This fast falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya Tithi.
Renowned astrologer Dr Krishna Kumar Bhargava shares his insights on the rules governing Hartalika Teej fasting.
Hartalika Teej fast holds significance for those seeking a long life for their husbands. According to the Hindu calendar, this fast falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya Tithi. It is primarily observed by married women who pray for a prosperous married life. For those observing Hartalika Teej for the first time, understanding the rules of this fast is essential. This year, Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on 18 September. Renowned astrologer Dr Krishna Kumar Bhargava shares his insights on the rules governing Hartalika Teej fasting.
Important rules of Hartalika Teej’s fast
Hartalika Teej is known for its fasting tradition, which means abstaining from food and water. Even the consumption of fruits is forbidden during this strict fast. Lasting for approximately 24 hours without water, it is considered among the most demanding and challenging fast.
On the Hartalika Teej fasting day, it’s advised to wake up during the Brahma Muhurta. Start your day with a meal called sargi, which includes sweets, fruits, dry fruits, and other food items. You can also have water and tea at this time. Remember to consume sargi before sunrise.
Hartalika Teej worship involves the reverence of Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva. These idols are traditionally placed in the afternoon, and the puja commences in the evening during the Pradosh period at sunset. Alongside Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, the foremost deity, is also honoured during the ceremony.
During Hartalika Teej worship, devotees wear new clothes. This fast is for seeking marital happiness and lasting good fortune, with sixteen adornment items offered to Goddess Parvati. Yellow vermilion is applied to both the Goddess and the devotees during the puja.
It’s crucial to hear the story of Hartalika Teej fasting. Doing so provides insight into its significance and brings forth the virtues linked to observing this fast.
After the puja, it’s customary to touch the feet of one’s mother-in-law and elder sister-in-law. Unmarried women fasting on this day should bow to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, seeking blessings for an ideal life partner.
On the day following Hartalika Teej, it’s a tradition to donate at sunrise after your morning bath and worship. Part of this custom includes feeding Brahmins and offering them dakshina.
Sleeping in the afternoon is prohibited on the day of the Hartalika Teej fast. Those who have health-related problems should not keep fast.
During the Hartalika Teej puja, one must chant Goddess Parvati’s mantra, recite the Shiv Chalisa.
If chanting mantras seems difficult then one can recite the Aarti of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva.
