Haritalika Teeja (Bha.)

Hartalika Teej

Hartalika Teej is a Hindu festival that is celebrated primarily among women. It is celebrated all over India with unparalleled festive spirit & devotion. Indian states where Hartalika Teej is celebrated on a large scale include- Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Legend Associated with Hartalika Teej

As per the ‘Puranas’ and many other Holy Scriptures of the Hindu faith, Goddess Parvati incarnated many times and did severe austerities to get Lord Shiva as Her husband. In Her incarnation as ‘Shailputri’, She was born as King Himalaya’s daughter. Right from Her childhood, under the guidance of Sage Narada, She started worshipping Lord Shiva. Her worship soon took the form of severe austerities which continued for many years and this made King Himalaya very worried about the future of his daughter.

As a result, King Himalaya decided to get Shailputri married to Lord Vishnu. This was unacceptable to Shailputri and She was very distressed. However, a very close female friend of Shailputri secretly took Her to a thick & dense forest so that She could continue with Her austerities.

King Himalaya thought that his daughter had been abducted and sent his troops in search of Her. It must be noted that the literal meaning of the word Hartalika comes from ‘Harat’ (abduction) and ‘Aalika’ (female friend).

Shailputri continued with Her austerities with even more severity & devotion in the forest by forming a makeshift ‘Shiva Linga’ with sand. And then one day, Lord Shiva appeared before Her and granted Her the boon that He will marry Her, which He eventually did.

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Significance of Hartalika Teej

It is said that one who worships Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati (Shailputri) on Hartalika Teej by following the Vrat (fast) rituals, gets blessed with a married life which is full of love, joy, harmony & contentment.

When is Hartalika Teej Celebrated?

Hartalika Teej is celebrated in the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (Waxing Phase of the Moon) on the 3rd ‘Tithi’ (Date) of the month of ‘Bhadrapada’ as per the Hindu Lunar Calendar.

Hartalika Teej 2024 will be celebrated on Monday, 6th September.

The morning Puja (worship) Muhurat (auspicious time) of Hartalika Teej 2024 will be from 06:02 AM to 08:33 AM

How to observe the Hartalika Teej Vrat?

It is said that when Lord Shiva appeared before Goddess Shailputri and blessed Her with the boon of marrying Her, the very next day Shailputri observed a Vrat (fast) to thank Lord Shiva. This Vrat or fast later on became a ritual that women started following ardently to get the blessings of both Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati (Shailputri) to lead a happy & blissful married life.

Following are the general guidance or procedure that devotees follow during the entire Hartalika Teej Vrat ritual:

• Devotees perform the Puja during early morning after bathing and putting on clean clothes.
• The legend or katha (story) of Hartalika Teej is narrated.
• A ‘sankalp’ (resolution) is taken to observe the Hartalika Teej Vrat.
• Devotees worship Lord Ganesh first and thereafter Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati (Shailputri) to get their blessings for a happy & blissful married life.
• Ladies observe a strict fast wherein they do not eat anything.
• Mantra of “Om Namah Shivaya” is chanted all day long as much as possible.
• Donation to Brahmins and those who are in need, is offered during this day.