Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is celebrated a day before the festival of Diwali. While Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna are worshipped on this occasion, devotees also attach special significance to the worship of Lord Hanuman. According to religious beliefs, offering prayers to Bajrangbali on Choti Diwali night can help devotees overcome fear, difficulties and negative energies.
But have you ever wondered why Lord Hanuman is worshipped a day before Diwali? Several religious beliefs and mythological stories are associated with this tradition.
According to one popular belief, when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Goddess Sita and Lakshman after completing 14 years of exile, the people celebrated his homecoming by lighting lamps. Lord Rama was deeply pleased with Hanuman's selfless service, dedication and unwavering devotion.
It is believed that he blessed Bajrangbali with the honour of being worshipped before the Diwali celebrations. This belief is associated with the tradition of worshipping Lord Hanuman on Choti Diwali.
Another religious belief holds that devotees worship Hanuman ji on the night of Naraka Chaturdashi to protect themselves from negative energies and overcome fear. Popularly known as Sankat Mochan, Lord Hanuman is believed to protect his devotees from troubles and hardships.
On this day, devotees offer prayers to Bajrangbali, seeking relief from difficulties, protection for their families and peace and prosperity in their lives.
Additionally, some regions of India observe Hanuman Janmotsav (the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman) on Choti Diwali. This is another reason why special prayers and rituals dedicated to the deity are performed on Naraka Chaturdashi in these areas.
Thus, Choti Diwali holds special religious significance for Hanuman devotees, who seek the blessings of Bajrangbali for courage, protection and freedom from life's obstacles.
