Shvash Tantra

The legend of Hartalika Teej originates from a story told by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati about her previous incarnation as Shailputri.  Shailputri, the daughter of King Himalayaraj, performed intense penance and austerity for 12 years to please Lord Shiva, followed by another 64 years of devotion.  Worried for his daughter's future, Himalayaraj lied to Shailputri when the sage Narada Muni visited, telling her that Narada had brought a marriage proposal from Lord Vishnu. Himalayaraj promised Narada that Shailputri would marry Lord Vishnu, and Vishnu agreed to the marriage. Upon hearing of her father's promise, Shailputri was distraught and left home with her friend to live in a cave and continue her penance to Lord Shiva. Pleased by her devotion, Lord Shiva promised to marry Shailputri. The next day, Shailputri and her friend fasted for Lord Shiva on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya day during the Bhadrapada month. Thinking his daughter was kidnapped, Himalayaraj searched everywhere...

The lively festival of Hartalika Teej is almost here! Celebrated on the third day of the Bhadrapada month per the Hindu calendar, this much-awaited event falls on 18th September 2023 . Hartalika Teej is named after the legend associated with it. The word "Hartalika" is a combination of the words " harat " and " aalika ", which mean "abduction" and "female friend" respectively. According to the legend, Goddess Parvati's friend abducted her and took her to the forest to prevent her father from marrying her to Lord Vishnu against her wishes. Hartalika Teej is an important Hindu festival cherished especially by women across India. The day honors Parvati’s devotion to Lord Shiva and is considered highly auspicious for married women. The festivities center around fasting, prayer rituals, dressing up in finery, and getting together with loved ones. Women wake up before dawn, bathe, dress in vibrant clothes, and apply mehndi on their ...