Haritalika Teej: Women devotees worshipping Lord Shiva in Gokarneshwor (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Hindu women devotees are celebrating Haritalika Teej by worshipping Lord Shiva.

The word ‘Haritalika’ is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘Harit’ and ‘Alika.’ The meaning of Harit is ‘kidnap.’ And Alika is a ‘friend.’ According to religious belief, worshipping Lord Shiva and Parvati and fasting on Teej would result in family happiness, peace, and wellness.

Teej is celebrated on Bhadra Shukla Tritya. There is a mythology that during Satya Yuga, Parvati got Lord Shiva as her husband by performing penance in Gaurighat of Pashupat Area. This became the beginning of fasting in Haritalika Teej.

The story behind Haritalika’s fast

Parvati’s father Himalaya tried to arrange her marriage with Vishnu. Parvati was against the marriage. Then, she shared her problem with her friends. After hearing about Parvati’s problem, her friends kidnapped her and kept her in a secret place.

Parvati started fasting in the secret place and with her devotion she got Lord Shiva as her husband. People believe that the tradition of fasting began as Parvati started her fasting on Bhadra Shukla Tritiya.

On this day, there is a huge crowd of devotees in temples of Lord Shiva across the country. Devotees can also be seen lined up even in Pashupatinath, Dattatraya and Gokarneshwor temple.

(Glimpses of Hindu Devotees worshipping Lord Shiva in Gokarneshwor)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)