Naraka Chaturdashi Story, Myths, Legends & Significance

Myths and Legends: The Story Behind Naraka Chaturdashi

With the arrival of the colourful Diwali festival, India's cultural landscape gets lit up by a variety of customs and rituals. One of these is Naraka Chaturdashi, an important festival rich in symbolism and folklore. This festival, which is sometimes called Choti Diwali or the "Second Diwali," is very important in Hinduism. 

What is Naraka Chaturdashi?

In the month of Kartik (October–November), Naraka Chaturdashi falls on the fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha. "Chaturdashi" means the fourteenth day, while "Naraka" means hell. It will cleanse negativity and evil power from life. 

The Stories Behind Narakasura

The most popular story behind Naraka Chaturdashi is about the demon king Narakasura.Narakasura was a strong asura (devil) and the son of Bhudevi (Mother Earth). He was a courageous king at first, but he eventually became conceited and ruthless. He began to disturb the gods, sages, and innocent humans. He even imprisoned and seized thousands of women.
Distressed, the gods turned to Lord Krishna for assistance. Krishna went to fight Narakasura with his wife, Satyabhama. After a bloody battle, Satyabhama ultimately murdered Narakasura.Narakasura asked that his death be celebrated with pleasure and lights rather than with grief before he passed away. As a result, his defeat is commemorated annually as Naraka Chaturdashi, signifying the triumph of light over evil. 

The Legend of Yama and Chhoti Diwali

Yamraj, the God of Death, is part of another tale associated with Naraka Chaturdashi. Those who take a bath before daybreak on this day are said to be cleansed of sins and shielded from premature death. This is the reason why many homes follow the Abhyanga Snan routine, which involves getting up early, applying oil and herbal paste, and then taking a bath. 

The Story of Lord Vishnu and Bali

There is also a mythology linking Naraka Chaturdashi to the narrative of ruler Bali, a kind demon king. Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana (dwarf) form, forced King Bali into the underworld but offered him a blessing that allowed him to see his people once a year. This return is also honoured during Diwali, and Naraka Chaturdashi is considered part of this ritual in some areas. 

Rituals of Naraka Chaturdashi

The festival is celebrated differently across India, but some common traditions include:

Wake up early for an "oil bath" before sunrise.
Lamps are lit everywhere to remove the darkness and bring in good luck and wealth.
Families clean and decorate their homes, make sweets, and set off firecrackers in the evening.
We offer prayers to Lord Krishna, Goddess Kali, or Yamraj. 

Significance of Naraka Chaturdashi

It is the day that celebrates the victory of good over evil.
It is a reminder to get rid of evil or darkness, both from indise our home and inside our hearts.
We light up diyas, which welcomes hopes and proseerity into our lives.
It says that always believe in yourself, no matter what, it will remove darkness or any obstacles.
The “oil bath” is a symbol of purity.  

How the Utsav App Can Help You?

You can use the app to book a puja or a special prayer for things like strength and protection.
You can read stories or learn various things like traditions, cultural values and history of Naraka Chaturdashi in the app’s Gyan Section.
You can also book pujas on special days from the comfort of your own home.  

Conclusion

Narka Chaturdashi is a reminder that goddess always defeats evil. It is a good oppurtunity for us to remove darkness and cleanse ourselves from inner darknes and negativity. This festival celebrates light, hope, and the will to overcome difficulties.