Gaiseric II

Chhathi Maiya (Ṣaṣṭhī Devī) is the ancient goddess of children and protection who is, worshipped during Chhath Puja. She is associated with the ancient Hindu goddess Ṣaṣṭhī (षष्ठी), the benevolent goddess of fertility, childbirth and the protection of children who is also the consort of lord Skanda (Kārtikeya). Early Kushan-period sculptures from Gandhara and Mathura, dating to 1st c. CE depict her. The Mahābhārata explicitly identifies Ṣaṣṭhī as Devasenā, the divine consort of Skanda: एवं स्कन्दस्य महिषीं देवसेनां विदुर्बुधाः ।
 षष्ठीं यां ब्राह्मणाः प्राहुर्लक्ष्मीमाशां सुखप्रदाम् ॥ "Thus the wise know Devasenā as the wife of Skanda; she is the Ṣaṣṭhī whom the Brahmins call Lakṣmī, Āśā and the giver of happiness." - Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, 3.218.47. The Brahmavaivarta Purāṇa further describes Ṣaṣṭhī as a manifestation of divine Prakṛti and a goddess who blesses families with children and prosperity. Her prayer includes: वरदायै पुत्रदायै धनदायै नमो नमः ।
 सुखदायै मोक्षदायै षष्ठीदेव्यै नमो नमः ॥ "Salutations to Goddess Ṣaṣṭhī, the granter of boons, children and wealth; the giver of happiness and liberation." - Brahmavaivarta Purāṇa, Prakṛti-khaṇḍa, Chapter 43, verse 58 She is also known as Kaumārī (कौमारी) and Kārttikeyānī and considered one of the Saptamātṛkās, or Seven Mother Goddesses. Over the centuries, her worship became deeply rooted in the folk religious traditions of eastern India, particularly Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, where she is revered as Chhathi Maiya. During Chhath Puja, devotees offer arghya to the setting and rising Sun, while seeking the blessings of Chhathi Maiya for fertility, the health and longevity of children, and family wellbeing. Although Chhath is primarily a solar festival, the presence of Chhathi Maiya reflects the enduring tradition of Ṣaṣṭhī as a divine mother and protector of life.