Kathmandu, 26 Aug: Today, on the Tritiya of the first full moon of Bhadra, Hindu women are celebrating the Teej festival of Haritalika. On this day, it is a tradition to worship the deity Mahadev and observe a fast.
On this day, devotees throng Shiva temples across the country, including Pashupatinath. Keeping this special day in mind, all four gates of Pashupatinath have been opened from 3 am for the convenience of devotees.
According to the scriptures, observing the Haritalika fast on the third day of the Shukla month of Bhadra is believed to bring happiness, peace, and prosperity. Married women observe this fast to pray for the longevity of their husbands and unmarried women to pray for a suitable groom. However, according to the scriptures, men should also observe this fast.
In the Satya Yuga, Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya, had attained Mahadev as her husband by performing penance at Gaurighat. When her father Himalaya tried to get Parvati married to Vishnu, her friends hid Parvati and kept her in a safe place. At that place, Parvati observed a fast and attained Mahadev.
It is believed that the word ‘Haritalika’ was formed from the Sanskrit words ‘Harit’ (deer) and ‘Aalika’ (companion) because Parvati was kidnapped by her friends on this day.
This fast can be observed by fasting (not eating any food), drinking water (only water) or eating fruits (fruits). It is said that one should protect the soul (health) in any way possible. Considering one’s health, one should observe any of the three types of fasts without fasting, which one should do without harming one’s health. One can choose the appropriate option from these according to one’s health. A man or woman who is unable to observe fasting due to health reasons, such as a man or woman, can consume water, sugarcane, plantain, yam, banana, mango, milk, and other things that are permissible by the Guru’s words.
According to religious beliefs, it is believed that the wishes of those who fast on this day and worship Shiva and Parvati will be fulfilled.
Crowd of women devotees at Pashupati since morning
Devotees have been thronging Pashupatinath and other Shiva temples across the country since morning. Keeping in mind this special day, all four gates of Pashupatinath have been opened from 3 am for the convenience of devotees.
According to the scriptures, observing the Haritalika fast on the third day of the Shukla month of Bhadra is believed to bring happiness, peace, and prosperity. Married women observe this fast to pray for the longevity of their husbands and unmarried women to pray for a suitable groom. However, according to the scriptures, men should also observe this fast.
