Hartalika Teej Puja is a traditional Hindu festival that is celebrated by married women in various parts of India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. This festival is celebrated on the third day of the first fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which typically falls in August or September. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and it is believed that observing this festival helps in strengthening the bond between a husband and wife.
The legend behind the Hartalika Teej Puja dates back to ancient times. According to the legend, there was a girl named Hartalika who was deeply in love with Lord Shiva. However, her father had promised her hand in marriage to a man whom she did not love. Hartalika's friend then helped her to escape and arranged for her to marry Lord Shiva. The wedding took place in a dense forest, and since then, the festival of Hartalika Teej is celebrated every year to commemorate the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
On the day of the puja, married women dress up in traditional attire and observe a fast, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to their married lives. They offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, seeking their blessings for the well-being of their husbands and families. Women also perform puja rituals, which involve bathing the deities with holy water, offering flowers, fruits, and sweets, and lighting lamps.
Hartalika Teej Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by women across different communities in India. It is a day for married women to rejoice in the love and bond they share with their husbands, and also to celebrate the divine love between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival also promotes the ideals of self-restraint, devotion, and sacrifice, which are considered essential for a successful marriage.
In conclusion, Hartalika Teej Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by married women in various parts of India. It is a day for women to observe a fast, offer prayers and seek blessings for the well-being of their husbands and families. The festival celebrates the divine love between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and it also promotes the ideals of self-restraint, devotion, and sacrifice.
"ऊँ उमा महेश्वराभ्यां नमः ऊँ हरतालिकायै नमः ऊँ पार्वतीपतये नमः ऊँ शिवाय नमः"
"वंदे विघ्नेश्वरप्रियं, वृद्धि शिव प्रियं सदा। स्तुतं विश्वविधातारमभीष्ट फलदं शुभम्।।"