Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha (Story of the Hartalika Teej Fast)
It is believed that Lord Shiva narrated this story to Mata Parvati to remind her of her past life. Lord Shiva said to Mata Parvati:
O Parvati! You performed severe austerities to obtain me as your husband. You gave up food and water, consuming only dry leaves; in winter, you endured austerities by staying continuously in water. During the heat of Vaisakh, you subjected yourself to the heat of the five fires and the sun. In the torrential rains of Sawan, you spent the days under the open sky, without food or water. Your severe penance saddened and angered your father, Girraj. Seeing your rigorous austerities and your father's displeasure, Narad Muni one day visited your home.
When your father, Girraj, inquired about the reason for his visit, Narad Muni replied, "O Girraj! I have come here at the behest of Lord Vishnu. Pleased by your daughter's severe austerities, Lord Vishnu desires to marry her. I wish to seek your consent regarding this." Hearing Narad Muni's words, your father rejoiced and said, "Respected sir, if Lord Vishnu himself wishes to marry my daughter, I have no objection. Lord Vishnu is the embodiment of Brahman. Every father desires his daughter to be happy and become a Lakshmi in her husband's house."
After receiving your father's approval, Narad Muni reached Lord Vishnu and conveyed the news of the arranged marriage. Meanwhile, when you learned of this, you became extremely distressed. Seeing your sorrow, your friend inquired about the cause of your distress. You replied, "I have wholeheartedly accepted Lord Shiva as my husband, but my father has arranged my marriage with Lord Vishnu. I am in such a predicament that I have no other recourse but to end my life." Your friend encouraged you, saying, "Patience is required during times of adversity. Come with me to the dense forest where spiritual practice is performed. There, your father will not be able to find you. I am confident that God will certainly help you."
Following your friend's advice, you left your home. Your father was saddened and worried at your departure, considering the disgrace it would bring if Lord Vishnu arrived with the wedding procession and did not find you. Your father began searching for you everywhere. Meanwhile, you immersed yourself in devotion within a cave beside a river. You created a Shivling from the sand. Throughout the night, you sang hymns and performed devotional songs. You meditated without consuming any food or water. Your rigorous penance made my seat tremble, and I appeared before you.
I asked you to ask for a boon. Upon seeing me, you said, "I have wholeheartedly accepted you as my husband. If you are truly pleased with my penance and have appeared before me, then accept me as your wife." Hearing your words, I uttered "So be it" and proceeded to Kailash. As the sun rose, you performed the final rituals and, accompanied by your friend, began the fast.
At that very moment, your father, Girraj, arrived, searching for you. Seeing your condition, he was distressed and inquired about the reason for your penance. You explained to your father, "Father, I have spent most of my life in severe penance. My sole purpose behind this rigorous penance was to obtain Lord Shiva as my husband. I have proven myself worthy of my penance. You had decided to marry me to Lord Vishnu, so I left home in search of my beloved. Now, I will return only on one condition – that you agree to marry me to Lord Shiva." Your father accepted your wishes and brought you home.
Some time later, your father arranged your marriage with me through proper rituals. Lord Shiva continued, "O Parvati! It was the fast you performed on the Shukla Tritiya of Bhadrapad, dedicated to me, that made our marriage possible. This fast holds significance; unmarried women who observe this fast are blessed with finding a virtuous, learned, and wealthy husband. Similarly, married women observing this fast with due diligence are blessed with prosperity, sons, and wealth."
Lesson from this story: If one desires something with sincerity and effort, the desire is sure to be fulfilled.
