Fasting holds deep spiritual and symbolic significance, especially in festivals like Hartalika Teej. The practice goes beyond mere abstention from food and water. it embodies devotion, self-discipline and spiritual purification. Here are the key aspects of its significance:
1. Spiritual Discipline
Fasting is seen as a way to cultivate self-control and inner strength. By refraining from physical nourishment, individuals focus on nourishing the soul, bringing themselves closer to divine energy. In the context of Hartalika Teej, fasting is a means for women to express their unwavering devotion to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
2. Symbol of Devotion and Loyalty
In Hartalika Teej, the fast is particularly symbolic of Goddess Parvati’s intense penance to win Lord Shiva’s love. Women replicate this act of devotion by fasting, reflecting their loyalty, love, and dedication to their husbands, seeking blessings for their husband’s longevity and the strength of their marital bond.
3. Enhancing Marital Bonds
For married women, fasting on Hartalika Teej is an offering of prayer for their husband’s well-being, health, and long life. It signifies the deep emotional and spiritual connection in marriage, mirroring the unwavering love between Shiva and Parvati.
4. Purification of Mind and Body
Fasting is believed to purify both the mind and body. It symbolizes letting go of materialistic desires and bodily cravings, allowing one to focus on higher spiritual ideals. This act of cleansing aligns the body with nature’s rhythm, particularly significant during monsoon festivals like Hartalika Teej, which marks the cycle of renewal and fertility.
5. Strengthening Faith
The rigorous fast observed in Hartalika Teej, where many women even abstain from water, is a testament to their faith. The strictness of the fast is thought to demonstrate a higher level of spiritual commitment, which brings blessings, prosperity, and divine favor to the fasting women and their families.
Thus, fasting during Hartalika Teej is not just an act of sacrifice but a profound way of embodying the virtues of devotion, purity, and marital fidelity that the festival celebrates.
