Hartalika Teej Vrat Udyapan
Devotion to Shiva & Gowri

The Father's Wish vs The Daughter's Will

Parvati (Shailputri) was born as the daughter of Himalaya (King of Mountains). From childhood, she adored Lord Shiva and worshipped him. Seeing her devotion, the sage Narada Muni visited Himalaya and proposed that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, was the perfect match for her. Himalaya was overjoyed at the prospect of his daughter marrying the King of Vaikuntha.

When Parvati heard this planning, she was devastated. She wept and confided in her close friend (Sakhi). "I have mentally accepted Lord Shiva as my husband. Just as a stone cannot be engraved twice, my heart cannot belong to another. If my father forces this marriage, I will give up my life."

The Abduction to the Forest

Parvati's wise friend suggested an alternative. "Let us escape into the deep jungle where no one can find you. There, you can perform penance for Shiva freely." Parvati agreed. Her friend 'abducted' her effectively saving her from the unwanted marriage. This act gave the festival its name, 'Hartalika'.

The Penance of River Sand

In a cave near a flowing river, Parvati began her Tapasya. She ate nothing, drank nothing (Nirjala). With her own hands, she formed a Shiva Lingam using the river sand (known as Parthiv Shivling or Valu-cha Linga). She decorated it with forest leaves and Bel Patra.

Moved by her unshakeable resolve and intense love, the ascetic Lord Shiva finally melted. He appeared before her in his divine form and accepted her proposal. Himalaya eventually accepted the union, realizing his daughter's divine destiny.

Since then, women recreate this scene. They make idols from sand/mud, fast without water, and pray: "O Gauri-Shankar! Just as you united despite all odds, keep my marriage unbreakable."