditionally associated with the protection of children and childbirth, while Chhathi Maiya is worshipped during Chhath Puja. They are related through regional traditions but are not necessarily the same deity.