In 2017, Hartalika Teej will be observed on August 24. You surely have attended lots of marriages, but do you want to witness the divine bond of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati? So read more to know about Hartalika Teej, when the union between Shiva-Parvati took place.

Hartalika Teej 2017: What Is Hartalika Teej?

Teej is a major Indian festival that has a special significance for a married couple. On Teej, womanhood is celebrated and her powers are given a divine touch. The nuptial bond of marriage does not work without a balanced understanding. While in India, a lady undergoes severe strictness to enhance the beauty of marriage.

Teej can be categorized into four major forms. They are:

• Akha Teej
• Hariyali Teej
• Kajari Teej
• Hartalika Teej

In this article, we will discuss about Hartalika Teej. Since, the day of Hartalika Teej is approaching, let's get to know each and everything about the day. Let's begin with a short description of Hartalika Teej.

Hartalika is the amalgamation of two words 'Harat' and 'Alika', while Teej means the third day. Therefore, Hartalika Teej is celebrated on the third day of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The day of Hartalika Teej is popular in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Hartalika Teej is observed by both, married women and maidens. It is celebrated in the honor of the divine bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Yes, we will definitely discuss the significance of the word 'Hartalika', but before knowing it in detail, let's take a look at the date of Hartalika Teej in 2017.

Hartalika Teej 2017 Date

Now, as you know when to observe the day of Hartalika Teej in 2017, let's move on to know why to celebrate Hartalika Teej.

Hartalika Teej: Why To Observe Hartalika Teej In 2017?

According to Hindu mythology, Hartalika Teej is believed to be the day of union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is said that Parvati admired Lord Shiva and had a strong desire to marry him. However, it was not an easy task to please Shiva, as he was unable to see her existence.

In order to win over the divine heart of Lord Shiva, Parvati underwent a strict austerity. It was no ordinary Vrat (fast), as she had to observe a fast for many years. Observing her penance, Shiva agreed to marry Goddess Parvati and both got united in Parvati's 108th birth.

Hence, Hartalika Teej is followed as the day of reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Now, we will discuss the rituals and traditions associated with the day of Hartalika Teej.

Hartalika Teej: How To Celebrate Hartalika Teej In 2017?

Hartalika Teej is celebrated among Indian women, not only in a festive mood, but also with great devotion. Now, let's discuss the rituals and traditions that are to be followed:

1. On the day of Hartalika Teej, women get up early in the morning and take a holy bath, meant to purify their souls.
2. Concluding this, they dress up elegantly in special attires (mostly Saris) and jewelry, and visit temples on Hartalika Teej.
3. Women observe a Nirjala fast (even water is not consumed during this fast) on this day. This is also popular as Hartalika Teej Vrat.
4. After conducting rituals at a temple, women return home and touch their husbands' feet (In India, husbands are considered to be equivalent to god for women).
5. Before sunset, bath is once again taken by women and they get dressed as newly-wed brides.
6. Then, the worshiping rituals resume. Devi Parvati and Lord Shiva idols made of sand and clay are placed at Puja Sthan (worshiping place).
7. Offerings of Bilwa leaves, flowers, incense sticks are made to the deities. This is followed by a meditative practice done in the honor of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
8. At the end, Hartalika Teej Vrat is recited by the devotees. We will discuss about Hartalika Teej Vrat in more details in the next section.
9. Hartalika Teej Vrat is terminated the next day morning, when a devotee completes all the worshiping rituals. Mantras like Shanti Mantra and Shama Mantra are recited on the day that succeeds Hartalika Teej.

Let's know, what one means by Shanti Mantra and Shama Mantra.

Shanti Mantra

Following are the lines that are collectively known as 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.

Shama Mantra

Following are the lines that are a part of 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.

Now, let's discuss in detail about what actually is Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha, but before knowing it, one should have an idea of Hartalika Teej Vrat. Let's proceed.

Hartalika Teej: Hartalika Teej Vrat 2017

Hartalika Teej Vrat is a special proceeding observed by women, married or unmarried, on the day of Hartalika Teej. Unmarried ladies observe Hartalika Teej Vrat in order to get a good husband, while married women observe Hartalika Teej Vrat for a prosperous domestic life.

Hartalika Teej Vrat includes a Nirjala Vrat. Women observe Hartalika Teej Vrat on the day of Hartalika Teej, when they don't even consume water beside abstaining themselves from eating normal food items. Hartalika Teej Vrat gets over on the day succeeding Hartalika Teej. Such severe austerities performed by women on Hartalika Teej are considered to bring great impacts for their household.

While observing Hartalika Teej Vrat, recitation of Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha takes place. Let's know in detail about Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha.

Hartalika Teej: Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha

Hartalika Teej Vrat is accompanied by Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha, which depicts the events that occurred in Devi Parvati's life. Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha is recited to the women who observe Hartalika Teej Vrat. Through Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha, devotees are made familiar to the greatness of Goddess Parvati.

Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha includes the tales narrated by Lord Shiva to his consort Parvati Devi after being accepted as his wife. It is believed that Shiva had narrated Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha to Parvati, which was done to make Parvati Devi remember about the deeds performed by her in her previous birth.

Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha is considered to be an integral part of Hartalika Teej Vrat Vidhi (ritual). Since, Parvati Devi is the prime deity on Hartalika Teej along with Lord Shiva, Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha gains more significance.

Now, finally, we will discuss the significance of the word 'Hartalika' in this article.

Hartalika Teej: What Does 'Hartalika' Signify?

As we have already discussed that Hartalika is the amalgamation of the word 'Harat' and 'Alika', now we will discuss the significance of the word, elaborately.

'Harat' means 'to kidnap', while 'Alika' means 'friend'. According to ancient texts and Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha, there was once a marriage proposal to Devi Parvati from Lord Vishnu. Narada went as the messenger to Parvatharaj, Parvati's father, with Vishnu's proposal. Since, the offer seemed very divine to Parvatharaj, he accepted the proposal; although, Parvati wasn't happy.

Seeing Parvati's discontent, one of her friends kidnapped her and took her to a dense forest, so that her father couldn't find her. Thus, the name 'Hartalika' attained significance.

The day of Hartalika Teej is approaching soon. It's our turn to celebrate womanhood in a much more festive mood.

AstroSage wishes you a blissful day on Hartalika Teej..!