Naraka Chaturdasi commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, who was known for his cruelty, especially towards women and demi-gods.
Narakasura, the son of Bhoodevi (Earth Goddess) and Lord Vishnu (Varaha Avatar), was defeated by Lord Krishna with the help of his consort Sathyabhama, an incarnation of Bhoodevi.
The 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Aaswayuja (Aaswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi) is celebrated to mark this victory, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Narakasura represents human vices like lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, and jealousy. Lord Krishna's victory signifies the liberation of the soul from these negative passions.
Traditions:
Thaila Abhyangana (Oil Bath):
It is customary to take an oil bath on Naraka Chaturdasi, believed to have spiritual significance.
Everyone, including the sick, widows, and sanyasis, should take this bath, preferably with sesame oil, as Goddess Lakshmi is said to reside in it on this day.
The bath should be taken early in the morning during Brahmi Muhurta (before sunrise) when the stars are still visible.
Yama Tarpana:
On Naraka Chaturdasi, it is prescribed to offer Tarpana (a ritual offering) to Yama Dharma Raja, the God of Death, using water and black sesame seeds.
This ritual should be performed by everyone, regardless of whether their father is alive.
If the father is alive, the offering is made with water and rice, without using sesame seeds.
Yama Dharma Raja's Dual Role:
Yama is both the God of Death and the God of Dharma (righteousness), making this ritual important for spiritual purification.
Lighting oil lamps and giving them as offerings on Naraka Chaturdasi is believed to bring relief to ancestors suffering in Naraka (hell).
