Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha

In a previous birth, Goddess Parvati performed intense penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. She made a Shivalinga from sand in the forest and undertook severe austerities. She ate no food and drank no water. For years she survived on dry leaves alone, and eventually gave up even those. Parvati\'s father, King Himalaya, arranged her marriage with Lord Vishnu. When Parvati learned of this, she was heartbroken because her heart belonged only to Shiva. Parvati\'s dear friend took her away (hartalika means to take away) and hid her in a cave so the marriage could not take place. There, on the third day of the bright half of Bhadrapada, Parvati made a Shivalinga from sand and worshipped it through the entire night without sleeping. Lord Shiva was pleased with Parvati\'s devotion and appeared before her. He granted her the boon that he would accept her as his wife. When King Himalaya learned of Shiva\'s wish, he joyfully married Parvati to Lord Shiva. Since then, married women observe Hartalika Teej for the long life of their husbands, and unmarried girls observe it to find a worthy husband.

Observe a waterless fast on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya. Make idols of Shiva-Parvati from sand or clay and worship them. Stay awake through the night singing devotional songs. Break the fast the next morning after puja.

Hartalika Teej symbolizes Parvati's unwavering devotion and love. It is one of the most important fasts for married women.