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Traditional story (retold)
Part 1: Parvati's Resolve
From childhood Parvati Ji had resolved to obtain Shiva as her husband. She performed severe austerities on the Himalaya.
Part 2: Narada's Proposal
At Narada Ji's word, her father Himalaya fixed her marriage with Vishnu Ji. Hearing this, Parvati was saddened.
Part 3: The Help of Her Friends
Her friends took her to a cave in the forest. There Parvati made a Shivalinga of sand and fasted and worshipped on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya.
Part 4: Shiva's Boon
Shiva was pleased and accepted her as his wife. Her father too agreed later. In memory of this, Hartalika Teej is celebrated.
Thus ends the complete Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha
At a glance
• Deities: Shiva-Parvati
• When: Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya
• Fast: Nirjala (tradition) or according to capacity
• Special: Worship of a sand Shivalinga and Parvati
• Main lesson: Austerity, resolve and devotion accomplish the goal
Introduction and significance
In Hartalika Teej married women keep the vrat for their husband's long life, and unmarried girls for a desired husband. 'Harat' means abduction and 'alika' means a female friend, because in the katha Parvati's friends take her away into the forest.
This vrat is popular in North India, Nepal and Maharashtra.
When it is observed
• On Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, one day before Ganesh Chaturthi.
• See the Panchang for the tithi and the time of the puja.
Puja samagri
• Shiva-Parvati-Ganesh made of sand or clay
• Bael leaves, dhatura, shami leaves
• Roli, akshat, flowers, suhag items (bangles, bindi, sindoor)
• Fruit, sweets, paan
• Lamp, incense
Vrat vidhi
1. Bathe in the morning, take the resolve and stay without food.
2. In the evening make Shiva-Parvati from sand or clay and install them.
3. Offer bael leaves, flowers and suhag items.
4. Listen to the katha and perform the aarti of Shiva-Parvati.
5. Keep a night vigil and do bhajan.
6. The next day do the parana and donate suhag items.
Do's
• Keep a pure feeling in the mind.
• Keep the vigil and do bhajan.
• Take the blessing of elders.
Don'ts
• Avoid anger and dispute.
• Do not leave the puja midway.
• Avoid tamasic food.
Benefits (as believed)
It is believed that the Hartalika Teej vrat is a prayer for happiness in married life and a desired husband. Do not take it as a guarantee.
Mantras and aarti
• Mantra: "Om Namah Shivaya", "Om Umayai Namah"
• Aarti: https://divyavani.app/aarti/om-jai-shiv-omkara, https://divyavani.app/aarti/om-jai-ambe-gauri
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Hartalika Teej?
A: On Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, one day before Ganesh Chaturthi.
Q: Can unmarried girls keep this vrat?
A: Yes, in tradition girls keep it wishing for a desired husband.
Q: What if I cannot keep a nirjala vrat?
A: According to your health you can keep it with fruit or with water. Take a doctor's advice.
Q: What does Hartalika mean?
A: 'Harat' means abduction and 'alika' means a female friend. Parvati's friends took her to the forest.
Q: What are the other forms of Teej?
A: Hariyali Teej, Kajri Teej and Hartalika Teej are the main ones.
Precautions
Take care of your health during a nirjala fast; pregnant or sick women should take a doctor's advice. This katha is a retelling of a traditional story.