Shasti is also called Shashti or Shashthi. She is known as the ‘Goddess of Children’, the ‘Deity of Vegetation’, ‘Goddess of Reproduction’, or the ‘Protector and Benefactor of Children’. She is believed to assist during childbirth and bestow children. As per Haryanvi traditions, this Hindu deity is called ‘Mata’ and is known to bless the baby and decide the baby’s future.
She lives in Skandaloka. Her consort is Skanda, the Hindu War God. Shasti is depicted as nursing one or more infants and her mount is the cat. Devotees worship Shasti as per the Hindu calendar on the 6th day of each lunar month as well as on the sixth day after the child is born. Her devotees mostly comprise of mothers and barren women desirous of conceiving, to seek her help and blessings and pray to her for the protection of their children.
Shasti is worshipped in India during Chhath (in Bihar State) and in Eastern India.
Experts state that roots of this Shasti Goddess can be traced to folk traditions amongst Hindus. Early references of Shasti associated with children, are seen as early as 8th and 9th century BCE in a number of Hindu scriptures. She is identified also with Devasena, the consort of Skanda and has also been considered as foster mother of Skanda, in various early references. At one point of time she was considered a malignant goddess who causes diseases in child and mother but later as time passed she is seen as the benevolent bestower and savior of children.
