Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated to mark the end of Narakasura named daithya. It is celebrated on Ashwija Krishna Chaturdashi.
Who is Narakasura?
Narakasura is a daithya born to Bhoodevi and Varahadevaru. He was the king of Pragjyotisha Nagar (now in Assam). He had occupied that King’s position after overthrowing danava king Ghatakasura.
Why Krishna & Satyabhama killed Narakasura?
Narakasura in association with Murasura, had brought control of the entire world under his belt. He went to Swargaloka and attacked Devendra, who had to flew out of Indraloka. He stole 16100 women (gopikaa stree, who are originally sons of Agni, born as ladies just to marry to Krishna) and had kept them in his Jail. All gods approached Srihari with the leadership of Indra, who assured them to put an end to Narakasura. But Narakasura had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhoodevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Sathyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.
Aditi, the mother of Devategalu approached Satyabhama for help, who in turn approached Srikrishna. Narakasura had 11 Akshohini Sainya, Krishna went alongwith Satyabhama, attacked Narakasura and his fort, riding on his chariot Garuda. Naraka’s palace was guarded by the five-headed daithya Murasura. Murasura hurled countless weapons at Krishna, but Krishna shot each one down with his bow and arrow. Then Krishna killed him with his Sudarshana dislocating Mura’s five heads. That is why Krishna got the name “Murari”.
Then a fierce fight went on with Krishna and Narakasura. Satyabhama also joined in fighting with the daithya.Krishna also killed Narakasura with his Sudarshana Chakra and freed all the 16100 women who were imprisoned by the daithya. Bhoodevi then sang hymns in praise of Krishna and begged him to take Naraka’s son Bhagdatta under his protection. Krishna placed Bhagadatta (Narakasura’s son Bhagadatta had fought for Kauravaas in Kurukshetra War) on the throne and then freed all of Naraka’s prisoners. The devathaas showered Krishna with flowers from the heavens. Before dying, the Asura requested a boon that his death anniversary should be celebrated by all people on earth. This day is celebrated as ‘Naraka Chaturdashi’ – the first day of Diwali.
Why oil bath to be taken on Naraka Chaturdashi day?-
It is said Lord Krishna had an oil bath to rid himself off the blood spattered on his body when Naraka was killed. The tradition is followed and people offer prayers on the previous day of the Naraka Chaturdashi to the vessel in which water is being heated for having bath. Hindus light fireworks, which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day. Taking OIL-BATH is a must on this day. That Mahalakshmi would be getting from the bed. It has been said to perform pooja according to usage and custom.
tailaabhyaMjana snaana saMkalpa -
………… chaturdashyaaM shubhatithou chaMdrOdayakaalE narakaaMtaka shrI gOpaalakRuShNa prEraNayaa shrI gOpaalakRuShNa prItyarthaM saparivaaraaya shrI gOpaalakRuShNaaya sugaMdhi tailaabhyaMga samarpaNa pUjaaM kariShyE
Srikrishna paramathma has given a blessings on Narakasura that those who does the tailabhyanjana on this Day, i.e., Ashwayuja Bahula Chaturdashi will have putra, poutra, aishwarya and everything. This is called as “Narakee Chaturdashi”, further they will not fear of “Naraka”. Abhyanga Snana is a full body massage and ritual bathing on the Narak Chaturdasi day during Diwali. In some regions, Abhyang Snana is performed before sunrise.
Before doing Abhyanga Snaana – first have “Enne shaastra” from sumangali strees. Then do have normal snaana.
Then do the abhyanga snaana to the idols in your house. Then remains of the oil used for devata samarpana to be mixed with the oil and to be applied to the other membes of your house.
There is no Dosha for Vyateepaata, vaidhruthi, maataapitru Samvatsarika Shraddha also. Everybody has to take abhyanjana snaana. Even sanyasi have to take abhyanjana snaana on this day.
Yamatarpana – After snaana, ahneeka, pooja, every one have to give tarpana to Yamadharmarajaru. As Yamadharmaraja has devatva and pitrutva, all should give tarpana. Jeevanpitru must give tarpana without using ellu (tila) facing south direction. Whereas those who are not having father they should give tarpana with apasavya with ellu (tila).
Yamaparpana sankalpa – Achamana, sankalpa, pranavasya……..chaturdashyaam, shubatithou, mama naraka bhaya nivruttidwaara sri yamaantargata shrI bhaaratIramaNa muKyapraaNaaMtargata shrI lakShmI narasiMha/vEMkatEsha prItyarthaM, narakachaturdashi parvakaala prayuktaM yama tarpaNamahaM kariShyE.
yamaM tarpayaami | dharmaraajaM tarpayaami |
mRutyuM tarpayaami | aMtakaM tarpayaami |
vaivasvataM tarpayaami | kaalaM tarpayaami |
sarvabhUtakShayaM tarpayaami | ouduMbaraM tarpayaami |
daddhnaM tarpayaami | vRukOdaraM tarpayaami |
nIlaM tarpayaami | paramEShTinaM tarpayaami |
chitraM tarpayaami | chitraguptaM tarpayaami |
After Yamatarpana, those who are eligible for pitru tarpana shall give pitru tarpana to their 12 pitrus.
यमं तर्पयामि । धर्मराजं तर्पयामि ।
मृत्युं तर्पयामि । अंतकं तर्पयामि ।
वैवस्वतं तर्पयामि । कालं तर्पयामि ।
सर्वभूतक्षयं तर्पयामि । औदुंबरं तर्पयामि ।
दद्ध्नं तर्पयामि । वृकोदरं तर्पयामि ।
नीलं तर्पयामि । परमेष्टिनं तर्पयामि ।
चित्रं तर्पयामि । चित्रगुप्तं तर्पयामि ।
When Surya is in Tularashi, we have to light of panju. Because of this, those who have been burnt in your family, those who have been dead out of lightening and thunder, etc will get Sadgathi. In order to get and to show the path, specially in temples, mutts, gardens, roads, goshala, etc, places are decorated with panju light in olden days.
Courtesy: Narahari Sumadhwa
