According to the Hindu calendar, Hartalika Teej fast is observed on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. This year Hartalika Teej fast is today i.e. on 6th September. On this day, married women observe a waterless fast for the long life of their husbands. Hartalika Teej fast is considered one of the toughest fasts. This day is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. It is believed that worshipping Bholenath and Mother Parvati on this day leads to unbroken good fortune. Do recite this story on Hartalika Teej fast-
Mother Parvati was seated with Lord Shiva under the huge Banyan tree on Mount Kailash. Along with Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, the strong Veerbhadra, Bhringi, Shringi and Nandi were adorning the court of Sadashiv on their respective guards. On this occasion, Mother Parvati asked Lord Shiva with folded hands that O Lord, can I know what good deeds I did that I got you as my husband. You are omniscient, you know everything. Nothing is hidden from you. Kindly be kind to me, your maid, and tell me everything in detail.
Hearing these words of Maa Parvati, Lord Shankar said that O Mahadevi, you had collected a very good virtue, due to the power of which you have attained me. That is a very secret fast, but I will tell you. That fast is known as Teej of Shukla Paksha of Bhado month. This fast is the best. The Teej which falls on the day of Hasta Nakshatra is considered very virtuous. Hearing this, Maa Parvati said that when and how did I observe this fast. Please tell me everything in detail.
Lord Shankar said- O Goddess, Himachal is the best mountain in the north of India, its king is Himachal, there you were born from the womb of the fortunate queen Maina. You started worshipping me since childhood. When you grew up a little, you went with your friend and meditated in the caves of the Himalayas to get me.
O Goddess you did penance in summer sitting on rocks outside, in rain you did penance outside in water, in winter you did penance standing in water to get me. You did very tough penance to get me. O Goddess during this time you ate leaves of trees and your body became weak. Seeing your condition, King Himachal got worried. He started worrying about your marriage. On this occasion Narad Dev came. The king welcomed him and asked the reason for his visit.
Then Narad ji said, Rajan, I have come on behalf of Lord Vishnu. I want that your beautiful daughter gets a suitable groom, so Lord Vishnu, the resident of Vaikunth, has accepted your daughter, do you accept it? King Himachal said, Maharaj, it is my good fortune that Vishnu ji has accepted my daughter.
You were very sad to hear about your marriage with Lord Vishnu and you went to your friend and started crying. Seeing your crying, the friend understood your wish and said, Devi, I will take you to such a cave for penance where even King Himachal cannot reach. After this, you disappeared into the deep caves of Himalayas along with your friend. Then King Himachal got scared and started crying while searching for Parvati that how will the promise I have made to Lord Vishnu be fulfilled. Saying this, he fainted.
At that time you brought a Shivling made of sand from the river and started worshipping it with various flowers. During this time you started my fast without food and water. That day was the third day of Bhadra month, Shukla Paksha, Hasta Nakshatra. Due to your severe penance and worship my throne shook and I appeared before you. Going there I told you – O Goddess, I am very pleased with your fast and worship. You can ask me for your wish.
O Mahadevi, then you told me that you are omniscient, you know the feelings of my heart, I want you as my husband. Hearing this, I gave you all the blessings you desired and disappeared. After this you went to the river to immerse the idol where you met your city dweller father Himachal on the river bank. He started crying as soon as he met you. And requested you to come home. You said that father, you have accepted my marriage with Lord Vishnu, for this reason I will live in the forest and give up my life. Then he said, I will never marry you with Lord Vishnu. I will marry you with Sadashiv. After this we got married.
Compiled from Vrat Katha
