Surya Sashti or Surya Shasti Vrata – Bhadrapad Shukla Surya Sashti Vratam

Surya Sashti is the festival dedicated to Surya Bhagawan (Sun God). Surya Sashti is celebrated on the sixth day in Shukla Paksha during the month of Bhadrapad. In 2009, the date of Surya Sashti is August 26.

Though Shukla Paksha Sashti and Saptami are dedicated to Sun God, Bhadapad Shukla Sashti is more auspicious to worship Surya Bhagawan. Ratha Sapthami, Bhanu Saptami and Surya Sashti which comes on Kartik Shukla Sashti (Dala Chat) are other main festivals dedicated to Surya Bhagawan.

During the festival of Surya Sashti, devotees start worshipping Surya Bhagawan before theSunrise. Performers of Surya Shashti Vrata keep fasting on the day and take meal after the puja completes. Aditya Hrudayam and other Surya Stotras or prayers are recited during the observance of Surya Sashti.

Surya Sashti is celebrated with utmost festivity in Surya Bhagawan temple at Konark in Orissa, Arasuvilli Surya Devalayam in Andhra Pradesh and Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat.

Hartalika Teej Vrat – Hartalika Teej Puja

Hartalika Teej vrat or Hartalika Teej puja is a festival observed in North Indian states – Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. In 2009, the date of Hartalika Teej Vrat is August 23, Sunday. Usually, Hartalika Teej is observed in Bhadrapada or Bhaadra month. In Andhra Pradesh Hartalika Teej is celebrated as Thadiya Gauri Vratham and in Karnataka it is observed as Swarna Gauri Vrata or Gowri Habba.

What is the legend or story of Hartalika Teej?

The legend of Hartalika Teej is mentioned in Hindu mythological texts and Puranas. After the death of Goddess Sati Devi, Shiva ignored the whole world and as well Goddess Parvati Devi. To get Shiva back, Parvathi observed severe penance. After the severe penance of Parvati for several years, Lord Shiva noticed her love and affection towards him and married her.

As a commemoration of Goddess Parvati’s love towards Shiva, Hartalika Teej is observed. On the day of Hartalika Vrat, women worship Goddess Parvati and to please her they offer some special recpies. This vrata is performed for husband’s health, prosperity and wellness.

During Hartalika Teej, fairs and Melas are arranged in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar.      

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