One day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were sitting on Mount Kailash. Parvati asked Shiva, “Lord, among all the vows (vratas), which one is the best? Tell me about a vow that requires less effort but yields great blessings. Also, please tell me what good deeds I performed to be blessed as your consort.”
Shiva replied, “Just as the moon is supreme among the stars, the sun among the planets, Karna among the generous, Vishnu among the deities, and the Ganga among the rivers — in the same way, the Hartalika Vrat is the most supreme of all vows. You had performed this very vrat in your earlier birth on Mount Himalaya, and because of that merit, you attained me as your husband. Let me tell you that story.
This vrat should be performed on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapada month. Here’s how you performed it before:
When you were young, you wished to marry me. To achieve this, you performed intense penance. For sixty-four years, you survived by eating only dried leaves. You endured cold, rain, and heat. Watching your hardship, your father, the Himalaya king, was deeply saddened and worried about how to find you a worthy groom.
At that time, Sage Narada came there. Your father welcomed him and asked why he had come. Narada said,
“Your daughter has reached the age of marriage. She is most suitable for Lord Vishnu. He himself has sent me to convey this proposal.”
Your father felt delighted and agreed to the proposal. After Narada left to inform Vishnu, your father told you about this plan. But you were unhappy. Seeing your distress, your friend asked you why you were upset. You replied, “I have resolved that I will marry no one but Lord Shiva. But my father has promised me to Vishnu. What should I do?”
Your friend then secretly took you to a dense forest. There, you found a river and nearby a small cave. You went inside the cave and began fasting and meditating. You installed a Shiva Lingam with Parvati there and worshipped it. That day was the bright Tritiya of the Bhadrapada month. You stayed awake that night, praying with full devotion.
Your penance shook my seat in Kailash. I appeared before you and asked you to seek a boon. You said, “I wish for you to be my husband; I desire nothing else.” I accepted your wish and disappeared.
The next morning, you completed the rituals and broke your fast with your friends. Meanwhile, your father reached the forest and asked why you had run away. You narrated everything. Understanding your deep devotion, he promised to marry you to me. Later, at an auspicious time, you and I were united in marriage. This is why this vrat is called Hartalika Vrat.
Ritual of Hartalika Vrat
Decorate the place of worship with a toran (garland) and banana stems.
Draw rangoli in front and install a Shiva Lingam along with Parvati.
Perform Shodashopachara Puja (16-step ritual worship) with full devotion.
Listen to this story carefully and stay awake through the night in vigil.
Benefits of this Vrat
It frees a person from sins.
Erases the effects of the seven previous births’ wrongdoings.
Grants prosperity and fulfillment of wishes.
Increases the good fortune of married women.
However, women are advised not to consume forbidden foods during this vrat, as it is believed to bring misfortune, poverty, or even childlessness in future births. After listening to the story, offer gifts to married women as per your capacity. The next morning, perform the concluding worship and complete the immersion ritual of the vrat.
