Hartalika Teej is a significant festival where married women observe a strict fast for the long life, good health, and happiness of their husbands. Much like Karva Chauth, this fast is observed without water. Women devote their day to worshiping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, following traditional rituals. In 2024, Hartalika Teej falls on a day filled with auspicious yogas like Ravi Yoga and Budhaditya Yoga, enhancing the spiritual energy of the occasion.
According to the Hindu calendar, Hartalika Teej is observed on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. On this day, devotees prepare a special pavilion adorned with banana leaves and decorative Bandanwar. Clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are placed in the pavilion, followed by offering flowers, garlands, sandalwood, incense, and lamps. The day concludes with chanting mantras and maintaining a strict fast. Observing the Hartalika Teej fast and listening to the associated Vrat Katha (story) brings blessings and auspicious results.
Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha: The Divine Story Behind the Fast
The origin of Hartalika Teej is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Shiva once narrated the story to Goddess Parvati while seated on Mount Kailash with Nandi and his followers.
Goddess Parvati, curious to know the reason behind her union with Lord Shiva, asked him, “O Maheshwar, what virtue did I perform to have you as my husband?” In response, Lord Shiva explained that it was due to her immense devotion and penance that she became his consort.
He narrated how, in her previous life, Parvati performed severe penance for 12 long years, enduring extreme conditions on the banks of the Ganga River. She consumed only dry leaves, meditated in icy waters, and faced the scorching sun with unwavering dedication. Her father, King Himavat, became worried about her hardships, but Parvati continued her devotion, determined to win Lord Shiva as her husband.
During this time, Narad Muni visited her father, Himavat, and proposed Lord Vishnu as a suitable match for Parvati. Delighted by the offer, Himavat agreed to marry his daughter to Lord Vishnu. However, when Parvati learned of this arrangement, she was heartbroken as she had already chosen Lord Shiva in her heart.
One of her close friends suggested they escape to a secluded forest to continue her penance. In a dense forest, Parvati created a Shivalinga out of sand on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya and fasted through the night, praying to Lord Shiva with utmost devotion. Her determination moved Lord Shiva, who finally appeared before her, granting her wish to be his eternal consort.
Parvati’s father eventually found her, and after learning of her deep devotion to Lord Shiva, he agreed to the marriage. The divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place, fulfilling Parvati’s heart’s desire.
Lord Shiva concluded by saying, “O Parvati, it was because of the fast you observed on Shukla Tritiya of Bhadrapada that I accepted you as my wife. This fast holds immense significance for all women who wish for a blessed and prosperous married life. Any unmarried girl who observes this fast with devotion will also find her desired life partner.
Significance of Hartalika Teej
The Hartalika Teej Vrat is considered highly auspicious for married women and unmarried girls alike. While married women observe the fast for the long life and well-being of their husbands, unmarried women fast with the hope of finding a suitable life partner. Observing the fast with complete faith and devotion is believed to bring blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, ensuring a prosperous and happy married life.
By reading or listening to this sacred Vrat Katha on Hartalika Teej, devotees can seek divine blessings and strengthen their spiritual connection with Shiva and Parvati, ensuring the fulfillment of their heartfelt desires.
