It is celebrated a day before the main Diwali and a day after the Dhanteras, Wednesday 18th of October. It falls at the 14th day in the month of Ashwin (October or November). It is considered to be celebrated to eliminate the idleness and evil from our life.
The most important ritual of the Naraka Chaturdashi is, people wake up early in the morning (before sunrise) or during moonrise, apply ubtan (made up of til oil, herbs, flowers as well as some crucial elements) on their body and take holy bath or Abhyang Snan. It is considered that someone who fails doing such ritual at this special occasion goes to the hell. The day is also popular as Kali Chaudas, Choti Diwali, Roop Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas.
Best muhurta for Abhyang Snan:
Duration for Abhyang Snan is: 1 Hour 28 Min
At some places, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated every year by performing puja of the Goddess Kali who had killed the demon named Narakasura. That’s why the day is known as Narak-Chaturdashi and Kali Chaudas as well. People offer puja in order to eliminate their laziness and wickedness from their life as well as bring real light into their life.
The ingredients required for offering puja very well are oil, flowers, agarbatti, camphor, diya, sweets, coconut, aarti thali etc. People believe that washing head and applying kajal to their eyes will keep them away from all the bad sights. The persons related to the tantra consider that practicing their mantras at this day would increase their tantra power.
It is also considered that the day is getting celebrated as Hindu God Lord Krishna got victory over the demon Narakasura. People wake up early in the morning; apply aromatic oil throughout their body before bathing. Then they wear new clothes after bathing, offer puja and enjoy delicious breakfast with their relatives and friends. They lit oil diyas everywhere and enjoy some fire crackers in the evening with their family.
According to one of the ancient history of the past, there was a king, Ranti Deva. He was very spiritual and clever man. He was always involved himself in the religious works and services of mankind. One day, death of God, Yama, had came to him to get the soul of king. The king asked Yama that I never did bad work and sin all over my life. Why you came to get me to hell, Yama answered that a long ago you had returned a hungry priest from your door. That’s why I am here to get you to the hell.
The king prayed to the Yama to get one year life more. Yama granted him one year life more, and then king met with the saints and told his story to them. They suggested him to keep fast at Narak Chaturdashi and offer food to the priests as well as say sorry to them for your past mistake. In this way you can get relief from your past sin.
Form that day, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated to become free from all the sins as well as keep away self from going to the hell.
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