Hartalika Teej Vrat Puja Vidhi, Mantras and Katha
Hartalika Teej Vrat is observed during Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month. On this day, makeshift statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are made with the sand and worshipped for marital bliss and progeny. Teej festivity is observed with much fanfare by women in North Indian states, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. Three famous Teej(s) which are celebrated by women during Sawan and Bhadrapada months are -
- Hariyali Teej
- Kajari Teej
- Hartalika Teej
Hartalika Teej Rituals (Hartalika Teej Puja Vidhi)
During Hartalika Teej, women demonstrate their love and reverence for the deities through a unique ritual. They refrain from eating or drinking anything for a full day. The name of this is a “Nirjala Vrat”.They adorn themselves gorgeously, resembling brides, adorned with various elegant items such as red dots on their foreheads, red powder, henna, bracelets, and ankle bracelets. They request their husbands for blessings.
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During the night, females gather and create a unique spot for Lord Shiva. Mud is utilised to form a tiny mound shape which is then adorned with flowers, unique leaves, and additional items. They create a flower swing above it.
Afterwards, they perform unique songs, engage in prayer, and remain vigilant throughout the night.
They conclude their morning prayers with a unique tale. Following that, they present a lovely picture of the goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva to everyone.
In conclusion, they break their fast by consuming unique leaves, coconut, and a few fruits.
Therefore, Hartalika Teej is a period for women to express their affection and dedication by fasting, praying, and rejoicing.
Generally, Hartalika Teej is considered to be females only festival. However, nowhere in Vratraj it is mentioned that it is female only Puja. The main Puja steps given in Vratraj are as following –
- Early morning bath with Sesame and Amalak powder
- Dressing up with fine clothes
- Sankalp to perform Hartalika Vrat to please Uma-Maheshwar
- Worship Lord Ganesh before worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
- Shodashopachara Pooja of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
- Anga Puja for Goddess Parvati
Mantras For Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
1. Shanti Mantra
ॐ द्यौः शान्तिरन्तरिक्षं शान्तिः पृथिवी शान्तिरापः शान्तिरोषधयः शान्तिः। वनस्पतयः शान्तिर्विश्वेदेवाः शान्तिर्ब्रह्म शान्तिः सर्वं शान्तिः शान्तिरेव शान्तिः सा मा शान्तिरेधि॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥Om Dyauh Shaantir-Antarikssam Shaantih Prthivii Shaantir-Aapah Shaantir-Ossadhayah Shaantih . Vanaspatayah Shaantir-Vishve-Devaah Shaantir-Brahma Shaantih Sarvam Shaantih Shaantireva Shaantih Saa Maa Shaantir-Edhi. Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih.
2. Shama Mantra
जगन्मातर्मातस्तव चरणसेवा न रचिता न वा दत्तं देवि द्रविणमपि भूयस्तव मया। तथापि त्वं स्नेहं मयि निरुपमं यत्प्रकुरुषे कुपुत्रो जायेत क्व चिदपि कुमाता न भवति॥Jaganmata Maartastav Charanseva Na Rachita Na Wa Dattam Devi Dravinmapi Bhuyastav Maya. Tathapi Twayam Sneham Mayi Nirupam Yatprakurushe Kuputro Jayet Kwa Chidapi Kumaata Na Bhavati.
3. Mantra Chanted for Goddess Parvati:
“Om Umayee Parvatayee Jagdayee Jagatprathisthayee Shantirupayee Shivayee Brahma Rupniyee”
4. Mantra for Lord Shiva:
“Om Hrayee Maheshwarayee Shambhave Shul Padyee Pinakdhrashe Shivaye Pashupataye Mahadevayaa Namah”
Devi Shailputri started penance to please Lord Shiva since her childhood. She prayed for twelve years, which was followed by another 64 years austerity and penance to please Lord Shiva.
Legend of Hartalika Teej Katha
The legend of Hartalika Teej was narrated by Lord Shiva itself while reminding Goddess Parvati about Her incarnation as Shailputri at the home of king Himalayaraj.Devi Shailputri started penance to please Lord Shiva since her childhood. She prayed for twelve years, which was followed by another 64 years austerity and penance to please Lord Shiva.
The king Himalayaraj got worried about the future of her daughter. When Narada Muni came to see Shailputri, he lied and told that he has brought the marriage proposal for his daughter on behalf of Lord Vishnu. Himalayaraj promised Lord Narada that he would marry his daughter to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu also accepted to marry Goddess Shailputri on the request of Narada Muni.
When Shailputri came to know about the promise of her father to get her married with Lord Vishnu, she left the home with her friend. She went to thick forest and lived in a cave near the river while penancing to please Lord Shiva. At last Lord Shiva got pleased and promised that He would marry her. The next day Shailputri and her friend observed fast for Lord Shiva which was the day of Shukla Paksha Tritiya during Bhadrapada month.
King Himalayaraj was worried for her daughter as he thought that someone has abducted his daughter. King Himalayaraj with his troop started searching for Shailputri everywhere. Finally he found his daughter and her friend in thick forest. He requested her daughter to return to home. Shailputri asked that she would return to home only if he promises to get her married with Lord Shiva. Himalayaraj agreed to her wishes later married her with Lord Shiva.
Due to this legend, this day is known as Hartalika as the friend of Goddess Parvati took her to the thick forest which Himalayaraj considered as abduction of his daughter. Hartalika word is combination of "Harat" and "Aalika" which means "abduction" and "female friend" respectively.