Hartalika Teej is one of the main fasts of married women. This festival is considered a symbol of the unbreakable love and married life of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. There is a religious belief that Mother Parvati had performed rigorous penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. In memory of this penance and devotion, the fast of Hartalika Teej is observed.
Married women observe this fast with the wish of long life of their husband, happy married life and prosperity of the family, while unmarried girls observe this fast with the wish of getting desired life partner. Hartalika Teej is celebrated on the third day of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. If you are going to observe the fast of Hartalika Teej for the first time, then you should take special care of some things, so that the puja-fast can be completed with devotion and in a proper manner.
Make preparations a day before the fast
Before starting the fast of Hartalika Teej, it is important to prepare the body. Since food and water are sacrificed during the fast, consume adequate amount of water and other fluids the day before. Keep food also light and nutritious. This can reduce the body’s discomfort in fasting for a long time the next day.
Take resolution to fast after morning bath
On the day of fasting, wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear clean clothes. After this, clean the place of worship and meditate on Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati and Lord Ganesha. Before starting the puja, it is considered auspicious to take a resolution to fast with rituals. Women fasting for the first time should understand the method of worship and resolution in advance.
Worship Lord Shiva, Parvati and Lord Ganesha
In the worship of Hartalika Teej, worship of Lord Ganesha along with Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati also has special significance. Install statues or pictures of all three at the place of worship. After this, worship with water, Ganga water, flowers, fruits, sweets, incense and lamps etc. Offering wedding material to Goddess Parvati is also included in the traditions of this festival.
Must listen to the story of Hartalika Teej
The worship of Hartalika Teej is considered incomplete without the story. Therefore, during the puja, definitely listen or recite the Vrat Katha. The story describes the penance of Mother Parvati and her desire to have Lord Shiva as her husband. According to religious belief, by listening to the story one understands the importance of fasting and devotion towards worship also increases.
Concentrate your mind on worship by chanting mantras.
During the fast, mantras can be chanted to keep the mind calm and to meditate on Lord Shiva. During this, chant the mantras ‘Om Namah Shivay’ and ‘Om Parvatipataye Namah’ as per devotion. This helps in concentrating the mind during worship.
Choose north-east direction for worship
According to Vaastu beliefs, North-East i.e. North-East corner is considered auspicious for worship in the house. If possible, worship Hartalika Teej in this direction. First clean the place of worship thoroughly and maintain a calm and virtuous atmosphere there.