Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma provides his valuable insights on this.
On this auspicious day, married women around the country worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
Every year in India, the vibrant festival of Hartalika Teej is celebrated with great fervour and devotion. This year, the auspicious occasion falls on September 18. Hartalika Teej holds a special place in the hearts of married and unmarried women across the country, as it is a day dedicated to seeking blessings for a blissful and enduring marital life.
On this sacred day, married women express their devotion to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva by observing a fast. Their fast is not just an act of penance; it is a heartfelt prayer for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Unmarried girls, too, participate in this tradition, fasting in the hope of finding a loving and caring husband in the future.
To shed light on the significance of this festival and provide guidance for a happy married life, Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma, a renowned astrologer and Vastu adviser from Bhopal, shares some valuable insights.
Rituals for a Harmonious Marriage
Married women begin their Teej observance by fasting and offering water to Lord Shiva at his temple. They also present a red scarf to Goddess Parvati. As a symbol of prosperity and well-being, some women choose to tie money (Rs 7, 11, or 21) to their scarves during the puja. This ritual is believed to ensure lasting happiness in their marriages.
Complete Devotion to Deities
The day of Teej is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It involves performing essential rituals and listening to stories related to the fast. A significant tradition is offering kheer (sweet rice pudding) to Goddess Parvati. The gesture is special as the same kheer is later given to the husband as Prasad. This act is thought to strengthen the marital bond and infuse happiness into the relationship.
Giving Back to the Community
After completing the puja, married women are encouraged to donate sarees and bed sheets to elderly married women in the community. Receiving their blessings is believed to bring fortune and joy to one’s marriage.
Seeking Solutions Through Ritual
For those facing challenges in their marriage, such as strained relationships, the Hartalika Teej offers a unique opportunity for resolution. On this day, individuals can take a purifying bath and create a shivling, representing Lord Shiva. They worship the shivling with reverence and offer bel patra (leaves of the bel tree) while chanting a mantra. Walking around the shivling at least 11 times, they express apologies and seek divine intervention to mend their marriage.
