Every year, millions of devotees celebrate Chhath Puja with deep faith and devotion. Standing in rivers at sunrise and sunset, they offer prayers to the Sun and Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and family well-being. Yet few people know that this sacred festival may have a surprising link to the era of the Mahabharata. According to local traditions in eastern India, Draupadi, the queen of the Pandavas, once performed Chhath Puja during their exile. If true, this belief adds a fascinating spiritual dimension to the festival—and the place connected to this story is still remembered by devotees today.



A Sacred Place in Bihar

The wetland believed to be connected with Draupadi’s Chhath Puja.

In the district of Samastipur, the village area of Ujiarpur is home to a quiet yet spiritually powerful site known as Devkhal Chaur. According to local tradition, during their exile in the era of the Mahabharata, Draupadi is believed to have performed Chhath Puja at this very place. Devotees say she prayed to Chhathi Maiya for the safety and strength of the Pandavas. Over centuries, the location became a sacred pilgrimage spot. Even today, thousands gather here during Chhath, believing the land carries echoes of ancient faith and divine blessings.



The Pandavas’ Escape Tunnel

Local stories link this area to the Pandavas’ escape after the Lakshagriha incident.

Many people in the region believe this area is connected to the famous Lakshagriha Incident from the Mahabharata. According to local tradition, the Pandavas escaped a deadly trap by secretly leaving through an underground tunnel. After saving their lives, they continued their journey during exile, moving quietly from place to place. It is believed that during the Kartik month, Draupadi offered prayers at Devkhal Chaur and performed Chhath Puja there. For local people, this story represents courage and faith. Even in moments of danger and uncertainty, devotion remained their greatest strength and source of hope.



The Pond That Never Dried

Legends say the water here never dried because of divine blessings.

One of the most mysterious beliefs about Devkhal Chaur is connected to its water. Local elders say that in ancient times the water here never dried, even when nearby regions faced severe drought. People believed this was due to divine blessings linked to Draupadi, who is said to have prayed here during Chhath Puja. According to tradition, her devotion brought sacred protection to the place. Whether history or legend, this belief has made the site spiritually important for generations. Even today, many devotees visit Devkhal Chaur during Chhath, convinced that prayers offered here carry special power and blessings. Faith, stories, and tradition continue to keep this remarkable belief alive.



Another Chhath Legend in JharkhandAnother fascinating legend is connected to the area near Ranchi in Jharkhand. In a village called Nagri, there is a small natural spring known as Ranichuan. According to local belief, Draupadi once performed Chhath Puja at this sacred spot during the time of exile. Even today, women from nearby villages gather around this tiny water source during the festival to offer prayers to Chhathi Maiya. Devotees believe that wishes made here with true devotion are fulfilled. For generations, families in the region have continued this tradition, keeping the story and faith connected to this ancient place alive through Chhath celebrations.



The Arrow That Created WaterAnother fascinating legend from this region is linked to Arjuna and his mother Kunti. During their exile, Kunti once became extremely thirsty while traveling through the forest. Seeing her struggle, Arjuna decided to help. Using his powerful bow, he shot an arrow into the ground. According to the legend, the moment the arrow struck the earth, a stream of water began flowing out. Over time, people believed this sacred spring became connected to the origin of the Subarnarekha River. Locals also say that tiny golden particles can be found in its water, making it a symbol of divine blessing and faith.



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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a connection between Draupadi and Chhath Puja?

According to local traditions in parts of Bihar and Jharkhand, Draupadi is believed to have performed Chhath Puja during the exile of the Pandavas. Though this story comes mainly from regional beliefs and folklore, many devotees consider these places sacred.


2. Where is the place associated with Draupadi’s Chhath Puja?

One such location is believed to be Devkhal Chaur near Samastipur, where locals say Draupadi offered prayers to Chhathi Maiya during the Kartik month.


3. What is the legend about Arjuna creating a water source?

A popular story says that when Kunti felt thirsty during exile, Arjuna shot an arrow into the ground, and water began flowing from the earth, forming a sacred spring.


4. Is the Subarnarekha River connected to this legend?

Local belief suggests that the spring created by Arjuna eventually became linked with the origin of the Subarnarekha River, and some people even say the water contains tiny golden particles.


5. Why do devotees still visit these places today?

Many devotees visit these sites during Chhath Puja because they believe prayers offered at locations connected to the Mahabharata carry special spiritual significance and blessings.