Hartalika Teej Aarti: A Sacred Offering of Devotion
Introduction
Hartalika Teej is a deeply revered Hindu festival, predominantly celebrated by women across India, especially in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. This festival falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September).
Dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, Hartalika Teej marks the divine union of the two. Women observe rigorous fasts (often Nirjala – without food or water) to seek marital bliss, happiness, and the long life of their husbands. Unmarried women also participate to be blessed with an ideal life partner.
Aarti, which is a ritual of devotional singing and waving of lighted lamps before deities, is an essential part of this festival. The Hartalika Teej Aarti holds spiritual significance, embodying reverence, gratitude, and the surrender of the devotee.
Understanding the Rituals of Hartalika Teej
The Legend Behind Hartalika Teej
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati undertook intense penance in the Himalayas to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Her unwavering devotion moved Shiva, who finally accepted her as his consort. The term “Hartalika” comes from two Sanskrit words:
-
Harat (abduction)
-
Aalika (female friend)
It refers to the legend where Parvati’s friend abducted her to a dense forest to prevent her father from marrying her off to someone else. There she performed severe austerities, eventually winning over Lord Shiva.
Observances on Hartalika Teej
Women dress in vibrant traditional attire, often in shades of green and red, apply henna (mehndi), and gather for community celebrations. They observe strict fasts, listen to Hartalika Vrat Katha (fasting story), and perform Aarti in groups.
Hartalika Teej Aarti: Lyrics, Meaning & Importance
A Sacred Song of Praise
Aarti is performed at the conclusion of the puja to express deep devotion and seek divine blessings. The Hartalika Teej Aarti is dedicated to Maa Parvati and Lord Shiva, and is sung with utmost reverence and joy.
Hartalika Teej Aarti Lyrics
Here is a widely sung version of the Hartalika Teej Aarti:
???? “Om Jai Shiv Omkara”
Om Jai Shiv Omkara,
Swami Jai Shiv Omkara,
Brahma, Vishnu, Sadashiv,
Arddhāngi Dhārā॥ Om Jai Shiv Omkara...
Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Raje,
Hansāsan, Garurāsan, Vrishvahan Saje॥ Om Jai Shiv Omkara...
Do Bhuj, Chaar Bhuj, Das Bhuj Te Dhari,
Tinon Roop Nirakhta Tribhuvan Jan Nari॥ Om Jai Shiv Omkara...
Akshaymāl Vanmāl Mundmāl Dhari,
Chadan Mrigmād Sohai Bhāle Shashi Dhari॥ Om Jai Shiv Omkara...
Shvetambar Peetambar Baghambar Ange,
Sankadik, Brahmadik Bhootadik Sange॥ Om Jai Shiv Omkara...
Kar Men Shreshth Kamandalu Chakradhari,
Sugandhit Ratanja Se Singar Kiye Bhari॥ Om Jai Shiv Omkara...
Shivaya Namah Shivaya Namah,
Har Har Bhole Namah Shivaya॥
This Aarti is usually performed with the lighting of diyas (lamps) and incense sticks, and by rotating the Aarti thali (plate) in front of the idols.
Structure of Hartalika Teej Puja
| Ritual Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Deities Worshipped | Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati |
| Main Puja Items | Clay idols, flowers, betel leaves, incense, diya, fruits, sweets, kumkum, roli, mehendi |
| Fasting Type | Nirjala Vrat (without water or food) |
| Time of Puja | Early morning before sunrise or in the evening |
| Aarti Performance | After the reading of Vrat Katha and offering of Prasad |
| Popular Songs | Om Jai Shiv Omkara, Shankar Bhagwan Ki Aarti, Parvati Mata Ki Aarti |
Items Required for Hartalika Teej Aarti
-
Aarti Thali (plate)
-
Diya (ghee or oil lamp)
-
Camphor (Kapoor)
-
Agarbatti (incense sticks)
-
Bell (Ghanti)
-
Fresh flowers
-
Rice and turmeric (Akshat and Haldi)
-
Roli or Kumkum
-
Picture or idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
-
Aarti Book or printed lyrics
Spiritual Benefits of Performing Hartalika Teej Aarti
1. Marital Harmony
Aarti is believed to invoke the divine energies of Shiva and Parvati, blessing women with:
-
A harmonious married life
-
Longevity and prosperity for their spouse
-
Peace and joy in the household
2. Spiritual Growth
-
Chanting Aarti uplifts spiritual vibrations.
-
Removes negativity and purifies the atmosphere.
-
Aligns the devotee with divine energy through focus and surrender.
Regional Variations in Hartalika Teej Celebrations
North India
In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, women gather in groups, dress in traditional attire, and sing folk songs along with Aarti. Temples organize community Aarti events.
Rajasthan
In Jaipur, a grand procession of Goddess Teej Mata is carried out, where women perform Aarti in the streets and offer sweets.
Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra
Hartalika is celebrated with deep devotion in Indore, Bhopal, Nagpur, and Pune, with devotees performing Aarti after a detailed Shiva-Parvati puja, often with the help of a priest.
Tips for a Meaningful Hartalika Teej Aarti
-
Clean the Puja Space: Purity of space invites divine energies.
-
Sing from the Heart: Aarti should not be a mechanical chant but a heartfelt expression.
-
Involve the Family: Encourage children and other family members to participate.
-
Understand the Lyrics: Knowing the meaning deepens the spiritual experience.
-
Use Natural Products: Prefer organic oils, ghee, and natural flowers in offerings.
Conclusion:
Embracing the Divine Through Aarti
Hartalika Teej Aarti is not just a ritual—it is a spiritual offering that bridges the mortal and divine. As the flames of the diya flicker to the rhythm of sacred chants, a profound energy envelops the devotee, bringing inner peace, love, and blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
In today’s fast-paced world, festivals like Hartalika Teej serve as a reminder of the values of faith, devotion, and togetherness. Whether performed in the solitude of your home or within a vibrant community gathering, singing the Hartalika Teej Aarti reconnects one with age-old traditions that continue to inspire millions.
