Hartalika Teej: why women observe this fast, the legend of Parvati's penance

Hartalika fast is observed on Tritiya of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada. The fast recalls the intense penance Goddess Parvati undertook to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. The word Hartalika is made of two parts, harat meaning to take away, and alika meaning a female friend. It is said that Parvati's friend took her away from home, which is how the fast came to be called Hartalika.

According to the legend, in her previous birth Sati had immolated herself in the sacrificial fire at her father's yagna. She was then reborn as Parvati, daughter of Himalaya and Nena. From childhood, Parvati had deep devotion to Lord Shiva and had resolved that she would marry only him. This is why she took to worship and penance for him from a young age.

One day sage Narada arrived at the court of Himalaya Raj and proposed that Parvati marry Lord Vishnu. On hearing that such an excellent groom had been found, Himalaya Raj happily agreed. But when the news reached Parvati, she was deeply distressed, for she had never thought of anyone other than Shiva.

Seeing her distress, Parvati's close friend asked her the reason. Parvati confided her feelings, after which the friend took her deep into a dense forest, away from home. Himalaya Raj believed his daughter had been abducted by someone, and it is this incident that is said to have given rise to the name Hartalika.

By a river in the forest, Parvati made a Shivlinga out of sand. She observed a fast without even drinking water and worshipped Lord Shiva with complete devotion. Giving up food and water through the day, she chanted Shiva's name, and stayed awake through the night meditating on him.

Parvati's devotion, faith and penance were so intense that all of creation was moved. Eventually, pleased by her unceasing penance, Lord Shiva appeared before her and asked her to seek a boon. Parvati humbly asked only that she be given Shiva as her husband.

Shiva accepted Parvati's wish and promised to marry her at the appropriate time. Meanwhile, Himalaya Raj, searching for his daughter, reached the forest and asked Parvati to return home. Parvati said clearly that she would return only if a promise was made that she would be married to Lord Shiva.

Seeing his daughter's resolve, Himalaya Raj agreed. Thereafter, at an auspicious hour, the grand wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place. This union is regarded not merely as the joining of two individuals but as a symbol of the union of Shakti and Shiva. This is why the Hartalika fast is considered vital for an unbroken marriage, a good husband and a happy married life.