The supplied Katha recounts King Priyavrat's grief and the appearance of Shashti Devi, identified with Chhathi Maiya. The story is presented as a devotional narrative, not as an independently verified historical event.
The Sacred Katha of Chhath Vrat
Hearing or reciting the Chhath Katha (holy story) is a fundamental custom practiced by family members assembled around the Vrati on the evening of Sandhya Arghya.
The Story of King Priyavrat
The most well-known katha tells the story of King Priyavrat, who was mourning the birth of a stillborn baby. Overwhelmed with despair and sorrow, he resolved to take his own life. At that moment, Shashti Devi (Chhathi Maiya) appeared in the sky, manifesting as the guardian of children. She gently touched the lifeless child, restoring it to life. Filled with joy, the King began the grand worship of Shashti Devi, founding the earthly tradition of Chhath Puja to safeguard progeny.