Naraka Chaturdashi

Naraka Chaturdashi  is a Hindu festival, which falls on Chaturdashi (14th day) of krishna paksha of the,  Aaswayuja masam which is the second day of the five-day-long festival of deepavali. The Hindu mythology narrates that the asura (demon) Narakasura was killed on this day by Krishna, Satyabhama and Kali

Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna slayed demon Narakasura.

According to Hindu mythology, Narakasur, the son of Mother Earth, becomes an evil asur who ruled several kingdoms brought under his rule by force. Narakasur comes to rule Heaven and Earth. Lord Indra pleads with Lord Vishnu who promises to deal with the matter in his incarnation as Krishna.  In his incarnation as Krishna, he attacks Narakasur while riding his mount Garuda with his wife Satyabhama and beheads him with the Sudarshan Chakra.

In another version, it is said that Narkasur is granted a boon by Lord Brahma that he will only die at the hands of a woman. So in the battle, it is Lord Krishna's wife Satyabhama who beheads him with Krishna as her saarthi.

 The message of observance is that human must abolish laziness and evil of ego which creates hell in life. In other words if you live in humility and devotion you will shine in life.

 

In southern India, people wake up early and take a holy bath. Then they make a paste of kumkum and oil and apply it on their foreheads. . As per the legends of Naraka Chaturdashi, Lord Krishna himself took oil bath after killing demon Narakasura during Brahma Muhurat. Hence the day is considered significant to take ritualistic oil bath before the sunrise.

It is believed that people who do Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi can avoid going to Narak. Til (i.e. sesame) oil should be used for Ubtan ( Ubtan is a mixture of sandalwood powder, haldi (turmeric), besan milk & milk cream)  during Abhyang Snan and dress up in the new clothes. The significance of taking bath before sunrise is just equal to taking bath in the holy water of Ganges.  After doing puja they burn up firecrackers in the significance of defeating the demon. People have their breakfasts and lunches altogether with their family and friends.

                          Here are the muhurat timings for the auspicious occasion:

                        Abhyang Snan Muhurta = 05:22 to 06:46 (1 Hour 24 Mins).
                      Chaturdashi Tithi starts from = 19:06 on 09th Nov, 2015.
                      Chaturdashi Tithi ends at= 21:23 on 10th Nov, 2015.