Naraka Chaturdashi, commonly known as Choti Diwali, is a festival celebrating the divine victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.
It is also known as Kali Chaudas or Roop Chaudas in some regions. Diwali is celebrated as the remembrance of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, after 14 years of exile. Choti Diwali falls a day before this grand event.
Let's explore all about Naraka Chaturdashi in this blog. The story behind this event, its significance, and how it is celebrated.
Who Was Narakasura?
Narakasura was a vicious demon King, also known as Bhaumasura. 'Naraka' is associated with Hell or eternal sufferings, while 'Bhauma' is similar to the planet Mangala in Vedic Scriptures.
He was the son of Mother Earth (Bhumi Devi) and Lord Varah, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Despite his origin, he was a cruel ruler of Pragjyotishpur, nowadays known as Assam. He was ignorant, prideful, and unrighteous.
He was granted a boon by his mother that no one except her will be able to kill him. This makes him so powerful that he was unbeatable in battles.
The Story of Narakasura’s Defeat
Narakasura's story centres on how Lord Krishna defeated him and saved the three worlds from his terror.
1) Rising Domination of Narakasura:
Despite his parental roots, he chose to become a frightening demon. He started his attack by overpowering the heavens.
After defeating the demigods, he took over the heavenly places and snatched their treasure. During this attack, he stole the precious earrings of Devamata. It was a divinely powerful ornament.
Also, he captured the divine Vajra of Indra, the heavenly God. Once he won heaven, he turned his focus to Mother Earth. He established his kingdom, named Prayagajyotishapura(Assam).
In his final cruel activity, he captured 16,000 women from different places, including the royal, divine, and households.
2) Demigods seek Lord Krishna's help:
Under the growing dominance of Naraka, both demigods and humans were suffering. His unrighteous powers and disrespectful behaviour towards cosmic orders were disrupting the divine laws.
Seeing this, the demigods approached Lord Krishna and prayed for everyone's protection. Lord Krishna agreed to free them from the cruelty of Narakasura.
Lord Krishna asked his wife, Satyabhama, to assist him in the fight. She is the incarnation of Bhudevi herself. Realising the situation, she agreed to accompany her husband to the battle.
Both Lord Krishna and Devi Satyabhama settled on the mighty bird Garuda and left for Prayagajyotishapura.
3) Lord Krishna and Devi Satyabhama Battle Narakasura:
Narakasura was aware of the arrival of Lord Krishna and Devi Satyabhama. He overconfidently prepared an army to defeat them, not realising that He is the Supreme Lord.
Lord Krishna destroyed the army, and killed Narakasura with His Sudarshana Chakra. At this moment, all the people and demigods got free from the cruelty.
Lord Krishna freed the 16,000 women captured by Narakasura. These women were thankful towards the Lord and wished to marry Him and stay under His protection forever. And so, Lord Krishna accepted them as His wives.
Significance of Naraka Chaturdashi
1) Righteousness victory over Unrighteousness:
Narak Chaturdashi is the celebration day of Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura. It is a reminder that every unrighteous activity has a definite limit, which means it can't be pursued for life.
The lesson is that whenever one crosses all the limits of doing adharma, the Supreme Lord himself destroys it.
And, the involvement of Devi Satyabhama reflects the true power of Shakti standing with dharma.
2) Inner Purification:
Naraka Chaturdashi is a tale of dharma standing fearlessly in front of adharma and defeating it at the end.
The real celebration is knowing the back story and understanding the true purpose of this festival. When you realise that the Lord always hears the prayers and supports righteousness, you can defeat your inner demon.
3) Restoration of Justice:
In the story of Naraka Chaturdashi, Lord Krishna defeated and killed Narakasura. This way, he restored justice towards demigods, nature, 16,000 captured women, and nature.
How Naraka Chaturdashi is Celebrated
Naraka Chaturdashi is traditionally observed with the following rituals that are totally focused towards trust and devotion:
1) Early morning ritual:
On this day, devotees wake up early in the morning, during Brahma Mahurat. They take a ritual bath and show their humble obeisances before Lord Krishna and Devi Satyabhama.
One should follow the exact ritual and show their humility towards the victory of Lord Krishna and Devi Satyabhama.
2) Light Lamps:
It is suggested by senior devotees that one should celebrate this sacred occasion by lighting up lamps. It reflects the presence of divinity and removes negativity.
Also, lighting a lamp is a humble gesture towards the Lord. It is a way to humbly welcome him in your heart.
3) Spiritual Activities:
Engaging in devotional activities on such occasions is considered very auspicious.
Devotees suggest chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra, reading the Bhagavat Gita, and engaging in the Harinam Sankirtan.
Visit our temple, Gupt Vrindavan Dham, take the blessings of Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram, offer your seva in Anna Daan, Gau seva, other temple activities, and engage in evening Harinam Sankirtan.
These are the ways to connect your consciousness with Lord Krishna and purify your mind and heart for devotion.
FAQs
Why is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated a day before Diwali?
Naraka Chaturdashi signifies the victory over darkness or evilness, whereas Diwali symbolises the arrival of light.
Is Naraka Chaturdashi a fasting day?
Fasting is an observance to honour the divinity of the Lord, and purifies our body for devotion. Naraka Chaturdashi is the day celebrated for the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.
Many devotees observe this day to honour Lord Krishna's victory and to please Him. Hence, one can observe the haste to celebrate the victory.
Can Naraka Chaturdashi be celebrated at home?
Yes, Naraka Chaturdashi can be celebrated at home by worshipping Lord Krishna and chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
Meanwhile, visiting temples, engaging in Harinam Sankirtan with devotees, and donating some help is also very auspicious.
Conclusion
Naraka Chaturdashi is more than a historical tale; it is a reminder of divine protection. By learning the story behind this day, one can understand the true power of Dharma.
This isn't just a lesson to understand the adharma outside us, but also about defeating the inner negativity. Celebrate this year's Naraka Chaturdashi by chanting Lord Krishna's holy name and learning his divine teachings in the Bhagavat Gita.
Related Links: Pastimes of Lord Krishna
