Hartalika Teej is a sacred festival observed by women with utmost devotion towards Goddess Parvati. It falls on the tritiya (third day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, which signifies the day of cosmic union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, women fast without water and food, praying for marital happiness, prosperity, and fulfilment of their innermost wishes.
The vrat katha is narrated, telling the sacred story of how Goddess Parvati, by dint of her will, married Lord Shiva through penance. The katha is either heard or recited at the time of puja and is said to invoke blessings of harmony, strength, and divine grace in one's life.
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The origin of Hartalika Teej
The word Hartalika is composed of two Sanskrit terms: harit, meaning abduction, and aalika, meaning female friend. The legend speaks of how Parvati undertook a great penance to win Lord Shiva as her partner. Such fervent devotion and prayers of hers made even Lord Shiva abandon his seclusion and accept her as his wife.
Hartalika Teej vrat katha
Parvati’s penance
As the katha tells us, Goddess Parvati was adamant on marrying Lord Shiva even when her father had decided to marry her off to Lord Vishnu. Finding herself unable to abide this, Parvati went to her best friend and managed to get her help in escaping into the thick woods.
Parvati started her intense tapasya (austerity), fasting from food and water, meditating only upon Lord Shiva.
The divine union
Impressed by her unshakable devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Parvati and accepted her as his eternal consort. This union symbolises love, devotion, and the fulfilment of sincere prayers. From that day, Hartalika Teej became a sacred observance where women fast to emulate Parvati’s faith and strength.
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Rituals associated with the Hartalika Teej vrat
- Women observe a nirjala vrat (fast without food or water).
- Images or idols of Shiva and Parvati are offered flowers, fruits, and sweets.
- The devotees hear or read the Hartalika Teej vrat katha in the puja.
- Married women pray for their husband's long life, and the unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva.
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Hartalika Teej vrat katha is not merely a myth. It is an inspiration about Parvati's determination and faith. It is believed that women who observe this vrat are answered with joy, good marital relations, and prosperity. The festival is still fervently celebrated with songs and rituals all over India that keep alive the spirit of the divine penance of Goddess Parvati.
