Why Hartalika Teej is  Celebrated? – The Divine Story of Goddess Parvati

Hartalika Teej is one of the most important Teej festivals celebrated by Hindu women, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. It falls on the third day (Tritiya) of Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month (August–September).

It is observed with great devotion as women pray for marital bliss, the well-being of their husbands, and the blessing of Goddess Parvati. But why exactly is Hartalika Teej celebrated? Let’s explore the legend and significance.

The Legend of Hartalika Teej

According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Parvati desired Lord Shiva as her husband. However, her father Himalaya wanted her to marry Lord Vishnu. When Parvati came to know about this, she confided in her friend, who then took her to a dense forest to prevent the marriage. There, Parvati performed severe penance (tapasya) and made a Shivalinga out of sand.Pleased with her deep devotion and austerity, Lord Shiva appeared before her and accepted her as his consort.

This sacred union of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated as Hartalika Teej, where “Hara” means Lord Shiva, and “Aalika” refers to a friend – highlighting the role of Parvati’s friend in this divine story.

Why Women Celebrate Hartalika Teej

Unmarried women observe fast and worship Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati to get a husband like Lord Shiva.Married women keep the fast for the long life, happiness, and prosperity of their husbands.

It is considered a festival of love, devotion, and sacrifice, symbolizing Goddess Parvati’s determination and patience.

 Preparation Before Pooja

1. Morning Bath & Purification

•  Wake up early (preferably during Brahma Muhurat – 4 am to 6 am).
•  Take a holy bath and wear clean clothes (preferably red, green, or yellow saree/suit).
•  Apply mehendi on hands and adorn yourself with bridal-like ornaments (for married women).

2. Clean the Puja Area

•  Select a sacred space in your home/temple corner.
•  Clean the space properly and spread a clean cloth or pooja chowki.

3. Pooja Samagri  (Items Required)

•  Clay or sand idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
•  Kalash filled with water, mango leaves, and coconut
•  Red cloth, chunri, and jewelry for Maa Parvati
•  Fresh flowers, bilva patra (bel leaves), and durva grass
•  Fruits, sweets (especially modak or laddoo)
•  Deepak/diya, incense sticks, camphor
•  Roli, kumkum, turmeric, sindoor
•  Naivedya (food offerings)
•  Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, sugar, ghee)

 Hartalika Teej Pooja Vidhi – Step by Step

Step 1 – Kalash Sthapana (Establishing the Sacred Pot)

•  Place a kalash filled with water on the pooja chowki.
•  Decorate it with mango leaves and place a coconut on top.
• Tie red/yellow moli thread around the kalash.

Step 2 – Idol Installation (Murti Sthapana)

•  Place the clay/sand idols of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati near the kalash.
•  Decorate Maa Parvati’s idol with chunri, bangles, sindoor, and flowers.

Step 3 – Sankalp (Vow of the Fast)

•  Sit facing east or north.
•  Join hands, take water in your palm, and vow to complete the **Hartalika Teej fast** with devotion for marital happiness and blessings of Maa Parvati.

Step 4 – Invocation (Aavahan of Deities)

•   Light a diya and incense.
•   Chant: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” to invoke Lord Ganesha first.
•   Pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for their presence.

Step 5 – Offerings (Upachara Pooja)

Perform the Shodashopachara Puja (16-step worship):

  1. Avahanam (invitation)
2. Asanam (offering seat)
3. Padya (washing feet)
4. Arghya (offering water)
5. Achamana (sipping water)
6. Snana (holy bath with Panchamrit)
7. Vastra (offering clothes)
8. Abharan (offering ornaments)
9. Gandha (sandal paste)
10. Pushpa (flowers)
11. Dhoop (incense)
12. Deep (lighting lamp)
13. Naivedya (food offerings)
14. Tamboolam (betel leaves, nuts)
15. Dakshina (offering coins)
16. Aarti (light waving ritual)

Step 6 – Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha (Story Recital)

•  Listen to or read the Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha, describing Maa Parvati’s penance to marry Lord Shiva.
• Devotees believe that narrating or listening to this story completes the puja.

Step 7 – Aarti and Mantra Japa

Perform arti of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati with a lit camphor or diya.
   Chant mantras:

“Om Namah Shivaya” (108 times)
“Om Parvatyai Namah” (for Maa Parvati)

Step 8 – Jagran (Night Vigil)

• Women stay awake all night, singing bhajans and performing kirtans in honor of Shiva-Parvati.
•  This symbolizes unwavering devotion.

Step 9 – Breaking the Fast (Parana)

• The next morning, after offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Parvati, the fast is broken.
•  Women consume fruits, sweets, and water as per tradition.
• Some break their fast only after seeing the rising sun.

 Do’s and Don’ts for Hartalika Teej Vrat

•  Wear traditional attire (preferably bridal-like).
•  Follow the nirjala fast sincerely.
•  Recite Shiva-Parvati mantras throughout the day.
• Donate food or clothes to the needy after puja.
•  Recite Shiva-Parvati mantras throughout the day.
•  Avoid consuming food or water until puja completion.
•  Do not use disrespectful or negative words during the vrat.
•  Avoid sleeping during the night vigil.

Conclusion

Hartalika Teej is celebrated to honor the eternal bond of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Performing this pooja with devotion ensures marital bliss, harmony, and prosperity. It is a festival of faith, patience, and true love.

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