Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali or Roop Chaudas, is celebrated a day before Diwali. This day marks the second day of the five-day Diwali festival and is especially significant as it commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, liberating the people from hell. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
When is Naraka Chaturdashi?
Naraka Chaturdashi is observed on the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Kartik month. According to the Hindu calendar, this year, the Chaturdashi Tithi begins on October 30 at 11:32 AM and ends on October 31 at 2:53 PM. The rituals for Naraka Chaturdashi are performed during Pradosh Kaal (evening), which is why it will be celebrated on October 30.
On this day, lighting a lamp in the name of Yama (the god of death) holds special significance, and it should be lit during Pradosh Kaal. The auspicious time for lighting the Yama lamp is between 5:30 PM and 7:02 PM.
Where to Light the Yama Lamp
It is believed that on Naraka Chaturdashi, lighting a lamp in the name of Yama allows individuals and their families to pray for liberation from Yama’s torments. Lighting the lamp in the right direction helps alleviate the fear of untimely death for family members. The Yama lamp should be placed at the main entrance of the house, facing the south, as this direction is associated with Yama. The lamp should have four wicks and should be lit using mustard oil.
Mythological Story of Naraka Chaturdashi
According to mythology, Naraka Chaturdashi is associated with the demon Narakasura. Narakasura committed numerous atrocities, troubling the gods and sages, and imprisoned 16,100 princesses. Lord Krishna vowed to free the earth from his tyranny and killed Narakasura. After his death, Krishna liberated the princesses and honored them. This day is symbolically considered a day of liberation from “Asuratva” or “Naraka.”
Rituals for Naraka Chaturdashi
- Waking Up Early: It is considered highly auspicious to wake up early and take a bath on this day, known as Abhyanga Snan, where one massages the body with sesame oil and sandalwood.
- Ubatana: Applying a paste made of sandalwood, turmeric, and gram flour during the bath is believed to purify the body and is symbolic of cleansing bad karma.
- Lighting Lamps: On Naraka Chaturdashi, a lamp is lit outside the house dedicated to Yama, known as the “Yam Deep,” which is said to ward off the fear of untimely death.
- Rangoli and Decoration: Creating Rangoli designs and decorating the house is done to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. This is intended to bring happiness, prosperity, and peace to the family.
- Offering Prasad: After the puja, offerings such as sweets, fruits, and the lamp are made to the deity, followed by the family members partaking in the prasad.
- Evening Puja and Deep Daan: In the evening, all family members light lamps and offer them to Yama. This is also referred to as “Yam Tarpan.” The significance of lighting lamps on this day is that it mitigates the fear of death and protects the family.
Importance of Naraka Chaturdashi
- Victory of Good Over Evil: This day symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as Lord Krishna's defeat of Narakasura represents this victory.
- Purification of Body and Soul: Special baths and ubatana not only purify the body but also cleanse the soul, symbolizing spiritual and physical purity.
- Liberation from Untimely Death: Offering lamps in the name of Yama is believed to protect all family members from untimely death and increase longevity.
- Abundance of Happiness and Prosperity: The rituals and lamp-lighting on Naraka Chaturdashi are believed to invite happiness, peace, and prosperity into the home.
Other Names and Traditions of Naraka Chaturdashi
- Choti Diwali: This day is also referred to as Choti Diwali, occurring a day before the main Diwali celebration.
- Roop Chaudas: This day is regarded as a symbol of beauty, where special ubatana is used to enhance one’s appearance.
Naraka Chaturdashi serves as a reminder that no matter how great the evil may be, truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail.
