Mumbai: In Hindu tradition, Lord Hanuman is revered as a powerful and ever-awakened deity who is said to be present on Earth even in the age of Kaliyuga. Known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Ram and immense strength, Hanuman Ji is also believed to remove obstacles and protect his devotees from evil forces. For these reasons, his worship holds special significance in today’s time, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays or during festivals like Hanuman Jayanti and Bada Mangal.

But while millions of devotees, including women, worship Lord Hanuman with full faith, there exists a long-standing belief that women should not touch his idol during puja. This practice has often sparked curiosity and debate—why is such a restriction placed on women, even when they are permitted to perform all other rituals? The answer lies in both mythology and traditional interpretations of celibacy.

The Celibate Warrior and His Symbolic Marriage

According to widely held beliefs, Lord Hanuman was a brahmachari (lifelong celibate), and upheld this vow throughout his existence. However, some scriptures mention that he once married Suvarchala, the daughter of the Sun God, Surya Dev. This marriage was not romantic in nature—it was a symbolic act undertaken so Hanuman Ji could learn four essential types of divine knowledge that could only be received by a married person. Suvarchala, a dedicated ascetic herself, returned to deep meditation shortly after the union, and Hanuman Ji remained true to his celibate life.

This story forms the basis of the belief that Lord Hanuman never engaged in worldly marital life. As a result, tradition holds that Hanuman Ji sees all women as motherly figures, and thus, to honour his vow of celibacy, women are advised not to physically touch his idol during worship. However, this does not mean women are excluded from his devotion.

What Women Can Do During Hanuman Puja

Women are welcome to worship Lord Hanuman and can take part in nearly every aspect of the ritual. They can light oil lamps (diyas), offer prasad, chant Hanuman Chalisa, and observe fasts in his name. The only customary restriction is that they should not touch the idol directly, out of respect for his celibate status. This belief is still widely followed, especially in temples and traditional households.

While some may see this as a limitation, many women devotees regard it as a mark of reverence rather than exclusion. For them, Hanuman Ji remains a powerful protector and divine figure of immense spiritual strength—worthy of devotion in any form.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)