PRABHU KI ASTHA

Hartalika Teej Puja Samagri – 

Hartalika Teej is a sacred Hindu festival observed by married and unmarried women, primarily in North India and Nepal, in honor of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the Bhadrapada month (August–September), the festival marks the reunion of Parvati with Shiva after her deep penance. Women observe strict fasts and perform elaborate pujas for marital bliss, well-being, and the long life of their husbands. The proper use of puja samagri (ritual items) is essential to ensure that the Hartalika Teej Puja is performed with sanctity and devotion.

The primary samagri includes a clay or metal idol or picture of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, placed on a clean, decorated wooden platform or chowki covered with a red or yellow cloth. Haldi (turmeric), kumkum (vermilion), and sandalwood paste are applied to the idols during the worship. Akshat (unbroken rice grains) is used for offering during various steps of the puja. Fresh flowers, especially lotus, rose, and marigold, are used for decorating the idols and making floral offerings. A kalash (sacred pot) filled with water and mango leaves is placed nearby, signifying purity and the presence of divinity.

One of the most significant items is the solah shringar samagri (16 adornments), which includes items like bangles, bindis, kajal, sindoor, mehendi, and other traditional cosmetics used by married women. These are offered to the Goddess as a part of the ritual and also worn by the devotees themselves. Paan (betel leaves), supari (areca nuts), cloves, cardamom, and fruits like bananas, apples, and coconuts are placed as naivedya (offerings) to the deities. Incense sticks, ghee lamp (diya), and camphor are used to perform the aarti. Sweets such as ghewar, laddoos, or homemade delicacies are also offered to the Goddess.

Additionally, dhoop (herbal incense), havan samagri (if a fire ritual is performed), and a sacred thread (mouli) are part of the set. A puja thali is arranged with all the items neatly placed. Women also keep a small idol of a Shiva lingam, sometimes made of mud, as part of the tradition. The collective use of these samagri items symbolizes devotion, purity, and the celebration of womanhood, making the Hartalika Teej Puja both spiritually fulfilling and culturally rich.