Among the many manifestations of Maa Durga, Maa Shasti holds a unique and sacred place in Hindu tradition. She is worshipped as the benevolent mother who protects children, grants fertility, and ensures the well-being of families. Rooted in the depths of Hindu mythology and scripture, Maa Shasti’s worship continues to be an integral part of Indian spiritual and cultural life.
Origin and History of Maa Shasti
The worship of Maa Shasti is ancient and deeply woven into the Vedic and Puranic traditions. She is often depicted as a motherly figure riding a cat, symbolizing swiftness, protection, and nurturing power.
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In early Hindu texts, Maa Shasti is identified as the form of Maa Durga, associated with fertility and child welfare.
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She is considered to be the consort of Skanda (Kartikeya) in some traditions, while in others, she is described as an independent goddess created by Brahma to protect children from demonic forces.
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The name Shasti itself means “the sixth,” and her special day of worship is the sixth day (Shasthi tithi) after childbirth, when mothers pray to her for the protection of their newborns.
Mythological Stories and Legends of Maa Shasti
1. Creation of Maa Shasti by Brahma
According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Maa Shasti was created by Lord Brahma from his own divine energy to protect infants and ensure fertility among women. She was appointed as the guardian of children, preventing them from harm caused by evil spirits and unseen forces.
2. Shasti as the Consort of Skanda
In some traditions, Maa Shasti is worshipped as the consort of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), the commander of the divine armies. Just as Kartikeya represents valor and war, Shasti represents nurturing and continuity of life. Together, they balance the cycle of destruction and creation.
3. The Cat as Her Vahana (Vehicle)
A famous folk tale explains why Maa Shasti rides a cat. Once, a woman mocked the goddess and refused to offer her proper worship. Maa Shasti punished her by making her children disappear. When the woman realized her mistake, she repented, and the goddess forgave her. From then onwards, Maa Shasti appeared riding a cat, symbolizing her role as the protector and avenger of children.
4. Association with Maa Durga
Many Puranas identify Maa Shasti as a manifestation of Maa Durga herself. Just as Durga fought demons to protect the universe, Shasti protects children from evil spirits like Putana and Grahas (child-killing demons) mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
Myths and Misconceptions about Maa Shasti
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Myth: Shasti causes child deaths – In folk beliefs, some feared that Maa Shasti punishes those who neglect her worship by harming their children.
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Clarification: Scriptures like the Skanda Purana and Brahma Vaivarta Purana clearly establish her as a protector, not a destroyer. Misinterpretation of her wrath led to this misconception.
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Myth: She is a minor deity – Some consider her a village goddess with limited significance.
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Clarification: In reality, her worship is mentioned in multiple Puranas, showing she is a respected and divine aspect of Maa Durga, central to family and child welfare.
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Scriptural References of Maa Shasti
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Brahma Vaivarta Purana – Mentions Shasti as the goddess of fertility and children, created by Brahma.
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Skanda Purana – Describes Shasti as the consort of Kartikeya and a divine mother who protects infants.
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Devi Bhagavata Purana – Identifies Shasti as a form of Maa Durga, connected with protecting the young and destroying demonic forces.
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Markandeya Purana (Devi Mahatmya) – Though not directly named as Shasti, aspects of Durga’s nurturing power are described here, later connected to Shasti in folk traditions.
Worship and Rituals of Maa Shasti
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Sixth Day Ritual (Shasthi Puja): Women worship Maa Shasti on the sixth day after childbirth, offering fruits, flowers, and sweets, seeking blessings for their newborns.
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Monthly Shasthi Vrata: Devotees observe fasting on the Shasthi tithi of every lunar month.
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Folk Traditions: In Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam, Maa Shasti is worshipped in homes and temples, with women observing fasts for the welfare of children.
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Symbols: Cat (vahana), fruit offerings, and sacred red threads tied on the wrist are part of her worship rituals.
Impact of Maa Shasti Worship in Today’s World
Despite the modern age, Maa Shasti continues to hold immense relevance:
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For Mothers: She remains the ultimate divine protector invoked during childbirth and early child-rearing.
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In Health and Childcare: Many families still offer prayers to Maa Shasti when children fall ill, symbolizing faith in divine healing.
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Cultural Continuity: Festivals like Shasthi Puja in Bengal are still widely celebrated, linking ancient traditions with present-day devotion.
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Psychological Comfort: In a world of uncertainty, faith in Maa Shasti provides hope, emotional strength, and assurance to parents.
Conclusion
Maa Shasti, a sacred manifestation of Maa Durga, is more than just a goddess of fertility and children—she is a symbol of life, nurturing power, and divine protection. Rooted in the Puranic scriptures and enriched by centuries of tradition, her worship continues to remind us of the eternal bond between the divine mother and her children.
Her relevance in today’s world is undeniable—where medical science and spirituality often meet, Maa Shasti’s blessings are still sought for safe childbirth, the health of children, and the strength of families. She represents the compassionate heart of Maa Durga, reminding us that while Durga slays demons, Shasti ensures life flourishes.
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