New Delhi: The much awaited and awaited monsoon festival of Hartalika Teej is knocking at the door. This year it will be celebrated on 9th September. On this day, women across the country offer special prayers for the long life of their husbands.
On this day, married women pray to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati for their abundant blessings. ‘Teej’ basically refers to the monsoon festivals celebrated in different parts of the country.
HARTALIKA TEEJ PUJA TIMINGS:
Hartalika Teej Thursday 9 September 2021
Morning Hartalika Puja Muhurta – 06:03 AM to 08:33 AM
Duration – 02 hours 30 minutes
Pradoshkala Hartalika Puja Muhurta – 06:33 PM to 08:51 PM
Duration – 02 hours 18 minutes
Tritiya Tithi Start – 02:33 PM September 09, 2021
Tritiya Tithi Ends – 12:18 AM on Sep 10, 2021
(according to drikpanchang.com)
Teej refers to the third day that comes after the new moon or new moon every month, and the third day after the full moon night of every month. Hartalika Teej Vrat is observed during Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month according to drikpanchang.com.
Various types of Teej are celebrated in the country. The monsoon festivals of Teej include Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej respectively.
The Story and Significance of Hartalika Teej:
According to Hindu mythology, the legend behind celebrating Hartalika Teej is that Mata Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya, incarnated as Goddess Shailputri.
Following Narada Muni’s suggestion, her father promised to marry her to Lord Vishnu. When Goddess Parvati came to know about this, she immediately went to her friend and told him about King Himalaya’s plan.
Then, it is believed that Goddess Parvati’s friend took her to the forest so that she would stay away and never plan a marriage against her wishes.
Then, on the third day of Bhadrapada, Goddess Parvati made a Shiva Linga out of her hair and prayed to the Lord. Shiva was greatly impressed by her dedication and penance, finally agreeing to marry Goddess Parvati.
Soon, Goddess Parvati’s family also came to know of her choice and after some persuasion, Lord Shiva and Parvati met. Their wedding was a huge affair where the deities were a part of the marriage ceremony. Devi’s mother and father blessed the divinity.
Meanwhile, the goddess had made Lord Vishnu her brother according to popular belief.
Since then this day is known as Hartalika Teej. Because Goddess Parvati’s female (Aalika) friend kidnapped her (Harit) in the forest so that Mata could marry Lord Shiva.
The festival of Hartalika Teej is celebrated on the third day of Shukla Paksha of the North Indian lunar month of Bhadrapada.
HARTALIKA TEEJ RITUALS:
On this day, women wear shiny new clothes and worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. They observe a fast (also known as Nishivasar Nirjala Vrat) which begins during the evening of Hartalika Teej and is broken the next day after observing a full day in which women do not even drink water.
Devotees pray to Mata Parvati, who prayed with utmost dedication and devotion, to marry Lord Shiva. The goddess is worshiped in the name of Hartalika or Maa Hartalika.
Hartalika Teej is celebrated with great grandeur mainly in the states of Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.
Here’s wishing our readers a very Happy Hartalika Teej!
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