INVC News
Kashi : The Hartalika Teej, a significant Hindu festival, is celebrated with great fervor and devotion across India. This auspicious day, which falls on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month, carries a deep spiritual significance, especially for married women. On the 18th of September this year, devotees will come together to observe this fast, seeking unbroken good fortune and a blissful married life. But what is the story behind Hartalika Teej, and why is it so revered? In this comprehensive article, we delve into the legends and traditions associated with this sacred day.
The Significance of Hartalika Teej
Hartalika Teej holds a special place in the hearts of married women. On this day, they fast with unwavering devotion, praying for the longevity of their marital bonds and the well-being of their spouses. Unmarried girls also participate, hoping to find their ideal life partners. The central deities of this celebration are Mother Gauri (an incarnation of Goddess Parvati) and Lord Shiva.
Rituals and Observances
The day begins with women waking up early and taking a ceremonial bath. They adorn themselves in beautiful attire and jewelry, signifying purity and devotion. The fast during Hartalika Teej is known as ‘Nirjala Vrat,’ which means abstaining from food and water for the entire day. This rigorous penance is undertaken to seek the blessings of the divine couple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Women gather together for puja (prayer) during the day and night. The puja involves the creation of a sacred Shiva Linga from clay, symbolizing Lord Shiva. This Linga is meticulously worshipped, and women offer fruits, flowers, and other sacred items to seek the divine couple’s blessings.
The Story of Hartalika Teej
The Name’s Origin
The name “Hartalika Teej” is rooted in an intriguing legend. According to the myth, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas and a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva, had resolved to marry Lord Shiva against her father’s wish. To prevent her father from marrying her off to Lord Vishnu, her friends devised a plan. They clandestinely whisked Parvati away to a dense forest, ensuring she remained hidden from her father’s gaze.
In this forest, on the Bhadrapada Tritiya Shukla, under the Hasta Nakshatra, Parvati embarked on an arduous penance. She crafted a Shiva Linga from clay and worshipped it with unwavering devotion throughout the night. Her steadfastness and dedication moved Lord Shiva, who ultimately accepted her as his wife. Thus, the fast came to be known as “Hartalika Teej,” signifying Parvati’s abduction by her friends.
The Story of Sati’s Rebirth
Another significant aspect of Hartalika Teej is associated with the reincarnation of Goddess Sati. In her previous life, Sati had immolated herself during her father’s yagya due to the humiliation her husband, Lord Shiva, faced. In her subsequent life, she was born as the daughter of King Himachal.
As she did in her previous life, Parvati dedicated herself to Lord Shiva’s penance with unwavering determination. King Himachal grew concerned about her obsession with Lord Shiva and sought counsel from Narada. It was decided that Parvati should marry Lord Vishnu, much to her dismay. In defiance, Parvati’s friends guided her to a secluded forest.
Under the Hasta Nakshatra of Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya Tithi, Parvati sculpted a Shiva Linga from clay and began an intense vigil, accompanied by prayers in praise of Lord Shiva. This grueling penance spanned over 12 years. Impressed by her unwavering devotion and penance, Lord Shiva appeared before her and accepted her as his wife, granting her heartfelt wish.
Conclusion
Hartalika Teej is a celebration of love, devotion, and the unbreakable bond between Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The legends associated with this festival highlight the power of unwavering faith and determination. Women fast on this day to seek the divine couple’s blessings for a happy and prosperous married life, while unmarried girls hope to find their ideal life partners.
As we observe Hartalika Teej on the 18th of September this year, let us remember the profound stories and traditions that make this festival so special. May the blessings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva fill our lives with love, happiness, and unbroken good fortune.
