Krishna and Satyabhama on Gardua, slaying Narakasura with Sudarshana (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Humbled by its popularly known name “Choti Diwali” (literally, the “little Diwali”), Naraka Chaturthi (Naraka Chaturdashi, Naraka Chaudas, Roopa Chaturthi, Kali Chaudas) is a Hindu festival falling during the festive week of Deepawali with a lesser-known and intriguing story.
Named after the demon Narakasura, Naraka Chaturthi is celebrated across India in different ways, as a commemoration of Krishna and Satyabhama’s victory over the demon and the freeing of the world from the torments of the Asura. But who is Narakasura?
The Puranas narrate the story of Narakasura, beginning with the abduction of the Earth goddess, Bhudevi by the demon Hiranyaksha. To protect Bhudevi, Sri Vishnu takes the incarnation of Varaha, one of the Dashavatars, and plunges into the depths of the great ocean. The boar-faced god brings Bhudevi to the surface, raising her on his tusks, a divine vision for the gods and humans who rejoice.
During this rescue, a few drops of Varaha’s sweat fall on Earth (some sources tell that it was the piercing of Varaha’s tusk into the earth), as a result of which, Bhudevi bore Varaha’s son, named Bhaumasura (Bhauma- belonging to Bumi, a title of Mangala Graha, who is also the son of the earth goddess). With her maternal instinct, Bhudevi asked Vishnu to bless his son with the potent Vaishnavastra, an undefeated weapon, in front of which all forces of Indra were soon to become powerless.
Born from the all-powerful Vishnu, Narakasura was bound to be invisible. He attacked the city of gods, took away their wealth, and stole the powerful earrings of Devamata (mother of gods) Aditi and the legendary Vajra (thunderbolt) of Indra. Having won all there was in heaven, Narakasura established Prayagajyotishapura, with his capital at Kamarupa (modern Assam). From him, the historic Bhaumkara kings of Assam draw their lineage. Just when it seemed the height of his devilish deeds had arrived, Narakasura abducted 16000 women from the homes of gods, kings, and saintly beings, holding them hostage in his royal city.
The condition of Devas and human beings worsened under the rule of Narakasura, who oppressed them through various means. As a last resort, the gods reached Krishna with joined hands, asking him to annihilate the demon and put an end to their misery. The ever-benevolent Krishna agreed to help the gods.
He reached his beloved wife Satyabhama, who herself is an incarnation of Bhudevi, asking for her assistance in his feat. Hearing about the condition of the residents of heaven and earth, Devi Satyabhama prepared herself for the battle, and the divine duo, seated on the mighty bird Garuda, arrived at the gates of Narakasura’s city.
Devi Satyabhama on Garuda Battling Narakasura (Source: Pinterest)
Empowered by the presence of Satyabhama, his Shakti (female energy), and a master archer, Krishna attacked the armies of Narakasura, destroying the kingdom of the evil king and with his Sudarshana Chakra, severed the body of the Asura in two halves.
From the Antahapura (inner residence) of Narakasura, the 16,000 women were freed by Krishna and Satyabhama, who desired to become a part of Krishna’s household and were given refuge by their savior.
Women Freed from Narakasura by Krishna-Satyabhama (Source: Pinterest)
The son of Narakasura, Bhagadatta, was given the protection of Vishnu, upon the pleadings of Bhudevi. Thus came the end of the atrocious rule of Narakasura.
The day on which Krishna and Satyabhama rid the world of Narakasura by slaying him, is celebrated all over the country as Naraka Chaturthi. In 2024, Narark Chaturthi is celebrated on 31 October 2024. Some rituals such as the burning of oil lamps, worship of household deities, and offerings of Prasad are common in all these celebrations. However, some states have their distinct way of observing Naraka Chaudas-
Naraka Chaturthi in Goa: In the coastal state, local communities craft massive Putala or effigies of the demon-king Narakasura and burn him with an atmosphere of laughter, joy, and festivity. This kind of celebration on Naraka Chaturthi is nowhere to be seen in India, which makes Naraka Chaudas of Goa a special festival.
Kali Puja and Bhoota Chaudas in Bengal: The occasion of Naraka Chaturthi in Bengal is traditionally celebrated with the worship of Maa Kali. Families gather for the simple rituals of applying oil and Ubtan (chickpea powder paste) to remove negativity, evil eye, and illness from the body.
This can be understood in the context of seasonal change when the body goes through transformations and becomes prone to sicknesses which is removed by the cleansing rituals. It is interesting to note that according to Kalika Purana, the sacred text dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, Narakasura was quelled by Mahakali.
In South India, Lakshmi Puja is done along with celebrations in the temples of Vishnu and Krishna.
The story of Naraka Chaturthi is an interesting and powerful tale of how arrogance and evil can not exist, even if they have a divine element (Vishnu) in their core. As the son of Bhudevi and Varaha, Narakasura was limitlessly powerful, but with his misuse of his inherited powers, he made sure that his own mother (Bhudevi who incarnates as Satyabhama), put an end to his misdeeds as they were against Dharma. The dramatic legend is recorded in a few traditional Indian sources such as Narakasura Vijay Vyayogah of Dharmasuri.
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