Teej, The Penance of Goddess Parvati

Teej is one of the prominent festivals on India observed by Hindus. It is celebrated in a grand scale in the almost all major parts of the country. This year Teej will be celebrated on August 24. Teej is an occasion which honors the love and devotion of Goddess Parvati towards Lord Shiva. It is an event to celebrate, commemorate and adorn one’s marriage.

It is celebrated on the third day or tritiya after the Shukla Paksha (new moon or full moon day)in the holy month of Shravan Maas, which is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar. This festival is celebrated on the onset of monsoon in India as is therefore, also known as Haryali Teej, as monsoon brings greenery everywhere. This day is also referred to as Shravani Teej. This holds almost the same significance to women as "Karwa chauth", as they pray for the health and prosperity of their husbands. Let’s look at the legends behind the celebration of the Teej festival,

Legends behind Teej

The word "Teej" literally means "third" and is usually the third day after full moon or new moon night. Therefore, it is celebrated on the advent of monsoons on the third day after the full moon or new moon night.

According to Hindu mythology it is believed that Goddess Parvati was great admirer of Lord Shiva, and had a keen desire to marry him. Goddess Parvati observed fasts and prayed to Lord Shiva for hundred years so that he becomes happy and that he would marry her. She had 108 births to become a form in which Lord Shiva would accept her. Happy from her dedication, Lord Shiva decided to fulfil her wishes and married her on this day.

Hence, it is believed that celebrating and worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day will bless a woman with marital bliss, good health of husband and children, and harmony in married life. This auspicious day is to celebrate Goddess Parvati and her true dedication towards Lord Shiva . know more.....