Keep these 8 rules in mind for the Hartalika Teej fast; learn the dos and don'ts from a learned astrologer in Ujjain..

Hartalika Teej holds a very special place in Hinduism. Religious belief holds that on this day, married women observe a *Nirjala* fast (a fast without water) to pray for their husbands' longevity and a blissful married life. According to the *Panchang* (Hindu calendar), this festival is celebrated on the *Tritiya Tithi* (third day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. This fast is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that performing the worship with the prescribed rituals brings the blessing of unbroken marital bliss (*Akhand Saubhagya*).

It is believed that observing the Hartalika Teej fast frees one from various life troubles and ensures a happy married life. Scriptures outline specific rules for observing this fast, and adhering to them ensures the fast is considered complete. Let us learn from Ujjain-based astrologer Anand Bhardwaj about the specific things women need to pay attention to on the day of Hartalika Teej.

When will the Hartalika Teej fast be observed?

According to the Vedic *Panchang*, the *Tritiya Tithi* of Bhadrapada *Shukla Paksha* begins at 7:08 AM on September 13 this year and concludes at 7:06 AM on September 14. Based on *Udaya Tithi* (the sunrise date), the Hartalika Teej fast will be observed on Monday, September 14.

Mythological significance of Hartalika Teej
Women primarily observe the Hartalika Teej fast to pray for their husbands' longevity and a happy married life. This fast is associated with Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati's father wanted her to marry Lord Vishnu, but she desired Lord Shiva as her husband. Consequently, her friends took her into a dense forest, where she pleased Lord Shiva through severe penance. Subsequently, the two were married.

Make sure to follow these 8 rules:

1. Women should not get angry, even inadvertently, while observing the Hartalika Teej fast. Doing so would render the fast incomplete.

2. Once the vow to observe the Hartalika Teej fast has been taken, one must not break the fast, even by mistake. Doing so can lead to various inauspicious consequences for the women involved.

3. During Hartalika Teej, women should not harbor any negative thoughts; they should not hold ill will towards anyone, nor should they speak harshly to anyone, even inadvertently.

4. Women observing the fast should not sleep at night. Instead, they should stay awake all night, listening to the stories of Lord Shiva and reciting Shiva Stotras.

5. The Hartalika Teej fast is extremely rigorous. It is a *Nirjala* fast, meaning that observing women cannot consume even a drop of water throughout the day. If a woman drinks water, the fast is considered broken.

6. Women should avoid the color black on this day; they should not wear black bangles or black clothing.

7. Women should not disrespect their elders on this day; instead, they should seek their blessings by touching their feet and then take the vow to observe the fast.

8. It is believed that once an unmarried or married woman begins observing this fast, she must continue to observe it throughout her life. In the event of illness, another woman or the husband may observe the fast on her behalf. Women who have undertaken the fast should not break it, as doing so is considered inauspicious.

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