Hariyali Teej Katha — Parvati's Tapas for Shiva

The Goddess had loved Lord Shiva through lifetimes. As Sati, she had given up her life when her father Daksha insulted Shiva. She was reborn as Parvati, daughter of Himalaya, the mountain king. From childhood, she felt an inexplicable pull toward Shiva — she knew He was her eternal beloved.

But Shiva, grief-stricken by Sati's death, had entered into deep samadhi in the Himalayas. He was absorbed in infinite stillness, indifferent to the world, to time, to love. Even the gods could not rouse Him. The sage Narada advised Parvati that only her pure love and tapas could reach through Shiva's meditation.

Parvati left her palace and retreated into the deep forest. She began a tapas of extraordinary intensity. In summer, she meditated surrounded by five fires — the four directions and the sun above. In winter, she sat in snow and ice. During the rains, she stood in the open, enduring the downpour. She ate only dry leaves, then only water, then nothing at all.

Years passed. Her body grew thin, but her devotion grew stronger. The gods watched in amazement. Even Lord Brahma and Vishnu were moved. They approached Shiva and spoke of Parvati's extraordinary love and sacrifice.

Slowly, inexorably, Shiva's meditation began to yield to Her call. He opened His eyes and, moved by the depth of Her tapas, went Himself to Parvati in the forest. He asked: "Why have you done this?" She replied simply: "Because You are my everything. I have been Yours through every life and I shall be Yours through every death."

Shiva was deeply moved and accepted Parvati as His consort. Their union was the union of Shakti and Shiva — the divine feminine and divine masculine, the eternal dance of the universe. Teej celebrates this sacred love — the love that conquers even divine indifference through sheer devotion and perseverance.