Hartalika Teej 2023
Hartalika Teej Vrat stands as a prominent observance within Hinduism. Celebrated on the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month, Hartalika Teej is rooted in the veneration of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, particularly during the auspicious Hast Nakshatra of that day. This significant occasion is honored by unmarried girls, married women, and even widows, with abstinence from both grains and water. It is believed that Goddess Parvati herself initiated this Vrat to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Observing the Hartalika Teej Vrat is believed to bestow marital harmony and joy upon women.
Guidelines for Hartalika Teej Vrat
- Refrain from drinking water during the Hartalika Teej Vrat. Water consumption is allowed only on the subsequent day after the Vrat.
- Once the decision to observe the Hartalika Teej Vrat is made, it should be followed through with proper rituals and observance.
- On the day of Hartalika Teej Vrat, stay awake during the night, engaging in group singing of religious hymns.
- This Vrat is open to unmarried girls, married women, and even widows, in accordance with the scriptures.
Hartalika Teej Vrat Puja Procedure
On the sacred occasion of Hartalika Teej Vrat, reverence and worship are offered to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The steps of the Puja are as follows:
- Perform the Hartalika Teej Vrat during the Pradosh Kaal, the three Muhurats after sunset, which marks the moment of twilight between day and night.
- Craft idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha using sand and black soil.
- Decorate the worship space with flowers and set up an altar. Place banana leaves on the altar before positioning the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha.
- Commence the Shodashopchar Puja by inviting all deities and performing the ritual for Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha.
- A significant tradition involves offering auspicious symbols of married women in a sacred enclosure to Goddess Durga.
- Within the Puja, traditional men’s attire (dhoti and angocha) is presented to Lord Shiva. After receiving blessings from the mother-in-law, these symbols of marriage are donated to Brahmins.
- Following the Puja, partake in the recitation of sacred stories and engage in vigils throughout the night. Conclude the fast the following morning with an aarti, offering vermilion and cucumber sweets to Goddess Parvati.
Spiritual Significance of Hartalika Teej
Hartalika Teej festival is dedicated to the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. A spiritual narrative recounts how Goddess Parvati, yearning for Lord Shiva as her spouse, embarked on an intense austerity along the banks of the Ganga in the Himalayas. Moved by her dedication, Maharishi Narad, on behalf of Lord Vishnu, proposed a marriage alliance. Upon learning of this proposal, Goddess Parvati mourned her situation and confided in her female companion. She revealed her intent to attain Lord Shiva through her austerity. Following her companion’s advice, Goddess Parvati retreated to the forest, immersing herself in devotion to Lord Shiva. It was during the Hast Nakshatra the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month that she decorated a Shivalinga from sand and ardently worshipped Lord Shiva. Witnessing her unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva manifested before her, accepting her as his consort.
Henceforth, Hartalika Teej Vrat has been practiced by unmarried girls and married women, seeking a desirable husband and the well-being of their spouse, respectively. Through this Vrat, devotees also seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati through their worship.
In closing, we extend warm wishes to all readers on the auspicious occasion of Hartalika Teej Vrat. May the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati shower upon you abundantly.
